Biarritz Destination

16 GOLF COURSES

Press Pack

Press contact : Maylis Cabanieu Tourisme Square d’ 64 200 BIARRITZ Tel : +33 (0)5.59.22.37.17 +33 (0)6.26.34.39.12 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com [email protected]

June 2016

The « Biarritz Golf Destination » contract

From Biarritz to Moliets, Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Pau, in the south of the South-West, all of our 16 golf courses are less than an hour’s away. Impressive, right?

Following the signature of the “Biarritz Golf Destination” contract, the commercial department has been assigned with the responsibility of promoting regional golf offers. In partnership with Atout , Biarritz Tourism federated the Departmental Committees of the Atlantique , the Landes, the Basque coast tourist offices, Pau Tourist Office, the Regional Tourism Committee of Aquitaine, schools and Golf courses in the region, Air France Flying Blue Golf program, as well as hosts.

Since 2014, the aim is to commercialize and promote the 16 golf courses of Landes and Atlantic Pyrenees among the general public and golf professionals through: media, magazines, specialized tour operators, and so on...

Besides the golf courses, the promotion manager is in charge of promoting the destination itself, hotels, excursions, and every activity likely to attract an international golfing clientele.

For more information: www.biarritz-destination-golf.com

p. 2 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 Summary

The « Biarritz Golf Destination » contract ...... 2

From Biarritz to Pau, the cradle of French golf ...... 4

"Biarritz Golf Destination" courses, listed as favourites among the French ...... 4

Our champions ...... 5

Golf courses ...... 7

Golf Pass ...... 15

The International Golf Training Center ...... 17

The national charter “Golf and Environment” ...... 18

Major events ...... 19

The destination ...... 21

Happiness on a fairway in Aquitaine ...... 22

The golf industry in France ...... 23

How to get here ...... 24

Accommodation ...... 26

p. 3 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 From Biarritz to Pau, the cradle of French golf

A well-established golf travel destination in Europe

In the golfing world, Biarritz holds a special place. Biarritz has a long history with golfing – the Golf du Phare was created in 1888 – and with a high concentration of golf-courses in the vicinity – more than 10 golf- courses in a radius of 20 km; Biarritz has always been a golf destination highly prized by enthusiasts of this sport. Moreover, the Pau is the first course to have been designed in continental Europe in 1856.

The town’s development strategy concerning golf led to the twinning with the American town of Augusta, Georgia (the world’s golf capital) in 1991.

Depending on your wishes, your shape or your level, you can choose any golf with sea or mountain view, in the heart of the city or down to the pine trees, gently hilly or firmly athletic, historical or rural; come and enjoy quality, fresh vibes and diversity.

"Biarritz Golf Destination" courses, listed as favourites among the French

Recognised as an outstanding international golf destination, the Biarritz regions of Basque Country and the Landes, nestled between the ocean and mountains, attract golfers from around the world.

With more than 16 golf courses within an hour's drive, Biarritz is now reaping the benefits of its pioneering efforts and has become one of the most popular European destinations for golfers, featuring world- class designs, a selection of golf courses found nowhere else in France and a remarkable setting.

Basque and Landes golf courses are strongly represented among the French favourites:

 Ilbarritz International Golf Training Centre: #1 favourite nine-hole course  SEIGNOSSE: #3 favourite and #6 for its layout and green  Biarritz le Phare: #3 in golf course maintenance and #4 best green  : one of the ten most beautiful clubhouses in France and ranked #2 for its restaurant  Moliets: #8 favourite golf course and #8 best layout  Chantaco: #8 best clubhouse  PINSOLLE-SOUSTONS: #5 favourite nine-hole course1

In addition, the golf courses of Chiberta, Seignosse, Hossegor, Moliets, Biarritz le Phare, Arcangues and Chantaco are ranked in the top 10 South-West golf courses by the 2016 edition of Fairways magazine.

