Saint-Saëns Golf Course is a fantastic option for golfers looking to experience traditional parkland golf in the heart of Normandy. Set within the magnificent Eawy Forest between Rouen and Dieppe, the course forms part of an 80-hectare estate surrounding the Château du Vaudichon. For us, it has exactly the sort of atmosphere we look for on a French golf holiday – mature countryside, plenty of character and a layout where you need to use almost every club in the bag.

The 18-hole course measures 6,009 metres and is divided naturally into three very different sections: the river, forest and plateau. That changing landscape is one of the things we like most about Saint-Saëns, as the challenge develops noticeably as you make your way around.
The opening stretch from the 1st to the 5th follows the River Varenne, which runs alongside fairways and greens and immediately puts an emphasis on accuracy. Water is rarely far away, so sensible positioning can be much more valuable than trying to overpower these early holes.

From the 6th to the 10th, the course enters the forest. Fairways wind between century-old beech and oak trees, creating tighter driving corridors and placing an even greater premium on keeping the ball in play. It is a beautiful part of the course, but anything too far offline can quickly leave you manufacturing a recovery from beneath the trees.

The character changes again on the plateau, where the fairways become more generous and longer hitters finally get a little more freedom from the tee. That does not mean the challenge disappears. The demanding par-3 17th provides a serious late test before the 18th plays towards a green protected by bunkers with the château creating a fantastic backdrop behind the final hole.

Saint-Saëns also has a strong golfing history, having staged European tournament golf over a number of years. The clubhouse is set within the château and includes a Pro Shop, bar and comfortable lounge areas, giving you a suitably traditional place to relax once the round is finished.
Golf Hôtel de Saint-Saëns is located directly on the estate, making it easy to turn the course into a stay-and-play break. Rouen, Dieppe and the wider Normandy countryside are all within reach for days away from the fairways.

Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include Saint-Saëns Golf Course within a tailor-made Normandy golf holiday, combining accommodation, tee times and other leading courses across northern France.