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The 400-year-old Château des Vigiers makes a majestic centerpiece for this charming course located in the wine country of southwestern France, where golfers can enjoy exquisite French cuisine and local wines after a day out on the fairways.

British golf architect Donald Steel, whose designs reflect an overriding respect for existing landscapes, created a highly traditional layout for the site, preserving the lakes, vineyards and mature plum and oak trees that surround the chateau. The course is maintained with a short rough to make it more accessible to golfers with higher handicaps, though slick, undulating greens present ample challenges on most holes. In addition to the primary 18-hole course, the property has a six-hole academy course with two par 4s and four par 3s.

The chateau itself has been extensively remodeled as part of a 53-room four-star resort with two restaurants, a spa and fitness center, a heated outdoor pool and two tennis courts. Bed and breakfast rates vary seasonally, ranging from 155 to 315 euros (about $200 to $410) for single or double occupancy in the chateau and adjacent outbuildings, or 600 to 750 euros (about $780 to $980) for four-person lakeside cottages nearby. From October through April, room rates include complimentary rounds of golf, while non-guests pay a green fee of 45 euros, including lunch for golfers with tee times after 2 pm. During the summer high season, the green fee is 65 euros, or 50 euros for hotel guests.