1 Source: October 2015 "Favourite Golf Courses of the French" (survey conducted in June 2015 among 2,000 readers) p. 4 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 Our champions

Professional golfers practicing on our greens

 Grégory Bourdy: French who competes on the European Tour. He turned professional in 2003.  Jose Maria Olazabal: Spanish professional golfer who has enjoyed success on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour, and has won two major championships.  Gregory Havret: He won the French Amateur Championship three years in a row from 1997 to 1999, and in 1999 he won the European Amateur. He also won a minor professional tournament as an amateur, the 1998 Omnium National.  Nicolas Colsaerts: Belgian professional golfer currently playing on the European Tour and previously on the PGA Tour.  Caroline Afonso: She won the first edition of the Generali Ladies Tour in 2010, she recorded a third- place in the national podium during the Terre Blanche Ladies Open in 2012.  Benjamin Hébert: He won a number of individual tournaments, the most notable being the European Amateur in 2007, which gained him entry to the following year's Open Championship. Hebert turned professional in 2009 and enjoyed immediate success on the Challenge Tour, recording a third-place finish in the Piemonte Open.

Professional golfers from the Landes and the Basque Country

 Arnaud Massy: He was born in Biarritz and was one of France's most successful professional golfers, most notable for winning the 1907 Open Championship.  Olivier Léglise: He played on the French and European circuits from 1979 to 1990. Since 2006 he’s coaching professional players on behalf of the French Golf Federation. He has the privilege of working with three of the best golfers in France: Victor Dubuisson and Romain Wattel Gregory Bourdy.  Michael Lorenzo-Vera: is a French professional golfer born in , Pyrénées-Atlantiques in South- West France. After turning professional in 2005, Lorenzo-Vera played on the Alps Tour, one of Europe's third tier development tours.  Thomas Elissalde: He lives in Biarritz and have always been training on the golf of Biarritz Le Phare. In 2013, he participated in the US Amateur, one of the biggest international tournament.

p. 5 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016  Anne Lise Caudal: She was born in St. Jean de Luz, and took part in the Ladies European Tour. In 2012, she won a victory at the German Open, she recorded 5th at the Chantaco and 12th in the European Order of Merit.  Valentine Derrey: In 2014, with her victory at the Open of Turkey, she recorded 6th in the European Order of Merit. She is now 27th in the ranking of the Ladies European Tour.

p. 6 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016

Golf courses

Fairways set in the foothills of the Pyrenee, 10 1856 (BÉARN PYRENEES) mn away from Pau.

The club house of the Pau GOLF CLUB is among one of the best buildings in the province, and at the same time retains the enviable distinction of being Europe’s oldest golf club in mainland Europe. (Architect: William Dunn Senior).

18 holes 69 5312 yd

Director: Jean Loup Lacombe Rue du Golf - 64 140 BILLERE Tel: +33 5 59 13 18 56 [email protected] www.paugolfclub.com No closing day

BIARRITZ LE PHARE (BASQUE COAST)

The greens are fast, the rough very cautious. The location of this course, in the town-centre - originality due to its old age (1888) - offers the great privilege to be near all necessary services. Its difficulty lies in its technicality and it is not that easy to « score ». 70 bunkers are there to remind us, if necessary is, that golf is, above all, a reflection and shrewdness affair. (Architect W. DUNN)

18 holes Par 69 5402 yd

Director: Claude Rousseau

2 avenue Edith Cavell - 64 200 BIARRITZ Closing day : Tuesday Tel: +33 5 59 03 71 80 [email protected] www.golfbiarritz.com

p. 7 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 Surrounded by pine forest and the sea, the course is MOLIETS (LANDES) on sandy soil and can be played all year round. Opened in 1989, the course is straight forward and varied. No one hole is similar to another and the course can be played by all levels of golfers due to the wide fairways. However, the well defended greens make scoring somewhat difficult. (Architect: Sr Robert Trent Jones)

18 holes - Par 72 - 6319 yd + 9 holes – Par 31 – 1855 yd (AIRIAL)

Director: Dominique Breton Club House - 40 660 MOLIETS Tel: +33 5 58 48 54 65 [email protected] Closing day: Wednesday in Low season www.golfmoliets.com

