Golf des Graves et du Sauternais, a friendly club atmosphere

Situated 15 kilometers south of the Ciron river, which gives Sauternes wine much of its specificity, and in the southernmost parcels of the vast Graves vineyards, the Golf des Graves et du Sauternais unfurls its fairways in a setting that is sometimes open, sometimes densely wooded, with majestic pines, oaks and maples. A well-maintained course with a rather sober approach accentuated by the absence of relief.

No cleverly sculpted fairways, elevated tees, spectacular doglegs or devilishly steep greens. However, don't let yourself get carried away by slope values all above 130, as this 30-year-old course knows how to defend itself... In addition to the greens, bunkers and above all water hazards, notably the par 5, 488-metre island green on 9 and the lake-side 18, punctuate a relatively short (5,800 m) and rather technical course where there's no risk of getting bored, especially if you're sharing a round with a member of this very friendly club.

A course that continues to improve with time.

Managed by Jacqueline Couerbe, who has taken sole charge of the golf course since the death of her partner Guy Lafforgue in 2014, this Jan Johnson-designed course continues to improve over time, thanks to a number of recent modifications. In addition to the course, the terrace of the clubhouse has doubled in size, the driving range has been refurbished with 15 stations and targets and, above all, nine two- or three-room ecolodges have been built on the lakefront, evoking the carrelets of the Gironde estuary.

These eco-lodges, open to all, are part of a new range of tourist and wine tourism accommodation. To bring her idea of renting out the carrelets to fruition, Jacqueline Couerbe has been able to count on the municipality of Saint Pardon de Conques and the Communauté de Communes, who have revised the town planning regulations, as well as the Region (financial assistance), the Département and the Sous-Préfecture of Langon. The project comprises four T3 apartments and five T2 apartments, one of which is adapted for people with reduced mobility. Each will have its own terrace overlooking the lake, as well as a giant hammock in the shape of a fishing net. The T2 apartments will also feature a private spa on the terrace. Inside each eco-carrelet, you'll find a cosy atmosphere with a small, fully-equipped kitchen and a window-bench to enjoy the view of the lake. Guests have access to a small cellar containing eight bottles of wine representing the appellations of the Sud-Gironde region. The service is of 4-star standard, with average prices of €300 per night for T3s and €195 for T2s.

Golf des Graves et du Sauternais

Lac de Seguin, 33210 Saint-Pardon-de-Conques.

Tel: 05 56 62 25 43

Green fees from 46 euros (weekdays, low season) to 62 euros (weekends, high season)