The temperate climate of the Pays de la Loire is perfect for the quintessential “great outdoors” activity.

Some of the courses follow the Loire, the Sarthe, the Mayenne and the Yon rivers. Others nestle in the rolling hills and some are even just outside big cities. Those who like shade can golf amidst the trees at places like the Montjoie course in the heart of the Baugé forest. There is a 9 hole, par27, 600m pitch and putt and a 9 hole, par 29, 1280m compact course.

 
You can play along the river banks at Laval, in the Mayenne valley or on an island in the middle of the Loire River at the Île d’Or course in La Varenne. You will just need to pay extra attention to your swing to avoid getting a soaking while lining-up your next shot.

For the ultimate golfing experience try playing a round at the Sablé-Solesmes Golf Course , which known as the Pays de la Loire’s “most beautiful” course.

Some ranges are set in the grounds of châteaux, so you can feel like royalty whilst practising your swing. A perfect example is La Domaine de la Perrière at Avrillé. It’s only 10 minutes from Angers but a world away from city life. It’s an 18 hole course of 5936m, par 71.