SEIGNOSSE (LANDES) Large ponds, sandy soils, fairways on hills and Recognized by the world's greatest players, slopes. Seignosse Golf Club has been brilliantly designed. This is a course with character and winding fairways, but which remains accessible to all golfers. (Architect: Robert Van Hagge)

18 holes Par 72 6129 yd

Director: Christophe Rondelé Avenue du Belvédère - 40 510 SEIGNOSSE Tel : +33 5 58 41 68 30 [email protected] www.seignosse.bluegreen.com

No closing day

p. 8 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 GOLF DE LA NIVELLE (BASQUE COAST)

Opened in 1907, la Nivelle Golf Course was View of the port of Saint Jean de Luz, sloping greens and hilly course. Requires a lot of precision. built on an old quarry. Located in the town of , the environment offers the beauty of the sea, the view of the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the fullness of the mountain. (Architect: John Henry Taylor)

18 holes Par 70 5590 yd

Director: Marie Louise Auger 7 rue Arnaud Massy, place William Sharp 64 500 CIBOURE Tel : +33 5 59 47 18 99 [email protected] www.golfnivelle.com

Closing day: Thursday in low season

GOLF DE PINSOLLE (LANDES) Training area among pine trees and

ocean.

Just two steps from the ocean, the golf of Pinsolle is located around a natural pond and offers a privileged site in the heart of the resort of Port d’Albret. (Architect : Pierre Thévenin).

9 holes Par 36 2528 yd

Director : Karine Laudouar 5 Avenue de la Petre - 40140 SOUSTONS Tel : +33 5 58 48 03 92 [email protected] www.golfdepinsolle.com

No closing day

p. 9 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 GOLF PAU (BÉARN PYRÉNÉES)

View of the Pyrenees , facing the Pic du Midi, training area , practice with putting, green and The Golf Pau Idron, invites you to discover chipping green. golf, in a green overlooking a view of the Pyrenees. This course has large greens and is perfect for learning and training and can be played in an hour. (Architect : R. Trent Jones)

6 holes Par 19 791 yd

Director : Noel GABARD Lieudit le Camp, 1A rue du parc 64320 IDRON Tel : +33 5 59 27 70 94 [email protected] No closing day www.golf-compact.fr

GOLF BLUE GREEN PAU (BÉARN PYRÉNÉES) 5,639 meters of low-lying grounds bring you several doglegs, water features and large The course is divided into two parts. The first greens. six holes, which are narrow and very tactical in a wooded area called "La Saligue", will require huge accuracy. The next twelve holes are located on open ground known as "La Plaine", where you can let off steam on the long shots. (Architect : Jean Garaïalde),

18 holes - Par 70 - 5639 yd + 6 holes – par 18 – 422 yd

Director : Christophe Rondelé Domaine Saint-Michel - 64230 ARTIGUELOUVE Tel : +33 5 59 83 09 29 [email protected] www.pau-artiguelouve.bluegreen.com

No closing day

p. 10 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 MAKILA GOLF CLUB DE BAYONNE - (BASQUE COAST) Surrounded by oaks, large fairways and vast spaces. This American style course offers an amazing view of the Pyrenees. The Golf Club of Bayonne - Bassussarry offers boutique courses, nestled in an oak forest in the heart of the Basque Country. (Architect: Rocky Roquemore)

18 holes Par 72 6134 yd

Director: Jean Paul Hontas Route de Cambo-Bassussary 64 200 BASSUSSARRY Tel: +33 5 59 58 42 42 [email protected] No closing day www.makilagolfclub.com

ARCANGUES (BASQUE COAST)

The Golf d'Arcangues was created in the 1990's Spreading over 198 acres of oak trees and by Guy and Jean d'Arcangues on the family meadows around the village and the Chateau property that surrounds the Chateau and the village of Arcangues. Just ten minutes from Biarritz, the Golf d'Arcangues offers a nice balance of woodland holes and holes through open country with beautiful views of the Basque countryside and the Pyrenees. (Architect : Ronald Fream)

