With the Ryder Cup taking place this week at France’s Le Golf National, some 20 miles south west of Paris, it is only the second time in the event’s history that it has taken place in Continental Europe.
Excitement is building as greens are manicured to perfection. However, it’s not just the sporting world that is getting ready for the prestigious tournament – France’s property market is also preparing.
“With any event of this stature, the spotlight falls firmly on the host country. France is in an enviable position, hosting the Ryder Cup for its second ever foray into Continental Europe. This means that the country’s golfing credentials will be showcased to viewers around the world. We expect a notable uptick in interest in golf properties as a result – and France has some real gems to offer in this respect,”
says Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée
Golf in France is growing swiftly in terms of its popularity, with a number of initiatives aimed at growing the sport in recent years. The biennial Ryder Cup being held in France will serve as a further boost for the sport.
“The French Golf Federation has 410,000 registered golfers and, according to independent studies over 800,000 golfers in total. In France, golf developed greatly in the 1990’s and 2000s and is now widely accessible, in particular in relation to young players whose numbers continue to grow. Statistics show that the number of under 18’s has grown from 27,000 in 2008 to over 30,000 in 2018; unlike other European countries who have seen their number of junior golfers decline,” says Pascal Grizot, Vice President, French Golf Federation and President, France 2018
As well as its outstanding golf courses, premium French property agents FrenchEntrée point out that France has much to offer when it comes to properties for golfers. Whether buyers are seeking a home near a golf course or even golfing facilities on their own land, France has plenty of variety – with the added bonus that most golf properties in France come with their own outdoor pool.
Just an hour from Paris, for example, this Templar farm comes complete with an 18-hole golf course designed by architects Patrick Fromanger and Mark Adam and spread over 53 acres of land. Dating back to the 12th century, the property has a dozen buildings in total, including a club house restaurant and a pro shop.
Of course, not all golfers have the €5.5 million or so required to purchase their own golf course, other than perhaps a few of those taking part in the Ryder Cup this year. For those on a slightly lower budget, €598,000 is sufficient for a luxury, duplex apartment with beautiful views of the Esterel mountains and the sea. Several nearby golf courses mean players are spoiled for choice, while the various local beaches add to the variety of leisure pursuits on offer.
Meanwhile, down in the scenic Dordogne countryside, this outstanding house with large heated pool sits within the prestigious gated estate at Vigiers Golf Club. The property comes with a family golf club membership included in the sale price of €1.4 million.
“France has a wide range of golf properties available, which means that keen golfers can find the right property at the right price. With the Ryder Cup stirring up interest in French golf properties, it looks like a busy season ahead for the sport and for the property sector,” says Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée
For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com
You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/