Golf in Gascony

France is not always the first destination that springs to mind as you sit down to plan your next golf holiday abroad. We are more familiar with its fine wines as opposed to its golf courses but that shouldn't deter you from seeing what they have to offer when it comes to hitting a few golf balls.

If truth be told, most of us would be surprised at the genuine the quality of courses that exist in this part of Europe, and we golfers like surprises. Too often the term "hidden gem" is abused, yet the courses in Gascony and the Pyrenees in southwest France deserve nothing more than to be regarded as such.

They are quietly buried amid glorious French countryside and have a character and charm all to themselves. Golf in France is very laid back and your round is anything but rushed, perfect for holiday goflers on the prowl for some fun.

Southwest France has always been popular for Brits going on holiday and yet we tend not to head straight for the golf course on arrival. All that, however, is about to change and the country's most popular region, Gascony, will quickly make a name for itself in the process.
It already boasts the oldest club in continental Europe - Pau Billere - which was built by the British Army in 1856, but there's more to it than that.

Countless tour operators have been running holiday golfing getaways to the Pyrenees and Gers region for years. Holidays involve play on many of the local courses in the region, some of which are fast gaining a reputation in Europe. The soil base of varying mixtures of rock, blue clay and sand retains and traps moisture throughout the year, which means they remain playable all year.

Although relatively short at 5,530 yards, the Lannemezan course is deceptively tight and can catch you out when you least expect it. You will be required to keep it straight as the tree-lined fairways will not hold onto your ball for too long. The Bagneres de Bigorre course is another layout that sits at the foot of the mountains. Its superb design and quick greens have helped form the course's growing reputation.

Built on the side of a mountain and sitting adjacent to Lourdes Lake, Lourdes Golf Club is probably one of the toughest courses you will come across. Almost entirely tree-lined it tests your physical stamina as well as your ability. Immensely enjoyable and open to superb mountain views, Lourdes is not to be missed.

A trip to this part of France would not be complete without playing a round over the historical and much talked about Pau-Billere course, set on the banks of the River Gave in the quaint little town of Pau. At 5,314 yards it is not overly long but is great fun all the same.

If you fancy just a bit of holiday fun or even a quick nine holes before you catch your plane home, look no further than the nine-hole delights of Chateau Pallane. Overlooking the magnificently grand Chateau, Pallane's rolling fairways and all-round good condition are stunning to say the least.

One of the major attractions of this region is that its golf courses are extremely quiet throughout the year. The thought of playing a round in such a relaxing environment, under a cloudless sky and temperatures that are perfect for golf should be enough for anyone to pack their clubs and set off.