Golf de l’Ailette

Lac is Ailette’s main course, a rolling Michel Gayon 18-hole layout between a large lake, woodland and the historic Chemin des Dames landscape.

Golf de l’Ailette opened in the mid-1980s and celebrated forty years in 2026. Michel Gayon, one of Picardy’s most active course architects, designed a layout using lake and surrounding valleys. The club later became part of a broader tourism destination with hotel and leisure activity. The course lies at Cerny-en-Laonnois near Laon, Chemin des Dames and Lake Ailette. Holes alternate lakeside ground, forest, climbs and descents. The landscape carries deep First World War history but is now exceptionally green.

Gayon uses water as visual and strategic interest without making it constant. Doglegs, bunkers and elevation require precise landing zones. Par fives are long and several par threes demand carries to narrow or raised greens. FFGolf publishes 6,115 metres, par 72, men’s Course Rating 73. 6 and Slope 138. The back nine is longer than the front and contains major challenges, including long par fives and exposed approaches.

The golf operates year-round, hosts competition and Grand Prix events, and offers covered and grass practice, buggies, dining, seminars and nearby hotel. Its position between Reims, Soissons and Laon supports golf stays. 18 holes; par 72; 6,115 metres; Michel Gayon; opened around 1986; Course Rating 73. 6; Slope 138; lake and woodland.