Going for Golf

Domaine des Ormes

A few miles east, on the outskirts of the charming, ancient and historic town of Dol de Bretagne, is Domaine des Ormes, close to the Emerald Coast, midway between St Malo and the regional capital, Rennes.

Based around an imposing 16th century chateau in the heart of a 370-acre estate that is also home to an extremely family-friendly holiday resort – ideal for golfers with spouse and kids to keep happy – the course weaves through glorious, mature parkland, including majestic 300-year-old trees, fragrant flowerbeds and luscious lakes.

With often narrow fairways, strategic bunkers and frequent water hazards, this is not the sort of course where you can just grip it and rip it. At less than 6,500 yards, it’s not the longest, but it’s subtle and frankly downright fun, not least on the greens. The clubhouse, in an old estate outbuilding, is, as you would expect, a warm, welcoming place – after all, the wining and dining is such an important part of golf in France.

Another bonus: Des Ormes is handy for a day out at the fairytale town of Mont St Michel, while Combourg, with its impressive castle, is pretty much next door.