Terre Blanche, Provence, France
The outdoor swimming pool, basking in the glorious Provencal sunshine
TERRE BLANCHE RESORT, PROVENCE
PERFECT FOR:
- Romantic Breaks: Beautiful setting in Provence; luxurious hotel accommodation; his-and-her activities; romantic restaurants; close to the glamour of Monte Carlo, Nice and Cannes and the beaches of the Cote d'Azur.
- Family Vacations: A range of sporting activities; spacious family accommodation in the hotel or private villas; supervised activity programmes for children; expansive and secure private estate; excellent beaches nearby.
TERRE BLANCHE: A RESORT OF BOUNTEOUS BEAUTY
A stunning Provencal location and an idyllic climate were tailor-made for a world-class holiday venue and the folk at Four Seasons have done the site justice with their Terre Blanche property. To many regular patrons it is, quite simply, the finest golf holiday and family resort in mainland Europe. Honeymooners, too, find it a blissful hideaway.
ACCOMMODATION
The resort has a wide selection of guest rooms: a number of them are suites in the five star hotel, the others are scattered around the property in 43 villas divided into luxurious apartments of one to three bed rooms. Two of the villas (Villa Esterel and Villa Provence, each offering two bedrooms and over 2,000 square feet of space) feature private whirlpools. The majestic Villa Terre Blanche offers three bedrooms, over 3,200 square feet of relaxation room and its own private pool and whirlpool.
The villas are arranged in a rambling village in a garden, set between the hotel on the high ground and the golf clubhouse in the valley below. Reflecting the distinctive light, ochre colour dominates, in the exterior of the villas and the dry-stone walling that edges the beds of flowering shrubbery and exotic plants. There’s a landscape waiting to be painted around every corner. Artists and photographers will be in their element.
DINING
The first guests were welcomed in April 2004 and awards began cascading in almost immediately. The first was for the golf courses, then the resort itself, via the Gault Millaut guide, then for the principal restaurant, known as Faventia, which now has a two star Michelin ranking. There’s a second restaurant on the hotel terrace and a third, also al fresco and giving views of the golf course, on the clubhouse
LOCATION
Terre Blanche is in the foothills of the Southern Alps and equidistant from Cannes and Nice, which are 30 minutes away by road. The estate is set in 665 acres of wooded hills in the Pays de Fayence. Nearby is Grasse of perfume fame. Off-site attractions, not least restaurants, are numerous in the many villages of the region.
Click here to view a map of the local area.
THE GOLF
The first course to open was Le Chateau, which might best be described as a wolf in sheep's clothing. It has wide fairways, equally expansive greens and a series of lakes that influence several holes and add to the wow factor. In the vernacular: it's an eye-popper. The other course, named Le Riou, opened a year after its neighbour and is quite different in style and character. It is even more visually distracting, with waterfalls, gurgling streams and swathes of flowering shrubbery, all enhanced by the unique light. Set on the heavily undulating higher ground, it has a series of elevated tees and greens winding between what must be a million trees in a thousand shades of green. It’s rather like playing in a vast garden. Breathtaking.
NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES
The award-winning Terre Blanche spa, set in a hillside villa, covers some 3,200 square metres (34,000 square feet) on two levels. It has 14 private treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, whirlpool baths and a spa cafe. Various health and beauty treatments are offered. The spa complex also includes a fitness centre, and there are also tennis courts and options for horse and bike riding.
Venture outside the resort, into Provence, and you are spoilt for choice. Ancient and picturesque villages just waiting to be explored are scattered throughout the surrouding hills like confetti. Glamorous beach-side towns such as St Tropez, Cannes, Antibes and Nice are only a little further (but still only a comfortable drive away). Boat cruises to the principality of Monaco are also available from Cannes, and offer a stunning view of the Cote d'Azur as you gently sail along the coast.
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Aside from tennis, bike and horse riding, families are catered for with supervised activity programmes for children. There are also a wide range of outstanding beaches nearby on the Cote d'Azur, and various day trip options to explore the multitude of beautiful and historic local villages scattered throughout the hills of Provence.
terrace.
WHEN TO GO
Peak season is July and August; low season is November 1st to March 30th. Spring and Autumn are the shoulder seasons and considered best for golf but play is possible year-round.
TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAY
Getting There
The nearest airport is Nice, which is 45 minutes by road from Terre Blanche. Limousine transfers are available upon request. Alternatively, Hertz and Avis rental cars are available from the airport.
Getting Around
The resort is somewhat isolated if you don’t have a rental car, but an in situ limousine service is available for airport transfers and day trips in the region.
Packing Tips & Dress Code
The required dress for hotel dining is semi-formal or smart casual. Don’t forget the swimsuits. Smart casual dress is also required for golf.
Currency
Euros. For current rates of exchange, click here.
Language Spoken
French. However, as an international Four Seasons resort, you will not have a problem speaking English within the resort. If you venture outside the resort into Provence, a basic understanding of French can transform your experience. The French in the South of France tend to be much friendlier and more welcoming than their relatives in Paris: any attempts that you make to speak French (even a little) will be warmly received and will often improve the service that you receive. For those interested in learning (or improving their existing) French, we highly recommend the Michel Thomas French language CDs.
Time Zone
BST+1.
Dialing code
The country code for France is +33 (and the local area code for Provence is (04) - drop the "0" if dialling internationally), then add the local extension.
Holiday Packages Available
Various packages are available both directly with the resort and also through tour operators, including several designed for non-golfers of which the principal involves the spa. There's also a two day gourmet and wine package.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR VACATION
Request a Quotation or Use Our Recommended Golf Tour Operator
PGT can negotiate discounted rates and bonuses for our readers. Simply contact us giving details of preferred dates and your requirements and we will contact the resort on your behalf.
Alternatively you could
Book Through A Tour Operator
If you require a total holiday package including flights, transfers, accommodation and golf reservations PGT will recommend the tour operator who serves the resort or destination of your choice and negotiate any possible discount available.
Travel Money
To order Euros from Travelex at the guaranteed best price availabe in the UK - at 0% commission, and with free airport pickup click here.
Travel Insurance
Insurance isn't fun but it is both important and a sensible investment when travelling overseas (particularly when transporting expensive golf equipment). We recommend American Express .