Paris

April 2007

An early morning departure from Dublin with Air France enabled a 1^st tee start at the wonderful Chantilly Golf Club near Charles de Gaulle, north of the city. This is a must play course, beautifully tree lined with a traditional clubhouse that offers a fine lunch if not an outstanding welcome!

A 40 minute bus journey brought us to the Meridien Etoille, the fine lodgings where we were billeted for the week. A terrific location in a busy part of Paris it is even next door to Irish pub The James Joyce, where the Guinness was very impressive (sampled for research purposes of course).

The following day we played the Michael Smurfit owned/Jack Nicklaus designed Paris International Golf Club, which, after a somewhat bland opening nine holes revealed a sensational back nine. Situated on the most beautiful estate, it offers accommodation and a magnificent clubhouse:

The strongest course on our trip was Le Golf National which is the venue annually for the French Open. Magnificent and difficult at the same time, it offers terrific shot value and some great finishing holes. L’Isle de Adam was our final destination and after a wonderful front nine holes the back nine was a little disappointing. Nonetheless great clubhouse food in a calm setting deemed it worth a visit.

All in all a wonderful trip for a few days golf. Although not widely renowned as a popular golf destination, if  you are looking to combine a city break and golf, Paris may be the place.

As regards restaurants:

• Le Bistro de Paris, 67 rue du Val de Mayenne ….  Traditional French bistro offering fine fare and a wonderful atmosphere. School French required! (www.lebistro-de-paris.com )

• L’Avenue de Montagne….watch the beautiful people go by and sample some great food and wine

• Le Train Bleu, at the Gare de Lyon metro station….what a wonderful building with the most amazing detail. Well worth a visit for both the surrounds and of course the food.

• Food at the Meridien….not great and definitely not value for money. Give it a miss.

Highs: Short commute, great courses and well, Paris, what can you say!

Lows: A little more expensive, transfers to and from hotel were 40 mins each way

Golf de Chantilly
Allée de la Ménagerie
60500 Vineuil St Firmin
Tel: +33(0)3 44 57 04 43

Email: golfchan@club-internet.com

Paris International Golf Club (www.paris-golf.com)

18 route du Golf

95560 Baillet en France

Tel: 01 34 69 96 13

Email: contact@paris-golf.com

Le Golf National (www.golf-national.com)