Go north and keep cool

Head for the coasts of northern France to keep cool this summer

For once, the obvious attraction of the consistent and warm weather of southern Europe is not as appealing as perhaps a cooling seaside breeze.

So my advice this summer is to stay close to the coasts and think north, not south.   Think North Sea and the English Channel instead of the Mediterranean and Aegean.

So where are the best “warm but not baking”  destinations for golfers?   Just across the Channel you can either turn left and head for the Cote d’Opale in Northern France with its three European Top 50 golf courses, huge beaches and mesmerising views of the Channel.   You can’t go wrong with Le Touquet, Hardelot and Wimereux with their variety of accommodations and eateries.  

Turn right at Calais, and drive up to the smart seaside resort of Knokke near Bruges where you’ll find the wonderful links of Royal Zoute, as well as Royal Ostend and a couple of pretty tracks inland.  Three hours beyond Knokke and you’re on the west coast of the Netherlands where golfers are spoilt with three European Top 20 golf courses (all links) and the charming beach resort of Noordwijk.

All three destinations are easy to get to by car so you can stock up on goodies and avoid the hassle and cost of summer flights.   Hotel prices don’t shoot up in summer either and the green-fees represent terrific value.  You can head to Northern France and Belgium for as little as two nights, I would suggest four nights or more if Noordwijk takes your fancy.

So keep cool and head north for the best value and the most appealing climate this summer.