Pau Pyrenees Golf
Golf Holidays Pau Pyrenees
Pau, Pyrenees, combines a depth of culture and charm with modern infrastructure to offer an outstanding quality of life. Boasting an affluent British heritage, this charming town is marked by a rich history. After the battle of Orthez (February 1814), during the Napoleonic wars, Wellington's army was encamped on the plain of Billere. It was here that several officers, who travelled with their clubs, hit golf balls for the first time on French soil.
Attracted by the mild winter climate of Pau, an English colony was established and practised its favourite sport, Golf. Major Pontifex, Colonels Anstruther and Hutchinson archdeacon Sapte plus Lord Hamilton officially founded the Pau Golf Club in 1856, thereby becoming the oldest club in continental Europe. Monuments such as Henry IV's castle and the Bernadotte museum stand to serve as reminders of the rich culture and history of this location.
Situated between mountains and beaches Pau offers breathtaking views of its spectacular surroundings. Boasting an international airport, high-tech equipment throughout, high speed broadband and first class infrastructures, Pau is described as the gateway to the Pyrenees and Southern Europe.
A healthy all year round climate provides the opportunity to enjoy a mass of facilities and activities or simply relax in one of Pau's luxury hotels, offering specialised comfort and spas. The safe and secure environment is pedestrian friendly with all major points of interest within walking distance. Whether you want to explore the city, the beach or the open countryside and Pyrenees mountain range, public transport is available, as are bicycles to rent.
Enjoy the charming location and take in the fascinating history of Pau by visiting one of it's many sumptuous locations. Enjoy spectacular views along the way if you choose to visit castles, palaces, parks, gardens and museums.
When you're finished, why not enjoy the gourmet cuisine and sample the vineyards of the surroundings.
Where to play?
Pau Golf Club
Pau Golf Club was officially founded in 1856, becoming the oldest golf club in continental Europe. The Old Course is an 18 hole, par 69 which plays 5312 meters. The clubhouse was built in 1880 around a Bearnaise farm and maintains its old charm, combining modern and functional aspects while maintaining its enviable character as the oldest golf club in europe. Its typically british atmosphere emanates from the committee room, the bar and restaurant making it privileged, convivial and cordial.
Lourdes
Lourdes Pyrénées Golf Club lies in a majestic location on the South side of the Lourdes Lake overlooking the clear water of the glacial lake and the imposing presence of the Pyrenees. Just a 45 minutes drive from Pau, the 18-hole, par 72 golf course is 5600 meters long.
Artiguelouve
At the foot of the Pyrenees, the spectacular Artiguelouve golf course offers unrestricted views of the mountain range. The beautiful natural setting, marked out by water and palm trees, measures 5639 meters, playing as a par 70 that provides a challenge for any golfer, beginner of experienced. Spectacular scenery guaranteed.
Where to stay?
Beaumont:
The Parc Beaumont Hotel offers a bold, spacious and contemporary design and cosy atmosphere, located in the city centre, adjacent to the Parc Beaumont gardens. It's spacious terrace overlooks the park and its location makes it ideal for access to the cities points of interests and provides amazing views of the surrounding Pyrenees. Luxuriate in the swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi or beauty centre before heading out to one of the local gourmet restaurants.
Chateau Estefani
Chateau Estefani, located just ten minutes from the city of Pau, offers the best of both worlds, with easy access to the city and activities, or tranquility in its secluded ten acre grounds complete with its own woods. Each room is complete with air conditioning and an en suite bathroom, while guests can also enjoy access to the heated swimming pool. Other features include two lounges with original features, a professional kitchen and BBQ and the amazing outside space.
Best Western
Conveniently situated in the centre of Pau, just a ten minute drive from the Pau Golf Club, the elegant Best Western Continental is a good quality, stylish 3-star hotel. Each room includes an individually decorated en-suite (some with marble bathrooms and bathtubs), an LCD TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi in all areas. The hotel has a range of sculptures, antique furniture and other art in it's communal area. Breakfast is a choice of either continental or full English, with lunch and dinner served in the restaurant.
How to get there?
Road
Half way between Bayonne/Biarritz and Toulouse on the motorway A64.
The motorway A65 connects you in less than 2h to Bordeaux.
Air
Airports: Pau Pyrenees, Tarbes-Ossun and Biarritz in 1hr drive, Toulouse and Bordeaux, 2hr drive
CityJet: 3 weekly flights to and from London City airport all year round
Ryan Air to Lourdes
Rail
High speed train connections to Paris.
Other world class sporting events in Pau !
Sport forms a key part of life in Pau. Among its unsurpassed leisure facilities are some spectacular golf courses, including the first recognised golf club of the European continent: Pau Golf Club, officially founded in 1856.
Pau is one of only two French cities, Monaco being the second, to have an in-town race circuit. Each year (in May) both Vintage Car Racing and Modern Grand Prix can be seen over a ten day period which provides one of the most unique sporting spectacles in the world!
Pau is home to International Horse trials, hosted each year in October as the Domaine de Sers welcomes over 40,000 visitors. There is also a winter race-meeting held every year between December and February, providing another unmissable sporting spectacle.
In July, catch one of the most famous events in the world as the Tour de France comes through the famous mountain passes in the Pyrenees.
Pau boasts a large range of other activities, including: skiing, all mountain sports, water sports, rafting and surfing as well as well being and hydrotherapy.