Golf du Val de Sorne

Golf du Val de Sorne: Occupying a wonderfully quiet and scenic location in the foothills of the Jura mountains, this challengingly laid out golf course will test and delight golfers of all abilities. At times demandingly tight, at others less so, the constant elevation changes create many elevated tees and greens, a few blind shots and immensely picturesque views onto the surrounding rural idyll.

Hugues Lambert has crafted many excellent holes, with precision driving required on several occasions. A mainly undulating and tree-lined front-nine, flattens out at the turn, with the par-5 10th, long par-3 11th and short par-4 12th played alongside the Sorne - more of a burbling stream than full-blooded river.

The layout's scenic climax comes after a demanding climb at the par-4 13th and long, uphill 14th. Known as the "hole of the four churches", the dog-legging par-5 14th gives you the chance to inspect local vineyards, count the churches on your way up and look out over the fabulous valley. The view on your way back down at the plunging par-3 15th and very testing, water defended par-4 16th is stunning - rural France at its best. The partly wooded hills are complemented by the neighbouring village of Moiron, which delightfully graces the backdrop on the closing stretch.

At over 6800 yards from the tips and with often smallish, circular greens, good greenside bunkering and a great collection of testing par-3s, Val de Sorne is well worth the stopover if you are in the area or travelling the Dijon-Lyon motorway, just 15 km away.