Find your Dream Dordogne Home near a Fairway
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The Dordogne region is a golfer’s paradise, offering a blend of beautiful landscapes, challenging courses, quality greens, cultural heritage and superb facilities.
If you’re a keen golfer considering buying a property in the Dordogne, one of your top priorities will be to identify a strategic location from which you can reach a couple of golf courses within reasonable driving distance of your home. If you are planning to rent out the property in season or are running a gite business in the Périgord, this could be the deciding factor for securing a booking and returning visitors. Just ensure you have enough rooms and space to host a party of four or more people wanting to enjoy their golfing experience and discover the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to improve your skills, France offers golf courses suited for everyone. I recently discussed this subject with our golf-loving and property-expert friend Guillaume in the Périgord; his favourites and recommendations are Lolivarie Golf Club (his club) and La Marterie, which he says is more classic but serves excellent food! Here are some key considerations and a selection of golf courses to help you find the perfect property in the best area to access several golf courses in this area of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Key Considerations for Buyers
Accessing the Dordogne
By plane, the Dordogne is easily accessible with flights to Bergerac Airport from major cities like Paris, London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Edinburgh, Brussels, Rotterdam and Geneva, making it a convenient destination for golf enthusiasts.
By train, for travellers heading to play golf in Dordogne, it is better to take the TGV to Bordeaux or Libourne, then switch to TER trains for local connections. Brive-la-Gaillarde is also a viable alternative, particularly for the northern parts of the Dordogne.
By car, the Dordogne is accessible by motorways and major roads from key cities. From Paris, take the A10, A71, and A20 motorways, exiting at Limoges to follow the N21 to Périgueux.
- From Saint-Malo, follow the N137 to Rennes, then the A81 and A20 via Le Mans and Tours, connecting to the N21 near Limoges. From Bordeaux, the A89 directly links to Périgueux, with regional roads (D709 or N21) leading to Bergerac and Sarlat.
- From Toulouse, take the A62 to Montauban, then the A20 north to Brive-la-Gaillarde, where the A89 or N89 enters the Dordogne.
The A89 is the main motorway serving the region, while scenic routes like the N21 and N89 offer alternatives for exploring Dordogne’s countryside. Tolls apply on most motorways in France, but regional routes provide charming, slower-paced options.
The Mild Climate
The Dordogne region enjoys a mild climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, making it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts. With hot summers, warm springs and fairly mild winters, the Dordogne allows for year-round play. Regular rainfall keeps the region lush and green, perfect for maintaining pristine fairways. The combination of sunshine and gentle breezes creates comfortable conditions for spring, summer or autumn golfing.
Variety for All Levels
The Dordogne offers a good range of golf courses, from beginner-friendly to challenging championship courses. This variety ensures that there’s something for every golfer. In addition, playing in this area allows you to experience the charm and historic heritage of the region, enriching your golfing experience with cultural insights.
Golf Courses in the Dordogne
Lolivarie Golf Club in Dordogne
In a fantastic setting between castles and picturesque sites, an 18-hole course of 6,000 meters with varied design and facilities for players of all levels. Renowned for the quality of its greens and its hospitality, Lolivarie Golf Club is one of the jewels of the Périgord Noir. The Lolivarie Golf course is well maintained and attracts a great diversity of golfers, including French, English, German, Dutch, American, South African, and more.
Golf de La Marterie - Les Lodges
Golf de La Marterie is a classic 18-hole course set in the heart of the Dordogne’s countryside. Known for its varied terrain and challenges suitable for all skill levels, it provides a fantastic playing environment with scenic views of rolling woodlands. The course also offers excellent facilities, including a clubhouse and a restaurant, making it a great spot for avid golfers and those looking for a leisurely day in nature.
Golf Municipal de Perigueux
Located along the banks of the Isle and Beauronne River, this tranquil island of greenery is just 5 minutes from the historic centre of Périgueux. This excellent golf course offers an 18-hole course accessible to all, suitable for both good players and beginners. A Pitch & Putt of 9 holes, a chipping zone, and a practice area complete the facilities.
Château des Vigiers Golf Club
Golf des Vigiers is located on the outskirts of the charming market town of Bergerac. At the Château des Vigiers Golf Club, you can enjoy a unique golfing experience with three internationally recognised courses catering for seasoned players and beginners. The courses were designed by Donald Steel, a renowned “natural” golf architect, who has created three captivating layouts in the beautiful Périgord region. The setting is enhanced by plum orchards, oak woodlands, a lake and surrounding vineyards.
Golf Club Souillac
Set in an oak forest on a 60-hectare estate, the 18-hole course at Souillac Golf and Country Club has earned a reputation for offering a unique, technical, and fully immersive golfing experience. Designed by Jeremy Pern, the course presents a significant challenge due to its narrow fairways and elevated greens with steep slopes, which are well-known throughout the southwest for their exceptional quality.
Training or competing on this course is a test for every golfer, providing an exciting change of scenery for those discovering or rediscovering it as part of our golf getaways. Brive Airport is situated less than 20 km from the Club.
Golf de la Forge – Nine Hole Course
Located in Siorac-en-Périgord, in the heart of the Dordogne (24), the Golf de la Forge offers a range of activities and is set in a beautiful green landscape. This 9-hole course is named after the old forge that was part of the agricultural estate. The charming clubhouse and the recently renovated restaurant are housed in the former tobacco-drying barn.
Essendieeas - Nine Hole Course
Set in Saint Médard d’Excideuil, this 9-hole golf course, known for its original design and technical challenges, is a true marvel marked by expansive, undulating greens. The PAR 36 is located on the hilly slopes of this Dordogne Domaine and offers spectacular views throughout the course.
Les Merles - Nine Hole Course
Situated halfway between the towns of Bergerac and Lalinde, within a 20-hectare park, this 9-hole, par 35 golf course provides an enjoyable and challenging experience for players of all skill levels. You’ll encounter a technically demanding course where precision is crucial for every shot. The greens are among the finest in the Dordogne region. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, you’ll enjoy the diversity and challenges this golf course has to offer.
Golf de Rochebois - Nine Hole Course
This 9-hole course is located alongside of the river Dordogne near the historic town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. It’s a good option for beginners or those looking for a quick round of golf, but some of the steep hills may prove challenging for some golfers. We understand it’s a bit tricky to find, and Guillaume told us it’s now closed; that’s the reason it is last on our list.
A Fantastic Destination for Golfers
Take these factors into consideration and explore our list of golf courses to help you find the ideal property that suits your needs and style. This lush region of southwest France offers the perfect mix of rural beauty, exciting courses for all levels and tons of cultural heritage, making it a fantastic destination for golf and sports fans.
Please contact us if you plan to have a couple of rounds or visit properties in the Dordogne, Guillaume will be delighted to meet you, show you a handful of typical Périgourdines and share a few local golfing tips with you.
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