The South of France is renowned for its glamorous coastline, historic towns, and world-class cuisine, but it is also home to some of Europe’s most stunning and underrated golf courses. While many golfers flock to the big-name courses, there are hidden gems that provide an exceptional golfing experience without the crowds or sky-high green fees. If you’re looking for a challenging yet picturesque round of golf, here are the best hidden gem golf courses in the South of France that you should consider playing.
1️⃣ Golf du Luberon – A Scenic Escape in Provence
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Nestled in the heart of Provence, Golf du Luberon offers a breathtaking setting surrounded by rolling hills, lavender fields, and olive groves. This 18-hole course provides a challenging yet relaxing experience, with narrow fairways and undulating greens that demand accuracy and skill.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Michel Gayon
✅ Course Length: 5,670 meters (6,204 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 135
✅ Signature Hole: The par-4 7th hole, offering an elevated tee shot with a panoramic view of the Luberon Valley.
Best For: Golfers who appreciate scenic beauty, tranquility, and technical play.
Nearby Attractions: After a round of golf, take some time to explore the stunning Luberon Regional Natural Park, famous for its picturesque hilltop villages such as Gordes, Roussillon, and Ménerbes. Enjoy a wine-tasting experience at one of the many Provençal vineyards, or visit the Abbaye de Sénanque, a historic monastery surrounded by breathtaking lavender fields.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Nestled in the heart of Provence, Golf du Luberon offers a breathtaking setting surrounded by rolling hills, lavender fields, and olive groves. This 18-hole course provides a challenging yet relaxing experience, with narrow fairways and undulating greens that demand accuracy and skill.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Michel Gayon
✅ Course Length: 5,670 meters (6,204 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 135
✅ Signature Hole: The par-4 7th hole, offering an elevated tee shot with a panoramic view of the Luberon Valley.
Best For: Golfers who appreciate scenic beauty, tranquility, and technical play.
2️⃣ Golf de Barbaroux – A Championship Challenge in the Var
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, Golf de Barbaroux is a true test of skill. This course, located in the heart of the Var region, features wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and large, undulating greens that make it one of the most exciting rounds of golf in France.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Pete Dye & P.B. Dye
✅ Course Length: 6,068 meters (6,640 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 145
✅ Signature Hole: The par-5 13th hole, featuring a challenging water hazard and an uphill approach.
Best For: Golfers looking for a true championship-level challenge in a stunning forest setting.
Nearby Attractions: While in the Var, explore the stunning Verdon Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Europe.” For wine lovers, the Château de Berne winery offers exceptional tastings and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The medieval town of Draguignan is also worth a visit, offering authentic Provençal markets and historical landmarks.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, Golf de Barbaroux is a true test of skill. This course, located in the heart of the Var region, features wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and large, undulating greens that make it one of the most exciting rounds of golf in France.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Pete Dye & P.B. Dye
✅ Course Length: 6,068 meters (6,640 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 145
✅ Signature Hole: The par-5 13th hole, featuring a challenging water hazard and an uphill approach.
Best For: Golfers looking for a true championship-level challenge in a stunning forest setting.
3️⃣ Golf de Servanes – A Provençal Paradise
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Tucked away at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, Golf de Servanes is an enchanting course offering wide fairways, natural rock formations, and stunning olive groves. The Mediterranean ambiance, combined with the challenging yet fair layout, makes this course a must-play for any golfer visiting Provence.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Thierry Sprecher & Gery Watine
✅ Course Length: 6,121 meters (6,696 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 138
✅ Signature Hole: The par-3 11th hole, featuring a downhill tee shot over water with the mountains as a backdrop.
Best For: Golfers who love aesthetic beauty, natural landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions: Just a short drive from the course, visit the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, known for its Roman ruins and as the place where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works. The stunning Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval fortress village perched on a rocky outcrop, offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into history.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Tucked away at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, Golf de Servanes is an enchanting course offering wide fairways, natural rock formations, and stunning olive groves. The Mediterranean ambiance, combined with the challenging yet fair layout, makes this course a must-play for any golfer visiting Provence.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Thierry Sprecher & Gery Watine
✅ Course Length: 6,121 meters (6,696 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 138
✅ Signature Hole: The par-3 11th hole, featuring a downhill tee shot over water with the mountains as a backdrop.
Best For: Golfers who love aesthetic beauty, natural landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
4️⃣ Golf de Saint-Endréol – A Riverside Retreat
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Located between Nice and Aix-en-Provence, Golf de Saint-Endréol is a serene, riverside course that blends nature with golfing excellence. Its strategic bunkers, water hazards, and rolling terrain make it a fantastic challenge for players of all levels.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Michel Gayon
✅ Course Length: 6,190 meters (6,774 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 142
✅ Signature Hole: The par-3 13th hole, where you play over a river to a green surrounded by rock formations.
Best For: Golfers who enjoy a peaceful, well-maintained course with natural water hazards.
Nearby Attractions: After your round, take a trip to the Verdon Natural Regional Park for breathtaking hikes or kayaking through the Verdon Gorge. If you prefer something more relaxing, the charming village of Fayence offers traditional markets, fantastic restaurants, and stunning hillside views.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Located between Nice and Aix-en-Provence, Golf de Saint-Endréol is a serene, riverside course that blends nature with golfing excellence. Its strategic bunkers, water hazards, and rolling terrain make it a fantastic challenge for players of all levels.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Michel Gayon
✅ Course Length: 6,190 meters (6,774 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 142
✅ Signature Hole: The par-3 13th hole, where you play over a river to a green surrounded by rock formations.
Best For: Golfers who enjoy a peaceful, well-maintained course with natural water hazards.
5️⃣ Golf de Taulane – A Hidden Alpine Treasure
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence at 1,000 meters above sea level, Golf de Taulane offers cooler temperatures and a stunning mountain backdrop. Designed by golf legend Gary Player, this course is perfectly manicured and surrounded by dense forests and lakes.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Gary Player
✅ Course Length: 6,300 meters (6,890 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 147
✅ Signature Hole: The par-5 18th hole, featuring a long fairway with a strategic lake guarding the green.
Best For: Golfers who want a high-altitude, scenic round away from the coastal crowds.
Nearby Attractions: Being in the Verdon region, visitors can explore the stunning Lac de Castillon, a turquoise lake ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Nearby, the village of Castellane offers picturesque streets, historic churches, and fantastic mountain hiking opportunities.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence at 1,000 meters above sea level, Golf de Taulane offers cooler temperatures and a stunning mountain backdrop. Designed by golf legend Gary Player, this course is perfectly manicured and surrounded by dense forests and lakes.
Course Details: ✅ Designer: Gary Player
✅ Course Length: 6,300 meters (6,890 yards)
✅ Slope Rating: 147
✅ Signature Hole: The par-5 18th hole, featuring a long fairway with a strategic lake guarding the green.
Best For: Golfers who want a high-altitude, scenic round away from the coastal crowds.
Final Thoughts: Which Course Should You Play?
If you’re planning a golf trip to the South of France and want to explore hidden gems, here’s how to choose the best course for your style:
- For breathtaking Provençal scenery: → Golf du Luberon
- For a championship challenge: → Golf de Barbaroux
- For a Mediterranean-style round among olive groves: → Golf de Servanes
- For a peaceful riverside experience: → Golf de Saint-Endréol
- For an alpine adventure with mountain views: → Golf de Taulane
These courses offer an exceptional golfing experience without the high costs and crowds of more famous Riviera courses. Whether you prefer coastal landscapes, rolling vineyards, or mountain retreats, the South of France has a hidden golf gem waiting for you.