In the Yvelines region, this stunning golf course is home to historic remains

In Chambourcy, in the Yvelines, Joyenval Golf isn't just a sports venue. Nestled on the edge of a forest, its courses wind through the quiet ruins of a 13th-century abbey. An unexpected fusion of golf and heritage.

It's not every day you stumble upon a medieval monastery while out hitting a few balls. Yet, in this peaceful corner of Yvelines, the Joyenval Golf Course offers just such a surprising discovery. Just a few kilometers from Paris, its fairways gently border the remains of an abbey that has stood for over 700 years.

The Joyenval Golf Course is nestled along the edge of the Marly Forest, set in a rolling, wooded landscape. Built in the 1990s, it features two courses designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., a distinguished name in the world of golf.

Long before the clubs and golf courses, these lands were home to the Joyenval Abbey, established around 1224. It housed canons of the Premonstratensian order in a tranquil setting ideal for religious life. Over the centuries, the abbey welcomed devout visitors and notable figures, only to fall into neglect like many other historic sites after the French Revolution.

Dans les Yvelines, cet étonnant terrain de golf abrite des vestiges historiques — Sigoise

Today, only remnants of the old abbey remain: a few sections of walls and traces of the church. The ruins are not visible from outside the golf course. As you stroll through the estate, you can sometimes catch glimpses of these nearly swallowed-up remnants, hidden by the surrounding vegetation. They have been designated as Historical Monuments since 1945.

Contrary to what one might think, Joyenval Golf Club is not entirely closed off to the public. While it operates as a private club, it also welcomes outside visitors from Tuesday to Thursday (and on Fridays between July 16 and August 16). Golfers need to hold a membership with the French Golf Federation to book a tee time and explore the course. It’s a rare opportunity to stroll through a landscape that is both athletic and historic, without necessarily being a club member.

Note: The club enforces a strict dress code, which is common in private golf courses. Jeans, short shorts, T-shirts without collars, and athletic wear are not permitted. A traditional golf outfit is required both on the course and in the clubhouse. It’s highly recommended to review the dress code guidelines before your visit.

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In the Yvelines, this remarkable golf course is home to historic remnants

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