Golf de Barbaroux is one of the most distinctive courses in Provence, combining bold American-style design with the forests, sunshine and relaxed atmosphere of southern France. Located near Brignoles in the Var, the course sits within 87 hectares of Mediterranean woodland, surrounded by pine trees, rolling hills and classic Provençal scenery. For us, it is exactly the sort of course that gives a golf holiday in Provence something different.

Designed by legendary American architect Pete Dye and opened in 1988, Barbaroux is an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring more than 6,000 metres. Dye’s unmistakable design style can be seen throughout the round, with sculpted bunkers, strategically shaped fairways, water hazards and fast, undulating greens continually asking you to think about where the next shot needs to finish.

What we particularly like about Barbaroux is that there is rarely an obvious way to play a hole. Fairways can offer several different lines from the tee, with the more aggressive route often bringing additional hazards into play. Taking the safer option may leave a longer or more difficult approach, so course management becomes a major part of the experience.

The natural terrain adds another layer to the challenge. Holes move through changing elevations and mature Mediterranean forest, creating different angles and plenty of visually impressive tee shots. Some fairways give you room to open the shoulders, while others reward accuracy far more than distance. The greens are another important defence, with slopes and contours making good approach positioning essential if you want to avoid difficult first putts.

With a slope rating of 145 from the back tees, Barbaroux can provide a serious championship test, but five separate teeing areas allow golfers to choose a distance appropriate to their game. That makes it enjoyable for mixed-handicap groups without removing the challenge for stronger players.

Practice facilities and professional coaching are available through the Golf Academy, with individual lessons, group tuition, playing lessons and video analysis available for golfers wanting to work on their game during their stay.

The clubhouse and wider resort complete the experience. Solaire Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired food overlooking the course, while Mercure Barbaroux Golf Hotel & Spa sits directly alongside the golf for anyone wanting a convenient stay-and-play break.

For golfers looking for strategic golf, memorable design and a proper taste of Provence, Golf de Barbaroux is well worth including. Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can build Barbaroux into a tailor-made southern France golf holiday, combining your accommodation, tee times and other courses throughout Provence.