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Hôtel du Palais - Biarritz
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The Hôtel du
Palais dominates the town of Biarritz. Sitting in the centre of
La Grande Plage it's stunning edifice overlooks the town's
comings and goings both day and night.
Literally fit for an Emperess - it was constructed
by Napoleon III for his wife Eugenie, the interior drips with gold
leaf and crystal chandeliers. The bedrooms, with their towering
ceilings, are beautifully decorated and where changes have been
made they have been done very sympathetically with the history and
prestige of the building always honoured.
A wonderful place to stay where one really feels a
little above the madding crowds. |
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The Courses

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Biarritz - Le Phare
Architect: W. Dunn.
18 holes: 5376m: par 69.
Practically in the centre of town and right beside
the Régina hotel. A beautifully manicured course where cunning
and guile, rather than length, required. Lovely old Club full of
character (and characters!). |
| Makila
Architect: R. Roquemore.
18 holes: 6176m: par 72.
Against the background of the Pyrenees. A rolling
wooded course with water featuring on many holes. There are a couple
of steep climbs around the turn, so it may well be worth considering
a buggy. |
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Arcangues
Architect: R. Fream.
18 holes: 6142m: par 72.
A great variety to the holes with fairways that
swoop through wooded hills and skirt around the lakes. Play early
so that you can make the most of the lovely, rustic clubhouse where
excellent lunches are served on the sunny terasse in the glorious
panorama of the Pyrenees. |
Seignosse
Architect: R. Von Hagge.
18
holes: 6127m: par 72.
Undoubtedly
one of the best courses in France. A great test of anyone's golf:
tight fairways wriggle through the pines, island greens await and
deep bunkers defend.
Should definitely be played at least once by all golfers. |
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Moliets
Architect: R. Trent-Jones.
18 + 9 holes: 6172m: par 73.
Similar to Seignosse but more generous in width
off the Tee. Remarkable stretch of five holes out by - practically
on - the seashore. Some long walks from Green to Tee so worth thinking
about a buggy. |
| Hossegor
Architect: T. Morrison.
18 holes: 6001m: par 71.
The original Basque classic set in natural golf
terrain. Private Members Club where Ollie is often seen practising.
Not as long perhaps as some modern courses, but easily walkable
and a great "Club" atmosphere. |
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Chiberta
Architect: T. Simpson.
18 holes: 5650m: par 71.
Another very private Club. On the coast just
to the North of town. Half the course is genuine links, the other
half plays through the pine forests. |
The
Area

Biarritz and the Basque
country is a fascinating area of France. The conjunction of the
Pyrenees and the Atlantic makes for some superb scenery. The locals
are wonderful people and have two great passions in life: sport
(be it golf, rugby, pelota, surfing, tennis, equestrianism or whatever)
and food. Either of which they will discuss, or indulge in, until
les vaches rentrent.
Only twenty minutes from the border with
Spain, makes for an easy trip into San Sebastian. A delightful town
with narrow cobbled streets around teh huge cathedral that are crammed
with Tapas bars (or rather Pinxos as they are known around here). |
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