Champ de Bataille is one of Normandy's standout parkland rounds, recognised as the region's finest by European Golf Magazine in 2005. It's often mentioned in the same breath as Wentworth and Woburn, and once you're on the first tee you can see why. American designer Robin Nelson worked with French landscape architect Thierry Huau to produce a layout that feels established, mature and properly thought through.
This is not a course that asks you to overpower it. The best scores come from picking sensible targets, shaping tee shots into the right parts of the fairway and being sharp with your irons. Tree-lined corridors frame plenty of holes, bunkering is used well to make you think and there are a few moments where water comes into play if you get too greedy. Pick good lines off the tee. Miss them and you'll be playing defensively.
The changes in elevation are subtle but they matter, especially on approaches where the angle into the green can dictate whether you're putting for birdie or scrambling for par. The greens have enough movement to keep things interesting without feeling unfair, so good pace control is rewarded. When conditions are at their best, you'll get plenty of run from the fairways and receptive greens for well-struck approaches.
For a golf break in northern France, Champ de Bataille is a brilliant centrepiece round. It suits mixed-ability groups from the forward tees, while better players can step back and enjoy a sterner test when the wind gets up.
Who is this for?
Golfers after a high-quality Normandy parkland course that pairs nicely with a few days exploring the coast and historic towns nearby.
Who is it best for?
Players who enjoy strategy, course management and proper green complexes rather than a simple "hit it as far as you can" test.