18 holes Par 72 5285 yd

Director : Arnaud d’Arcangues Chemin Jaureguiborda - 64200 ARCANGUES Tel : +33 5 59 43 10 56 [email protected] www.golfdarcangues.com Closing day: Monday from November to March

p. 11 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 ILBARRITZ (BASQUE COAST) 9 holes golf course on the ocean, and facing the Spanish coast The International Training Center and Golf Course of Ilbarritz was officially inaugurated in 1988, year of the Biarritz le Phare’s Golf Course centenary. All year long, the Ilbarritz Golf Schools propose individual lessons as well as initiation or complete programs over 2 days a week. (Architect : Pierre THEVENIN)

9 holes Par 32 2176 yd

Director: Claude Rousseau Avenue du château - 64 210 Tel : +33 5 59 43 81 30 [email protected] Closing day : Monday www.golfilbarritz.com

ANGLET CHIBERTA (BASQUE COAST) One can find holes close to the ocean coast in true English style, while other holes are surrounded by pine With wind and sand, Chiberta is a course that trees you can play all year round. A magnificent walk on the coast protects the from the beach and prevents fairways close to the shore from becoming covered by the sand after storms. (Architect: Tom Simpson)

18 holes - Par 70 - 5647 yd + 9 holes - Par 29 - 1474 yd

Director : Estelle Nocera Raguno Sirot 102 Bd des Plages - 64 600 Tel : +33 5 59 52 51 10 [email protected]

www.golfchiberta.com Closing day : Thursday

p. 12 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 ST JEAN DE LUZ CHANTACO (BASQUE COAST)

Many celebrities soon came to Chantaco : the The course is a great test for all golfers, requiring Prince of Wales, Charlie Chaplin, the Prince of accuracy and strategy, where players can enjoy Bourbon, Jeacques Thibaud, etc… the wonderful parkland environment in the foothills of the Pyrennees. Chantaco remains a very unique club thanks to the family and sport spirit that has been preserved since its origins. (Architect: Harry Colt)

18 holes Par 70 5833 yd

Director : Stéphane Kerjean Route d’ - 64 500 SAINT JEAN DE LUZ Tel : +33 5 59 26 14 22 [email protected] www.chantaco.com

Closing day: Tuesday from November 2nd to March 31st

GOLF DE MONT DE MARSAN (LANDES) Practice with targets, putting green, practising bunker At the gateway of Mont de Marsan, it is located in a unique site in the charming town of de SAINT AVIT. The « Pessourdat » course unfolds harmoniously its 18 holes in the heart of a preserved forest. You can discover the variety of these landscapes and their playing situations over 5900 metres of pure golf heaven (Architect : Jean Garaïalde).

18 holes Par 71 5907 yd

Director : Tony Beaudet No closing day Route de Pessourdat - 40090 SAINT-AVIT Tel : +33 5 58 75 63 05 [email protected] www.golfmontdemarsan.com

p. 13 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016

GOLF D’HOSSEGOR (LANDES)

This course is protected from the maritime winds. Designed by Arnaud Massy and John Morrison in 1927, the Golf d' Hossegor was created in the middle of a pine forest and cork oaks, on a sandy soil protected from the winds. Hossegor is ranked 80 in the Rolex Guide Golf Top 1000 . (Architect: Tim Morisson)

18 holes Par 71 5969 yd

Director : Christophe Raillard 333 Avenue du Golf 40150 SOORTS-HOSSEGOR Tel: +33 5 58 43 56 99 [email protected] Closing day: Wednesday in low season www.golfhossegor.com

p. 14 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 Golf Pass

The following three Golf Pass’ allow you to play several golf courses at amazing prices in the Basque Country, Béarn Pyrenees and the Landes:

 The Golf Pass « Biarritz Côte Basque »:

The Biarritz Golf Pass gives you the opportunity to play 2, 3 or 4 rounds with attractive prices. Valid for one year, you just need to contact one of the four golf clubs to book the courses.

The Basque Coast is a privileged area that attracts since many golfers around the world, seduced by the quality, diversity and beauty of the golf courses.

