Between its wooded valleys, its medieval bastides and its emerald-coloured rivers, the Périgord offers golfers a setting that goes far beyond the mere idea of a course: it is an experience of living in its own right.
An exceptional playground in the Dordogne
The Dordogne, the historic heart of the Périgord, is home to a remarkable concentration of golf courses set in a beautifully preserved natural environment. Far from the stress of competition golf, the game here takes on a contemplative dimension: you play between two châteaux dating back to the 12th century, with the song of the cicadas and the rustle of truffle oaks for a soundtrack.
With nearly a dozen clubs spread across the four Périgords (Vert, Blanc, Pourpre and Noir), the region draws thousands of French and European golfers every year, attracted as much by the quality of the greens as by the rich heritage and gastronomy that surround them.
The Périgord's must-play courses
Each of the four Périgords has its own golfing personality, shaped by its geography and its history. Here are the courses worth the detour, from the closest to Domaine de Pouzelande to the furthest afield.
Golf de la Marterie — Périgord Blanc (Saint-Crépin), 18 holes, Par 72
One of the closest courses to Domaine de Pouzelande. A technical 18-hole layout crossed by natural streams, ideal for intermediate players. The clubhouse, set in a golden-stone building, beautifully extends the course's Périgord atmosphere.
Golf de Périgueux — Périgord Blanc (Marsac), 18 holes, Par 71
The county town's historic club, founded in 1955. A classic layout between pine woods and rolling hills, perfect for a round with family or friends. Less than 20 minutes from the estate.
Château des Vigiers — Périgord Pourpre (Monestier), 27 holes, Par 72
Set in the heart of a 16th-century wine estate, this 27-hole course is arguably the region's most iconic. The fairways weave through the Bergerac vineyards for a golf-and-wine experience unlike any other in the Dordogne.
Golf de Souillac — Périgord Noir (Dordogne Valley), 18 holes, Par 71
On the edge of the Périgord Noir, overlooking the Dordogne Valley, this course offers breathtaking panoramas. Several tee shots over the valley remain unforgettable moments — best combined with a visit to the great sites of the Périgord Noir (Sarlat, Beynac, Castelnaud).
Golf in Brantôme country, in the Périgord Vert
The Périgord Vert, in the north of the Dordogne, offers more secluded golf with a rare sense of serenity. Chestnut forests and clear rivers line less crowded courses, where it is still possible to play a full round without meeting a soul.
The proximity of Brantôme — nicknamed the "Venice of the Périgord" for its cave abbeys and canals — lets you pair a morning of golf with an afternoon of cultural discovery. The facilities are more modest, but the authenticity is all the greater for it.
The 19th hole begins at the table: Périgord gastronomy
No golfing stay in the Périgord would be complete without immersing yourself in its food. The region is one of the richest in France, and the more ambitious clubhouses understand that the 19th hole gladly carries on at the table.
- Périgord black truffle: the "black diamond", queen of the undergrowth (season December to February; the Sorges truffle market is 10 minutes from the estate).
- Foie gras: duck or goose, served as a terrine, pan-seared or in a pie.
- Bergerac AOC: rounded, fruity red wines, the perfect partner for game and Périgord cooking.
- Pommes sarladaises: potatoes pan-fried in duck fat with garlic and parsley — the signature side dish.
- Chestnut: flour, cream, jam — a uniquely indulgent autumn.
- Périgord walnut (AOP): as oil, in halves, or in the famous Périgord walnut cake.
When is the best season to play golf in the Dordogne?
The Périgord enjoys a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. Golf can be played year-round, but each season has its own appeal.
- Winter: quiet courses, preferential rates, and it's also peak truffle season.
- Spring: the ideal season — exceptional greenery, mild temperatures, lengthening days.
- Summer: peak attendance; book very early morning tee times (before 10 am) to avoid the heat.
- Autumn: sublime colours across the fairways, still-mild temperatures, harvest time in the Bergerac vineyards.
Planning your golf trip to the Périgord: 5 practical tips
A few recommendations to make the most of a golfing stay in the Dordogne.
- Book ahead: in July and August, green fees at the most popular courses (Château des Vigiers, La Marterie) sell out weeks in advance.
- Rent a car: the clubs are scattered across the whole county. Without a vehicle, the Périgord is hard to get around.
- Combine châteaux and golf: many clubs offer packages bundled with visits to the Dordogne's châteaux (Beynac, Castelnaud, Hautefort, Bourdeilles).
- Play midweek: courses are far quieter outside weekends, and rates are often 20–30% lower.
- Stay hydrated: in high summer the heat can be intense. Plan to play before 10 am or after 5 pm, and always carry a large bottle of water.
Domaine de Pouzelande, the ideal base for a golf trip in the Dordogne
Set in the Périgord Blanc, 15 minutes from Périgueux and right next to Golf de la Marterie and Golf de Périgueux, Domaine de Pouzelande makes the perfect base for exploring every course in the county. Our charming guest rooms and gîtes, the 2-hectare wooded park, the two swimming pools and the private tennis court make the ideal setting to recover after a day on the greens.