Biarritz

France's 2nd oldest course dating from 1888 and built for British and Russian nobility who then visited the town. The course isn't long but is pretty tight and the greens are heavily defended. The course is always in fantastic condition and the Club has managed the rare trick of maintaining its august traditions without sacrificing the warmth of welcome for visiting golfers. Very easy walking.

Arcangues

A couple of miles from Biarritz and a wonderfully natural course. American designed (Ronald Fream) but very spacious and winding through established broadleaf forests and with very mature fairways and greens. The elevated tees cry out for the big hit down rolling fairways but the uphill approaches need a bit a more precision.

Makila

Just outside Biarritz Makila/Bassussary is another gem. Set in a mature oak forest and blessed with fine views of the Pyrenees. Huge tees and wide fairways are the easy bit; the subtly  sloping greens are tricky to say the least. There is water on the course but it is mainly ornamental rather than dangerous.

Moliets

Robert Trent Jones designed and of the quality (45th ranked in Europe) you would expect from his work. Pine trees line the fairways which are wide and open and massive bunkering catches the stray drives and approaches. Greens tucked away and protected make Moliets a fair and enjoyable test of golf. A few links holes add to the spice. Buggies are available but walking is fairly easy. European top 100 course

Seignosse

21st in Europe and top 100 in the World this is a must play course. Designed by Robert van der Hagge and a magical mixture of towering pines, sand and water. A variety of tee boxes means that all handicap ranges can enjoy the visual and golfing delights of this modern day masterpiece. There are some hilly bits especially if you take the back tees on but buggies are available.

Biarritz Golf Pass

A fantastic deal to the five courses above for the price of four - you can play one course twice as well. If you are in the area for a week then this is ideal for you

Hossegor

Turn of the century course that has stood the test of time very well indeed. Not long at 6400 yards but a good test - hour glass fairways on great grass taper in and out to demand accuracy or caution and the bunkers have taken 90 odd years to get in the right (or wrong) places. Smallish greens complete the mix, which makes the course harder than the length would have you believe

Chantaco

Tight hilly golf course of great quality. Sloping fairways , ingeniously placed bunkers and small fast greens make this a genuine challenge. It's not over long but score well and you should be proud of yourself. It's south of Biarritz so is a good bet if you are flying into Bilbao.

La Nivelle

100 years old in 2007 this is a pretty and tight undulating wooded course prettily sited on the banks of the Nivelle to the south of Biarritz and Bayonne. It's a good and fair test of golf and excellent value for the price.

Ilbarritz

The best 9 hole course I know anywhere. Probably not worth taking a day out for but if you have a couple of hours to spare before or after the plane head for Ilbarritz - you won't be disappointed.