An exceptional concentration and variety of courses, mild climate, historical heritage and a certain art of living make it a paradise for players who will discover four of the most beautiful courses on the Basque coast: Arcangues, Biarritz Le Phare, Makila Bayonne and Seignosse.

Golf Pass 2 rounds: BS 100 € / MS 110 € / HS 130 € Golf Pass 3 rounds: BS 150 € / MS 165 € / HS 195 € Golf Pass 4 rounds: BS 200 € / MS 220 € / HS 260 €2

Visit www.golfpassbiarritz.com to book your Golf Pass.

 The Golf Pass « XLandes »:

The golf courses of Seignosse, Moliets, Mont de Marsan, Hossegor and Pinsolle / Soustons offer a Golf Pass in 3 versions:

GOLF PASS XSLANDES : 2 courses : Hossegor, Moliets, Seignosse, Mont de Marsan3 and Soustons-Pinsolle4.

2 Low season : from the 1st of January until the 3rd of April 2016 and from the 31st of October until the 31st of December 2016. Medium season : from the 4th of April 2016 until the 3rd of July 2016 and from the 29th of August 2016 until the 30th of October 2016. High season : From the 4th of July 2016 until the 28th of August 2016 3 + dish of the day or cart 4 2x9 holes - 1 coffee, 1 bag and token included p. 15 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 3 courses : Hossegor, Moliets, Seignosse, Mont de Marsan* and Soustons-Pinsolle**. 5 courses: 1 x 18 holes at Hossegor, Moliets, Seignosse, Mont de Marsan and Soustons-Pinsolle.(2 x 9 holes the same day)

Visit www.golf-landes.com to book your Golf Pass.

 The Golf Pass « Biarritz Destination »:

To maximize your enjoyment of all of these magnificent courses, the new "Golf Pass Biarritz Destination" lets you play two to eight courses at amazing prices5:

€50 / pers / golf course (low season) (1 January to 3 April – 31 October to 31 December 2016)

€60/ pers / golf course (mid-season) (4 April to 3 July – 29 August to 30 October 2016)

€65 / pers / golf course (high season) (4 July – 28 August)

www.biarritz-destination-golf.com

5 Biarritz le Phare, Arcangues, Makila Golf Club Bayonne Bassussarry, Seignosse, Moliets, Hossegor, Pinsolle-Soustons, Mont de Marsan. Book through the first golf course played. p. 16 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 The International Golf Training Center

The International Training Center and Golf Course of Ilbarritz was officially inaugurated in 1988, year of Biarritz le Phare’s Golf Course centenary. Placed on an exceptional site, this unusual concept was created by architect Pierre THEVENIN.

The various workstations of the Training Center allow complete training according to your stregths or weaknesses. From the short game to full swing, on synthetic carpets or perfect grass, on flat or hilly lies, everything is conceived to work out every single aspect of the game.

This spot is the place to be for high level players, but it’s also ideal to make the first steps for beginners. All along the year, the Ilbarritz Golf Schools offers individual lessons as well as beginners’ initiation or complete programs over 2 days to a week. Once the basics are acquired, the 9 holes’ course lets you see your recent improvements in action on the course.

The impressive Ilbarritz Golf Course is a 9-hole course on the ocean, and facing the Spanish coast. It is a Par 32, of a 2176 meters’ length.

As the course is set on two levels of height, there is a free cart system that allows a smooth and relaxing travelling experience between the upper plateau and the lower plateau, while admiring the ocean view.

The « Golf Workshop » offers to repair, modify or renew your , as well as giving a made to measure service, enabling you to choose the most appropriate clubs for your swing and your physique.

For more information: www.golfilbarritz.com p. 17 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 The national charter “Golf and Environment”

The French Golf Federation has been involved with clubs, licensees and volunteers to organize the discovery of golf by the largest number in compliance with sustainable development issues.

With regard to the environment, the French Golf Federation focuses its actions on the following pillars:

- The preservation of water resources, - The preservation of biodiversity, - Sustainable development.

Biarritz Le Phare is a reference concerning water resources management.

