If you’re a golf enthusiast, Arras has two attractive 9- and 18-hole courses just outside the city, when you go to Anzin-Saint-Aubin, which lies on part of the left flank of the natural Scarpe valley, providing some very interesting water hazards. The 18-hole course, which has a certain gradient, is quite sporty and has, as a result, seen some fine competitions, including the Ladies’ Open de France for ten years from 2000 to 2009 (at the time it was known as the Open de France Dames). In recent years, this Open has been played at Golf du Médoc near Bordeaux, with Céline Boutier winning the most recent competition. The 2022 edition will take place in Deauville. These superb courses are in no way inferior to the one in Arras, which was created in 1990 by Gervais Martel, the emblematic former president of Racing Club de Lens. If you’re visiting the capital of the Artois region, you’ll want to take advantage of the exceptional setting and the great things to do .
Entrance via the Golf d’Arras parking lot
Location:
The entrance to the golf course is on Rue Briquet-Taillandier in Anzin-Saint-Aubin (62223) :
Golf courses
If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, try the Aubépine course. This is a fairly flat 9-hole course (compared with its big brother) that will delight beginners and those with little time to spare. It’s a par 31 with a total distance of 1,710 meters. The cost here is 25 euros for weekdays and weekends in both low and high season. The big advantage of this little 9-hole course is that it’s easy to play, especially without the use of woods. Equipped with a half-set of clubs and 3, 5, 7, 9, Sandwedge and Pitchwedge irons, you’ll have no trouble at all.
Start of the Aubépine course
The La Vallée course is a superb 18-hole course, and one of the most interesting to play when you visit the Hauts de France region. Of course, it’s not the only one, and die-hard golfers will also think of Le Touquet and Hardelot (two must-see golf courses during the summer months when you visit the magnificent Opal Coast), but the 18-hole Arras course, in addition to its historically sporting past, offers an astonishing technical variety that seasoned amateurs will no doubt appreciate.
At 30 euros on weekdays or weekends in low season, it’s a great way to enjoy a few hours of golf. Note that in high season, the La Vallée course goes for 40 euros on weekdays and 50 euros at weekends if you only play 9 holes. The full 18-hole course costs 50 euros in low season (weekdays and weekends) and 65 euros in high season on weekdays and 75 euros on weekends.
In all cases, you’ll need an annual membership fee to benefit from all the courses and the training area mentioned below.
If you wish, you can hire a golf cart for the whole course.
A complete golf training area
Would you like to test your bunker shots ? Would you like to improve your putting and practice a little in the Arras area? The golf practice area is for you. Illuminated, it allows you to practice from 8.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day (note that the store is closed at 5 p.m. during the off-peak period) and has covered boxes if it rains. A bucket of practice balls will cost you three euros to improve your swing or familiarize yourself with the green. The club also offers footgolf sessions.
Training bunker
Other aspects of the Arras golf complex
Golf, as Gervais Martel wished at the time, isn’t just about playing courses. So you have the option ofgoing to the restaurant (now called L’Infini), located next to the store. It’s a convivial place where you can enjoy meals and events.
Businesses can also hold seminars here. A Golf & Spa hotel is also here to welcome travelers. It’s a chic location that makes a great launch pad for discovering the beauty and history of the city of Arras.
X.D.
