Overview
Golf d'Arcangues sits in the village of Arcangues in the heart of the French Basque Country, just inland from Biarritz and Bayonne. South-west France is where golf first took root in the country, after Pau, and in the early 1990s a new wave of courses by leading American architects arrived in the region. Arcangues, laid out by Ronald Fream, is one of them.
It is an 18-hole, par-72 course with plenty of character. From the white tees it measures 5,747 metres with a slope of 139. The routing loops around the village itself, so the holes vary a lot and suit golfers of every level. The terrain is hilly, and the club points to the many slopes and the sweeping views of the Pyrenees as the heart of its appeal.
The clubhouse is one of the most memorable in France. It is a handsome Basque farmhouse, Jauréguiborde, the old farm of the château, dating from 1585. It holds the pro shop and the restaurant, and its terrace looks out over the course towards the mountains. The pro shop stocks clothing, shoes and accessories from brands such as FootJoy, Cutter & Buck and Röhnisch, along with balls.
The practice area faces south towards La Rhune, a few steps from the clubhouse terrace and the 1st tee. It has nine covered bays with mats, some kept mainly for the teaching pros, and targets set on several platforms so you can check your distances. Below the putting green, two large outdoor platforms add about fifteen more hitting spots, with synthetic mats at the back for irons and fairway woods and a grass area at the front where you can tee the ball up for driving. A chipping green framed by two big bunkers lets you practise every kind of short shot, and a large putting green sits between the long-game and short-game areas.
Green fees & prices
- 18 holes, individualLow season (Jan–Mar, Nov, Dec) / mid season (Apr–Jun, Sep, Oct) / high season (Jul, Aug)65 € / 85 € / 95 €
- 18 holes, coupleLow / mid / high season120 € / 160 € / 180 €
- 18 holes, junior (under 18) or studentProof of age or student status required35 € / 45 € / 50 €
- 9 holes, individualLow / mid / high season45 € / 55 € / 60 €
- 9 holes, junior or studentLow / mid / high season25 € / 30 € / 35 €
- Book of 10 green fees, 18 holesValid 1 year in the chosen season; for one player (spouse may share)550 € / 690 € / 750 €
- Golf cart18 holes; 24 € for 9 holes34 €
- Electric trolley18 holes; 15 € for 9 holes. Pull trolleys are free20 €
- Club set hire18 holes; 20 € for 9 holes30 €
- Practice ballsOne bucket (about 30 balls); 2 buckets 8 €, 10 buckets 35 €5 €
Prices checked 23 October 2026 on the official website. Prices may change; confirm with the course before you book.
Facilities
Good to know
Arcangues is an independent club that is not part of any golf network, and it is open to every player who holds a current golf licence. The licence is compulsory both on the course and on the practice ground. Official page ↗
In season you need a handicap below 36 as well as your licence. Official page ↗
Visitors can book a green fee through the club website, or call the reception, which is open from 7:30 am to 7 pm. Official page ↗
Proper golf attire is expected. Jeans and vest-style tank tops are not allowed. Official page ↗
The course is hilly, with plenty of slopes. A cart is not compulsory, but the club suggests one for anyone who finds walking difficult. Dogs are not allowed on the course, not even in a cart.
Green fees are lowest from November to March, rise in spring and autumn, and peak in July and August.
History & highlights
The course belongs to the wave of American-designed layouts that opened in the Basque Country in the early 1990s. The farmhouse that serves as the clubhouse is far older: it dates from 1585 and was once the farm of the local château. Today the club has about 650 members and keeps a waiting list for new memberships.
Much of the round is played with the Pyrenees in view, and the practice ground looks straight at La Rhune.
Finish your round at the Jauréguiborde farmhouse from 1585, whose big panoramic terrace is a favourite spot for lunch or a summer sunset dinner.
A slope of 139 from the white tees means the hilly, varied layout is a real test, even though it is not especially long.
Tips for first-timers
- Bring your golf licence: you cannot play the course or even use the practice ground without it.
- Play between November and March for the best price: 65 € for 18 holes, against 95 € in July and August.
- If you play here often, a book of 10 green fees cuts the per-round cost; it is valid for 1 year in the season you choose.
- Hire a cart if you struggle with hills, and leave the dog at home.
- Book lunch ahead: the restaurant takes lunch bookings only, and opens in the evening in summer from Wednesday to Saturday.
Map & location
The club is on Chemin Jaureguiborde in Arcangues, close to Biarritz and Bayonne. Makila Golf Club is about 3 km away, Golf d'Ilbarritz about 5 km and Golf de Biarritz le Phare about 6 km, so it fits neatly into a Basque Coast golf trip. For a bed nearby, the club suggests the Hôtel Marie Eder in Arcangues or the Hôtel Indarra in Arbonne, both less than 5 minutes away by car.
FAQ
How much does a round at Golf d'Arcangues cost?
In 2026, 18 holes cost 65 € in low season, 85 € in mid season and 95 € in July and August. Nine holes cost 45 € to 60 €, and juniors and students pay 35 € to 50 € for 18 holes. Prices can change, so check with the club.
Do I need a licence or handicap?
Yes. A current golf licence is required for the course and the practice ground, and in season your handicap must be below 36.
Who designed the course?
American architect Ronald Fream, as part of the wave of new Basque Country courses in the early 1990s.
Is the course hilly?
Yes. It is full of slopes, which is part of its charm. A cart is optional but recommended if walking is hard for you; carts cost 34 € for 18 holes.
Is the restaurant open to non-golfers?
Yes, everyone is welcome. It opens at lunchtime, by booking only, and in summer also in the evening from Wednesday to Saturday. It can be booked for private events from 80 guests, and dogs on a lead are allowed.
Are dogs allowed on the course?
No, dogs are not allowed on the course, including in golf carts.
Sources
Facts checked 23 October 2026. We only list details we could confirm on the sources above; anything else is left out.