The golf of Biarritz Le Phare has a very good reputation thanks to its perfect grass and very technical golf course. Patrice Bernard, greenkeeper for thirty years in Biarritz Le Phare, relies on irrigation from the ground managed by computer. The temperature and humidity sensors relay the information and refine water supplies. They use few pesticides and fertilizers are used cautiously. The sports federation of Biarritz Le Phare is one of the few to go that far regarding pesticides and dosage. Water quantity and quality receives an annual declaration of consumption by separate surface.

The Moliets golf course also signed the agreement between the French Golf Federation and the Ministry of the Environment. Regarding the use of water, they target a 30 % saving. In order to do that, the golf of Moliets invested in a computerized irrigation system and an efficient pumping station.

Following the recent construction of a 6300m3 pond, the golf of la Nivelle in Ciboure uses a self- sufficient water system. This new water surface will ensure the irrigation of the fairways while fighting against wasting water resources. This small lake, built at the lowest level of the golf, will facilitate the harnessing.

Also, the famous Chantaco golf course is just preparing to commit in a cost-cutting approach. In order to respect the environment, the runoff will be channeled, a new drilling made and sand imported on site. Work is due to be completed by 2020.

p. 18 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 Major events

Considered as the golf Mecca, these courses gather around thirty competitions through the year, including several with international impact.

THE BIARRITZ CUP

Every year in July, since 1898, the Golf du Phare, hosts the most important and oldest French amateur event. The Biarritz Cup, formerly known as The Lord Shand Medal, is an amateur golf competition which takes place in July every year since 1898. In 2016, it will be the 117th edition of the competition which makes it one of the historical and most prestigious in France and Europe. Every year, 500 amateur men and women from varying countries come t play in the tournament. During the week of competition, the players are supported by more than 5000 spectators. Thomas Elissalde, Jose Maria Olazabal, Gregory Havret or Lorenzo-Vera Mickaël have contributed to make this event one of the largest French golf amateurs’ meeting. Organizer: Association de Biarritz le Phare, tel: +33 5 59 03 71 80, www.biarritz-cup.com

LACOSTE LADIES OPEN DE France

Constantly evolving, The Open de France for women achieved to create a very appreciated "French touch" among the best European players. The greatest champions distinguished themselves here: Marie-Laure de Lorenzi, Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, Suzanne Petersen or Azahara Muñoz. The Lacoste Ladies Open de France takes place in the golf of Chantaco, bastion of the Lacoste family. The 2016 edition will also be the opportunity to celebrate the 9th year of partnership with Lacoste. Organizer: Chantaco Golf Club, tel: +33 5 59 26 14 22, www.opendefrancefeminin.fr

LES MAKILAS DU GOLF

For over 31 years, the Makilas events welcome every golf enthusiast on the finest greens from the Basque Country and around the World for amateur competitions and PRO AM tournaments. The Makilas Eiffage du golf welcomes every year more than 600 golf amateurs. It is the largest event of its kind in France which allows to discover all the Basque Country courses. The Pro-Am International Makilas Burlington in Biarritz is the first Pro-Am in Europe. This year, it will take place from the 3th to 6th October 2007 and will celebrate its 11th anniversary. A hundred of teams coming from all over France, Europe, the US and elsewhere will compete for the trophy. Organizer : Challenge Organisation, Tel : +33 5 59 42 27 97, www.makilas-golftour.com

LE GRAND PRIX DES LANDES The public, ever more numerous, like to attend this competition. Open to expert golfers averaging a less or equal to 5 and 11.5 ranking, this Grand Prix takes place in the unique setting of the Hossegor golf course. Organizer: Golf d'Hossegor, Tel: +33 5 58 43 56 99, www.golfhossegor.com

p. 19 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 LE GRAND PRIX DE CHIBERTA

