Sporty Adventures in France: Polo, Skiing, Surfing & more

A course that unfolds between the Lake Geneva and the French mountainside—it's no wonder the Evian Masters take refuge here. The scenic course take up 150 acres of wooded countryside, and while it's relaxing rather than endurance play, the course still has its fair share of challenges; water hazards, narrow fairways and a varied landscape. A bit rusty on your strokes? Head over to the Training Center, which offers eight specific training “modules”—everything from Top Green Speed to Target shots. All of this is set in the grounds of an old-fashioned hotel with a spa and a beautiful infinity pool

Green fees from €45 for guests.

One of the most elite golf courses of our time—non-members may only play the famed 18-hole Robert von Hagge-designed course a maximum of five times a year. Located 10 minutes by car outside Cannes, the 6,600 yard course takes advantage of the lush hills and valleys punctuated by olive trees and stone terraces; an athletic challenge is in store for all levels of play, whether you're challenging someone to a game, or honing your skills with the resident pros. When you're done, relax in the Kelly Hoppen-designed clubhouse.

Green fees from €150 for guests.

Do you know your Aerials from your Zero Breaks? If not, head to the Basque Coast to perfect your surfing skills. André Plumcoq was an original Tonton Surfeur—a hero of the French surf movement of the sixties. Plumcoq's son, Marc, carries on his father's legacy with a highly-respected surf school in Biarritz—home of the most spectacular waves in all of France. Lessons for surfers of all levels are available and all equipment necessary is included.

One hour private lessons from €80.

A natural spectacle of lakes and valleys intertwined with precise landscape design by Robin Nelson and Thierry Huau makes this course a pleasure to see—plus, European Golf Magazine boasts Champ de Bataille as the best golf course in Normandy. After a relaxing day on the fairway take a seat at the club's gourmet restaurant and partake in smoked herring, or even veal with gribiche sauce—a perfect conclusion to a day on the links.

Green fees from €25 for under 25s, €30 for over 25s.

Learning to ski can make or break your potential love for the favorite winter-time activity. For people who want to take things more slowly, or need extra reassurance, the Scaredy Cat Ski Programme has been launched by Snowline and VIP chalets in conjunction with the Oxygène ski school; three afternoon sessions designed for skiers who like to take things nice and slow. You'll be put into groups of no more than three people and patient instructors will help you to enjoy a productive week of skiing.

Rates from €145 per person.

Corsica might not be the first place to spring to mind when you think of golf, but on the south coast, hugging the Mediterranean sea and climbing among the rocky maquis you'll find one of Robert Trent Jones' masterpieces. The centrepiece of the chic Domaine de Sperone estate (rent a villa if you;re in for the long haul), there are 18 holes; nine and nine links, with a par of 72. Try not to get too distracted by the scenery, you'll need to concentrate on this course and there is a lot of bush land and a number of unusual holes—like hole 10 where you;re got to have a drive good enough to carry over the water. Coaching and courses are available the whole year round. If you're left feeling little hungry, the clubhouse offers a lounge, bar and restaurant with views over the course, the Lavezzi Islands and the Sardinian archipelago.

Green Fees from €60.