Nestled along France’s breathtaking Basque coast, Biarritz epitomizes elegance, luxury, and exceptional golf. With its stunning landscapes, storied history, and world-class courses, this charming town beckons golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and scenic splendour. The finest golf courses in and around Biarritz, according to All Square rankings, offer a curated guide to the region’s premier destinations for an unforgettable golfing adventure.
Hotel du Palais: A Pinnacle of Luxury
No visit to Biarritz would be complete without a stay at the iconic Hotel du Palais. Originally built in 1855 as the summer residence of Empress Eugénie, the hotel exudes timeless grandeur. Overlooking the Bay of Biscay, the hotel offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Hotel du Palais provides golfers the ideal base to explore Biarritz’s courses, with bespoke concierge services that arrange tee times and transportation. After a day on the greens, guests can unwind at the hotel’s lavish spa, enjoy gourmet dining, or simply soak in the views from the ocean-facing terraces.
Coastal Icons: Le Phare and Chiberta
Biarritz has etched its name in golfing history since the late 19th century when British aristocrats flocked to its shores. This legacy shines through Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, established in 1888 by Willie Dunn, marking the town as one of Europe’s earliest golf destinations. Spanning 5,402 meters, its undulating fairways and small, well-guarded greens demand precision and patience, all framed by the Atlantic Ocean and Belle Époque architecture.
Just north in Anglet, Chiberta Golf Club, crafted by Tom Simpson in 1927, enhances this coastal charm. Its front nine boasts links-style holes kissed by sea breezes, while the back nine meanders through pine forests, blending beauty with a stern test of skill. Both courses rank highly with All Square, celebrated for their strategic depth and scenic allure.
Northern Stars: Seignosse, Hossegor, and Moliets
Beyond Biarritz, the northern Landes region dazzles with exceptional courses. Golf de Seignosse, designed by Robert von Hagge in 1989, stands out as a regional masterpiece. Tucked amid pine forests and dunes, its dramatic elevation changes and water hazards challenge every shot, with breathtaking views earning it top marks from All Square. Nearby, Golf Club d’Hossegor, shaped by John Morrison in 1930, weaves through cork oaks and pines, its fast greens and serene setting offering a classic yet demanding experience.
Completing this northern trio, Golf de Moliets, envisioned by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1986, merges seaside links with forested fairways. The ocean breeze adds complexity to its strategic design, making it a standout in the All Square rankings.
Basque Retreats: Arcangues, Makila, and Chantaco
Inland from Biarritz, the Basque countryside cradles a trio of tranquil gems. Le Golf Club d’Arcangues, a 1991 Ronald Fream creation, unfolds across rolling hills with wide fairways framed by ancient oaks and elevated tees revealing Pyrenees vistas. Its signature downhill par-3 16th, surrounded by bunkers, pairs scenic splendour with technical play, complemented by a restored farmhouse clubhouse serving regional delights.
Near Bayonne, Makila Golf Club, a 1992 Rocky Roquemore design, offers serenity through oak forests and rolling hills. Its forgiving wide fairways and large greens welcome all skill levels, though the undulating terrain keeps every round engaging. Further south in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Golf de Chantaco, another Tom Simpson gem from 1928, nestles in a lush valley near the Pyrenees. Tree-lined fairways and subtle slopes deliver a classic challenge wrapped in charm, rounding out this inland collection praised by All Square.
The Allure of Basque Culture
Beyond the fairways, Biarritz enchants with its Basque heritage. Vibrant markets brim with life, traditional festivals pulse with energy, and local specialities like pintxos and fresh seafood tantalize the palate. A morning on the course flows into a leisurely stroll along the Grande Plage or a visit to the Rocher de la Vierge, where the town’s natural beauty shines. Nearby villages like Espelette and Saint-Jean-de-Luz deepen the cultural connection with authentic Basque experiences.
A Coastal Golfing Sanctuary
Biarritz fuses refined luxury with the enduring thrill of golf. The historic elegance of Le Phare, the modern brilliance of Seignosse, and the lavish comforts of Hotel du Palais create a harmonious escape. Amid sweeping fairways, ocean vistas, and warm hospitality, Biarritz stands as a sanctuary where golf and the good life converge, captivating players from near and far.