Created in 1989, the Grand Prix is registered in the amateur world calendar. Many amateurs have played the Chiberta Grand Prix before becoming professionals. The XXVII Chiberta Grand Prix and the city of Anglet will take place from the 7th to 10th July 2016. The event is open to French or foreign players meeting the requirements of the rules of amateur status, dismissed from the French Golf Federation or a recognized foreign federation. Organisateur : Association sportive du Golf de Chiberta, Tel : 05 59 52 51 10, www.golfchiberta.com/web/index.php/fr/vie-du-club/grand-prix-de-chiberta.html

p. 20 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 The destination

The Landes

This is not only a land of sunshine, but it is also home to the largest forest in Europe. In the heart of the Regional Nature Reserve of the Landes de , you can take in the beauty of nature on foot, by bike, or on horseback. There is also the ocean, which is never far, with its waves that wash against the fine white sand dunes. Sand and waves as far as the eye can see. It is in the regions of , Chalosse, Tursan and Armagnac, boasting a hilly countryside, small valleys and little authentic villages, so that green tourism truly comes into its own. The Landes is also worth visiting for its highly reputed gastronomy, which draws on the lands that give off scents of hospitality and the good life: duck and Foie gras, Chalosse beef, free-range chicken from Saint Sever, quails, trout, asparagus, kiwi, wine from Tursan and Chalosse, and Armagnac in the Armagnac region. The Landes also has the most thermal spas in France: 5 thermal spas and 75.000 visitors in Dax, Saint Paul-lès- Dax, Saubusse, Préchacq and Eugenie les Bains. The Basque Country

The Basque country is a region whose history has been preserved by its own people, with deeply rooted traditions and a lively language, the “Euskara”, the origin of which is not well known.

Cheerful white houses with red or green shutters squeezed around steeples, stand out from the Pyrenees’ bluish hills. Here, amongst dozing wildlife, people can enjoy going for walks or any form of outdoor activities.

The sight of children playing pelota against the village walls, a flock of sheep contrasts against green meadows, the pottocks (Basque ponies) running away at the unexpected approach of an intruder, the “toros de fuego” running into a crowd and the sound of txistu (flutes) or tambourines at the villages’ fiestas should all be experienced.

On the markets, one can admire with delight cherries from , chillies from , which are used to give a bit of colour to the French Basque dish piperade (a kind of ratatouille) or bottles of Izarra, from which either the green or yellow colour stands out from the red of the hams. The Bearn Pyrenees

Over the seasons, the Pyrenees give opportunities for relaxation and a whole range of activities. Coated in snow from November to April, there are Alpine and Nordic skiing resorts with ever improving facilities, for winter sports that are fun for the whole family.

Nestling in a nook of greenery between the ocean and the mountains, Pau is the town where the living is easy!

In a subtle blend of history and modernity, lifestyle and cuisine, Pau invites you to take a stroll along the 'Boulevard des Pyrénées' and around its parks and gardens, to discover its monuments (Henry IV's Castle, Museum of Fine Arts, Musée Bernadote...), to experience the thrills and spills of Pau's Grand Prix, to feel the speed at Pau- motor-racing circui, to try your luck at the Casino or at one of the horse-racing meetings,without forgetting to savour the local cuisine, including its famous "poule au pot" (chicken stew), accompanied by a good bottle of Jurançon wine.

p. 21 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 Happiness on a fairway in Aquitaine

The geographical wealth of the region allows for a wide variety of different golf course styles, playable all year round thanks to the particularly mild climate. Both the ocean coastline and inland share some of the finest courses in France and Europe. Some of them offer passes.

Since the creation of the first golf course on the European continent in Pau back in 1856, the Aquitaine region has always been a haven of pleasure for golfers. Our makes it possible to play year- round on the 54 courses laid out in very different environments. Their geographical location provides an excellent opportunity to combine a sporting activity with the discovery of the multiple assets of the region: art, heritage, wines and châteaux, thalassotherapy, etc…

Contact :

Perrine ARMANDARY, Marketing Department Comité Régional du Tourisme Aquitaine Place Jean Jaurès 33074 Bordeaux cedex + 33 5 56 01 73 88, [email protected] www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr

p. 22 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 The golf industry in France

Among 8 million potential golfing tourists in the world, 2.5 million (30%) are Europeans. Indeed, 9%, or 2.15 billion euros of global sales come from Europe, half in , France, Portugal and Italy.

