GOLF

The Aquitaine region offers some fifty courses, over 20 of which are located along the coastline between Bordeaux and Biarritz. Some have been classified by the French and international press as among the top ranking in Europe. Amongst the best are five championship courses within 30mins of Labenne with many challenging features and interesting contoured greens (often multi-level). They are served by the 'Golf Pass Biarritz' which can be purchased on-line: Le Phare in Biarritz itself Seignosse & Moliets (within 30 mins drive up the coast) and Arcangues & Bassussarry a similar distance in the other direction (within 30 mins drive southwards).

There are also two excellent nine hole courses within easy reach: one at Port d'Albret (30mins) which circumnavigates an inland lake and features many taxing long holes - and also has an interesting golf range - the drive is into water - using range balls which float. the other at Ilbarritz (pictured) with a huge range area and an exciting nine hole course with half the holes situated on the cliff side with magnificant views of the Atlantic and the other half - down a steep buggy track - at sea level and featuring many water hazards.

The superb 18 hole golf course at Hossegor is only a few miles from Labenne and it is usually possible to arrange a Tee-time within a short while of booking-in at the clubhouse - which incidentally serves excellent food. At peak times the course marshall will organise players into foursomes which provides an excellent opportunity to practice your French with the locals (although most of the members speak good English

The golf course at Seignosse is ranked highest. It is a magnificent 18 hole course (6124m, par72), designed by the American architect Robert Van Hagge. It is laid out in an immense 70 hectare valley, bordered by pines and dotted with natural water hazards and it harmonises perfectly with the natural surroundings of the "Landes" forest.