Terre Blanche Golf Club (Riou course)

Terre Blanche Golf Club (Riou course): For guests staying at the luxurious Terre Blanche hotel, there's the chance to play the resort's private Riou course. Similar in style to the fabulous Chateau course (which now accepts some outside visitor play), the supporting 18-hole Riou layout was also designed by Englishman Dave Thomas. It provides a slightly shorter, tighter and more technical challenge than its sibling.

Occupying equally undulating and scenic terrain, the Riou also offers many wonderful views onto the surrounding mosaic of tree-clad hills and medieval villages. Two of the best panorama's come at the green of the uphill par-5 6th hole and tee-box of the short dog-legging par-4 7th. From these vantage points you look onto the villages of Fayence and Calliou, which nestle in the stunning forested hills of this classically Provencal countryside.

On the course, many stylishly bunkered holes lead you to good-size undulating greens. Getting down in two is never guaranteed. Although taking its name from a local river, the Riou doesn't threaten with too many water hazards, until you arrive at the closing hole on both nine-hole loops. At the excellent par-4 9th and signature par-5 18th you'll find the fairways are flanked from tee to green by cascading water features.

Like its companion Chateau course, this is another fine layout. Perhaps the only thing that looks out of place is a row of robot-like security cameras at the par-4 2nd, which bear an uncanny resemblance to something from "Star Wars".