In France, Golf tourism generates an annual turnover close to € 200 million. France has more than 550 golf courses of which 150 are classified among the 1000 most beautiful European golf courses by the "Peugeot Golfs" guide. French golf courses are well located throughout the territory: seaside courses, American style courses, links, inlands golf or mountain golf courses. Wherever you are in France, you can find a golf course located less than an hour away. The diversity of the territory, its cultural richness and its variety of activities around the greens are assets we can offer to golfer tourists. Many professionals aware of this opportunity, suggest to discover France through many accommodation offers combining golf and tourism.

The golf history in Biarritz could only push the city to invest in this very promising sector. With a dozen courses in the area and accommodation to meet all types of needs, the city is undoubtedly "The" French golf destination. These efforts were rewarded in 2002 with the hosting of the IGTM 5th edition (International Golf Travel Market), the main event in the field of golf tourism market. Biarritz is one of the best international golf destinations.

p. 23 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 How to get here

The International Airport welcoming Air France, Hop, SAS, Finnair, Etihad, EasyJet, Ryanair, Air Nostrum, allows easy access to the destination. Besides, since the 27th of March 2016, Air France operates 2 daily flights from -Charles de Gaulle to Biarritz.

If you come to Biarritz by plane with Air France, you can join Flying Blue Golf and enjoy free transport of your golf bag in addition to your free luggage allowance. To benefit from this offer, simply present at the check inn with your voucher, printed or saved on your mobile or tablet through the Flying Blue Golf website, in the section "My Space".

This offer, reserved for Flying Blue Golf members is only valid on flights operated by AIR FRANCE, KLM, City Jet, Regional, and Brit'Air.

p. 24 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 BIARRITZ AIRPORT Tel. +33 5 59 43 83 83 www.biarritz.aeroport.fr Airport open from 5.30am to 11pm. Information desk from 8am to 10pm.

PAU PYRÉNÉES AIRPORT Tel. +33 5 59 33 33 00 www.pau.aeroport.fr Airport open from 5.30am to 11pm. Information desk from 7.30am to 11pm.

BY TRAIN BY ROAD • Paris is 4hrs50 from Bayonne with the high speed North-south: train. • Paris/Bordeaux: A10 or N10 • Paris is 5hrs30 from Pau with the high speed train. • Bordeaux/Bayonne: A63 and N10 (junctions in the • Bordeaux is 1hr40 from Bayonne with the high Landes) speed train. • Bordeaux/Pau: A 62 (towards Toulouse) to Langon • Bordeaux is 2hrs10 from Pau with the high speed (Aiguillon junction in les Landes) then A65 to Pau train. • A 8: Bayonne/Spain • SNCF trains : www.voyage-sncf .com • Regional (TER) Aquitaine trains : East-west: www.ter-sncf.com/ • Bayonne/Pau/Toulouse: A64 or N117 to St- Gaudens • Direct trains • Bilbao/Bayonne/Pau: A8 then A63 TGV Atlantique : Paris Montparnasse Bordeaux/Dax/Bayonne/Biarritz/St-Jean-de- Luz/

• Regional trains: • From Toulouse to Bayonne via Pau • From Dax to Hendaye via Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz • From St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Bayonne • From Pau to Bayonne

p. 25 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016 Accommodation

With more than 10,000 hotel rooms and over 1,500 5 *rooms including the Hotel du Palais, (one of the 16 luxury hotels in France and the only one on the Atlantic coast), the distribution between the various residential hotels in the Basque Country, Béarn Pyrenees and the Landes offers a wide accommodation range that meets all requirements.

Whether you need a room in the city center overlooking the ocean or in the middle of the mountains, castle - hotels, 5 * hotels, guest houses or a room close to the golf courses, there is enough choice to meet all of your requests.

For more information on accommodation, please visit the website: www.biarritz-destination-golf.com

p. 26 www.biarritz-destination-golf.com June 2016