Where to stay: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Sault - Hotel d'Albion

Townhouse hotel ideally placed for an assault on Ventoux

If you're travelling with a bike, the Hotel d'Albion is a good choice. It's got good bike storage and a hire shop nearby. The hotel itself has free wifi and a bar with views across the town and lavender fields beyond. A cyclist who stayed here told us the hotel staff were friendly and helped organise taxis and other bits and bobs. No air-conditioning, though, so ask for a room on the lower floors, which are apparently cooler.

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Séguret (Mont Ventoux) - Hotel Domaine de Cabasse

Charming hotel on the Cote du Rhone wine route

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St Tropez - Camping La Rouillère

Shady campsite set in woodlands near St Tropez

Camping La Rouillère is a 3-star campsite at Ramatuelle on the Cote d’Azur – close to the glitz of Saint-Tropez 9km away. A camping pitch here is about a cheap as it gets in this neck of the woods. Set among the vines and the woods, this is a peaceful retreat with creature comforts including a secure bike room, wifi, a restaurant/bar, and a mini-shop for daily bread and supplies. Pitches, as well as fixed tents, and self-catering cabins and mobile homes. 

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St Tropez - Hotel Le Mouillage

A spot of chic seaside glamour

A charming and colourful oasis nestled by the sea, this quirky place has its own gardens and pool with vistas of the sea. Free wifi, air-conditioning as well as modern flat screen satellite TVs and iPod docking stations. Choose a room with views of the garden, pool or sea (rooms also have private terraces or balconies). Short walk to bike ride to explore the village, port and Bouillabaisse beach. The hotel works with cycle tour operators so is used to welcoming cyclists. Lots also to do for non-cyclists and families.

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St Tropez - Pierre & Vacances L’Anse De Pramousquier

Apartments on the Med between Toulon and St Tropez

Studios and apartments sleeping up to 5 adults and set in a 1.5 hectare park overlooking the sea. Halfway between Toulon and St Tropez, this is a beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean, with some great coastal rides. Book well ahead in summer and during French school holidays as it gets busy around here. As with all Pierre & Vacances properties, it's possible to lock your bike in your apartment overnight.

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Vars - Logis Chalet-Hôtel Alpage et Spa (Sainte Marie)

Chalet and spa on the Col de Vars, a Tour de France climb

The Chalet-Hotel Alpage & Spa in the village of Sainte Marie is a nice base for riding the Col de Vars, a Tour de France climb. Set near a winter ski resort, this area of the southern Alps is a quieter corner for road biking plus a scenic MTB area. The hotel – as the name suggests – has a spa, including sauna, hammam and hot tub. Massages available after a day on the bike. Onsite restaurant. Free wifi. Free parking if you're arriving by car.  Bike storage.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Vence - Hotel Le Floréal (west of Nice)

Within striking distance of Nice on the French Riviera

Le Floréal hotel is located 1km from the Vence town centre and 17km from Nie airport. This is an ideal cycling base just west of the Nice city centre. It has a dedicated cycling policy and has hosted Tour de France teams (both in and outside of the event itself). The hotel has a secure bike shed for up to 50 bikes, there is a terrace for bike maintenance and it has local bike shop partners for hire and repairs. There is a buffet breakfast and bar, pool plus lots of other mod cons. Great access to the Provence countryside and local bike routes. Ask for their bike file with maps and other info.

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Villar-dʼArêne - Logis Hotel Le Faranchin

Traditional mountain hotel on the route to Col du Lauteret

Nestled in the High Alps, Hotel Le Faranchin provides a nice base from which to explore the traditional village of Villar d'Arène. It's located at the end of Serre-chevalier/Briançon Valley and on the route to Col du Lauteret. There's free wifi, a sauna, hot tub, views of the Meije glacier and – most importantly for those of us needing a boost – a recharging point for electric bikes. You can choose from the buffet breakfast, which is available daily, and also eat of an evening at the hotel's own restaurant, which offers traditional cuisine. This is a small family-run hotel with 30 rooms and a locked garage for bikes. There is also a children's playground.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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