Craving the perfect blend of luxury and top-tier golf during your French Riviera getaway? You’re exactly where you need to be!
While France may not be the first country that comes to mind for golf, its sun-soaked weather and breathtaking landscapes make the French Riviera an unmatched destination for the sport. From professional greens to elite practice courses, this gem of Continental Europe offers some of the best golfing experiences you’ll find, especially in and around Nice.
So, let’s dive into the standout golf courses that will elevate your stay on the Riviera to an unforgettable experience:
Best Golf Courses In Nice
With fewer rainy days than most of France, Nice is the perfect setting for an unforgettable round of golf.
Imagine starting at the iconic Golf de Biot, with its exceptional training grounds and sprawling fairways that beckon both newcomers and seasoned players. Or perhaps the elegance of the Golf Country Club de Nice, where the charm of the French Riviera comes alive on the green, is more your style.
The real secret, though? Some of the best golf courses are just outside of Nice, mere minutes away. Here, modern course design harmonizes with the hilly region, offering a dynamic and exhilarating golfing experience that’s hard to match.
To make your planning easy, we’ve compiled a list of local favorites, complete with their standout features.
Here are three that rise above the rest:
1. Golf Country Club de Nice
Address: 698 Bd du Mercantour, 06200 Nice, France
The Golf Country Club de Nice takes pride in being the only golf course actually located in the heart of Nice—a major advantage for visitors who appreciate the convenience of staying close to the action.
Club members enjoy more than just golf; they’re part of a vibrant community filled with events that foster a true ‘club spirit’ through social gatherings and competitions. Whether you're here for the challenge or the camaraderie, this club delivers.
The course itself features a diverse array of holes and challenges, from strategic water hazards to well-placed bunkers, ensuring every round is as engaging as the last. The training grounds, including an impressive driving range, offer the perfect space for novice players to build their confidence before tackling the course.
And when the game is done, the cozy clubhouse invites you to unwind. Whether it’s warming up by the fireplace during the cooler months, grabbing a refreshing drink at the bar, or soaking up the sun on the terrace during summer, it’s the ideal spot to wrap up your day.
Rating: 4.3* (236 reviews)
2. Golf de Biot
Address: 1379, Route d´Antibes, France
Just a short 25-minute drive from Nice airport, Golf de Biot is steeped in history and charm. Designed by the duo James Peter Gannon and Percy Boomer, this is one of the oldest golf courses in the region, dating back to 1930 when it first opened as Golf de la Bastide du Roy. Over the years, it adopted its current name, reflecting the heritage of the glassmaker’s town, Biot.
With its rich history comes an undeniable rustic allure, where the course's age and character make every round feel unique. Surrounded by great natural beauty, two local rivers—the Brague and the Valmasque—add an adventurous twist as they weave through the course, doubling as challenging natural obstacles.
While its green fees may be slightly higher than other courses in the area, most golfers agree that the experience is well worth it. The amenities here include an expansive practice ground perfect for refining your chipping on the greens, an 18-hole course, and a putting green to perfect your short game.
After your round, La Bastide du Roy awaits with its delightful selection of seasonal dishes, an outdoor bar perfect for a post-game drink, and a well-stocked pro shop for any golfing essentials you might need.
Rating: 3.8* (378 reviews)
3. Golf Degli Ulivi Sanremo
Address: Via Campo Golf, 59, Italy
Alright, we know this course is technically across the border in Italy, but with just a short drive from Nice, Golf Degli Ulivi Sanremo simply had to make this list.
Also known as the Golf Club of Olives, this course offers a unique golfing experience that seamlessly blends the beauty of sea and mountain landscapes. Its natural terrain lends itself to some truly exhilarating holes that promise to challenge and captivate golfers of all skill levels.
For those eager to sharpen their skills, the Sanremo Golf Academy serves as an excellent training ground. With friendly, world-class instructors—including Donato Di Ponziano, a celebrated member of the Italian PGA ‘Hall of Fame’—this venue is welcoming to everyone, from beginners to seasoned players.
The facilities at Golf Degli Ulivi are top-notch, complementing its reputation as a friendly venue where the game is celebrated with enthusiasm.
So while it may not be a golf course in Nice, it’s close enough that I couldn’t leave it out. Missing out on a round here would mean missing one of the best golf experiences near the French Riviera.
Rating: 4.4* (296 reviews)
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