Mike,
Activity is definitely picking up, but most projects seem to still be in the veeery long planning stages (4-7years). Plenty of gossip, but confirmed projects include :
18 at St-Emilion, originally to be designed by D. Kidd who recently pulled out due to other commitments. The developer, who I think has good taste, told me last week that they now have a well known American, didn't want to say who until confirmation.
36 at Sangate (links site), Kyle Phillips has been named but I have no idea when construction will start.
The Americans are highly regarded and have the edge on European architects for the big projects. D. Thomas is the exception and may do another 18 at Terre Blanche, only if the other 36 is not destroyed by ecologists who are apparently well placed in a fierce legal battle, serious stuff.
Apart from that, I heard of a recent visit by B. Coore, maybe the new St-Emilion man, I don't know for sure. Trent Jones and von Hagge have always been the two big favorites in France, I'm sure they'll be back soon.
Smaller projects are keeping a handful of france based architects ticking over. Historic courses are certainly showing a lot of interest for renovation/remodelling, as architectural awarness is now being transmitted and translated by a few of us anglophones.
Steve,
Robert Berthet designed the course, Golf de Mācon La Salle. I only have this pic of a foot, but it's a start and maybe already too much for a foot fetishist.
