“The proximity of the Southern Alps protects us from the mistral and retains the warm Mediterranean air,” explains Didier Revilliod, the director of the Saint-Donat golf course. A setting located in the hinterland of Cannes, near Grasse, with manicured greens even in February. Which makes it one of the privileged playgrounds and training grounds for Victor Dubuisson, Romain Langasque or Nicolas Colsaert at this time of year.

Reduced rates with the Côte d'Azur golfs pass

If the city of Cannes is surrounded by three golf courses, there are no less than 16 courses at 1h15 drive maximum. The site https://dev.cotedazur-golfs.com/ offers discounts of up to 30% on all of these golf courses (and not the least), including Terre Blanche, Dolce Fregate and Royal Mougins.

5 Star Relaxation

After your 18 holes, you can relax in the marine thermal baths of the Radisson Blu in Cannes, certainly among the most sumptuous in France. At a drive-length from the Palais des Festivals, the swimming pool puts you in awe. Equipped with a course with a wide variety of massage jets, it gives the impression of jumping into the Mediterranean. Three floors of pure well-being with, among other things, state-of-the-art massage chairs, a gourmet and nature table or a sensory shower: lights, smells, music, jets and different temperatures on the program. *

Sporty Cannes

Cannes is a city that loves sport, like its mayor, David Lisnard, who does not hesitate to run marathons. And since life isn't all about golf (yes, yes!), You can stretch your legs along the coastline. Several kilometers of cycle paths are also being finalized by the sea and a sports course, with fitness areas and weight machines, attracts both 7 and 77 year olds.

In the heights of the city, the forest park of La Croix des Gardes has a fitness trail and several hiking trails in the heart of the pine forest and mimosas. As you walk, closely watched by squirrels and parakeets, you come across the remains of an American bomber shot down in August 1944. The top of the park offers a unique panorama of the Esterel to the west and the Maritime Alps with their snow-capped peaks to the east.

If the little yellow ball tickles you as much as the little white ball, you can also hop over to Sophia Antipolis and the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, a true champion's factory, where budding Federations from all over the world come to train. At this time of year, it is not uncommon to meet Serena Williams, of whom Mouratoglou is the coach, or Novak Djokovic, who resides in Monaco.

Ski slopes like 19^e hole?

From tennis racket to snow racket, there is only one step. Or rather a ski. A 1h30 drive, three stations are open in the Mercantour natural park between late November and early April: Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg. The latter also has a 9-hole golf course, which may increase to 18 in the years to come. It is even possible to play 3 holes on the snow in winter, a unique experience! With 56 tracks with a total length of 90 km, at the top of which you can see Corsica on a clear day, Valberg (http://www.valberg.com/) is a ski resort where something often happens. Like the Festival du Rire en Montagne this week or biathlon introductions, which take place during school holidays.

As you will have understood, if you are a golfer and a bit athletic, the Côte d'Azur extends its tanned arms to you in winter. Little chance that you will be bored.

* A good plan: each year for two separate weeks, the spas of luxury hotels in the region offer a “happy spa week” offer with very attractive prices. Next offer from March 19 to 25, 2018. https://www.happyspaweek-cotedazur.com/

Frank Crudo

Practical information Golf pass:

The Pass is accessible via the internet portal www.cotedazur-golfs.com, a complete platform on the golfing offer and news of the Côte d'Azur.

This site also offers a great deal of information and files on what makes this unique destination with multiple sectors (sea-mountain-city) attractive: its art of living. The Pass Côte d'Azur Golfs Pays de Grasse is also available from golf courses, accommodation providers and partner hotels.

“For the first year, we plan to bring together no less than 300 partners, golf courses of course, but also“ golf friendly ”players in tourism, leisure and the art of living. We are associated with the Côte d'Azur France brand. With this label and the Partners Club, we are thus creating an extraordinary network on this historic tourist destination, ”specifies marketing director Gilles Rubinstein.

The formulas

Autumn winter :

from November 1 to March 31

Formula 2 green fees

• 9-hole course from € 65
• 18 laps route from 110 €

Formula 4 green fees

• 9-hole course from € 135
• 18-hole course from € 220

Spring-summer:

April 1 to October 31

Formula 4 green fees

• 9-hole course from € 135
• 18-hole course from € 220

Note:

• 2 green fees, valid 7 days after using the first coupon
• 4 green fees, valid 14 days after using the first coupon

The other Passes

The Provence Golf Pass: It gives access to 19 courses in five departments of the PACA region. It is offered by Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur Tourisme. It is sold in booklets of 5 or 3 green fees at a fixed price. golfpass.eu/#/en

Mandelieu Golf Pass: For a price of € 162, it gives access to the town's two prestigious golf courses: the Old Course and the Riviera Golf de Barbossi. www.boutique-mandelieu.com

Opio Pass Golf: For a total amount of € 455, it entitles you to seven green fees on two 18-hole courses at Opio, the golf courses at Opio Valbonne and the Grande Bastide.

More information on  www.cotedazurfrance.fr