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Canal du Midi - Pause Canal

Toulousaine-style B&B on the Canal du Midi

The Pause Canal B&B is located right on the banks of the Canal du Midi, just 20km east of Toulouse. The owners are well used to helping cyclists, with two rooms available, plus a pool and large garden. Breakfast can be served outside on the terrace and there's a microwave in each room for guest use. Packed lunches are also available for your pannier. Free wifi. English and French spoken.

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Canal du Nivernais - Charity Cottage

Burgundy cottage free of charge in exchange for a charity donation

Stay just 4 miles from the beautiful Canal du Nivernais and support a good cause while you're there. Rosemary and John Rabson offer their cottage in the beautiful Morvan National Park area of Burgungy free of charge; instead of paying rent, guests are asked to make a donation of their choice to Combat Stress, the charity that works with ex-servicemen and women. (Gift Aid can add to the donations of UK taxpayers.) The cottage, which sleeps up to five people and is just 4 miles from the Canal du Nivernais, has secure bike parking in the locked garage. Rosemary and John can offer local advice and support during your stay.

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Candé-sur-Beuvron - Auberge de la Caillere (Loire Valley bike route)

Good Loire Valley option between Amboise and Blois

Auberge de la Caillere is on the Loire Valley bike route between Amboise and Blois. It has been recommended to us by a cyclist who stayed there. "It was a great place to stay, the owners both speak excellent English, are very helpful and welcoming, and run the place very well," writes Ruth. "The cycle storage is purpose-built and locked at night. Our room was comfortable rather than smart, but clean, quiet, well-equipped and reasonably spacious. We had one breakfast, which was a typical continental buffet, costing about €12 per person. There’s a good bakery not far away, though, where you can get croissants etc." There is also a restaurant on site. Ruth describes it as "a fabulous but expensive treat of a dinner, which you must book in advance as the restaurant is well-patronised and always full." The auberge is not very far from the village of Cande-sur-Beuvron and the owners are happy to recommend other good local restaurants. "We really enjoyed the stay and the area and plan to return again," says Ruth.

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Cannes - Mouans Sartoux Ibis

Affordable hotel option within reach of the French Riviera

Located 10km north of Cannes, this is an affordable option near one of France's most expensive resorts. Free wifi. Pool. Breakfast buffet. 24-hour snacks. Hotel bar. The hotel has a locked garage available for bike storage. Garden and terrace areas.

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Cannes - Novotel Cannes Montfleury

Four-star Cannes hotel with pool and massage facilities

Well-appointed 4-star accommodation a short ride from Croisette Beach. Two onsite restaurants, plus lounge and cocktail bar. Swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and a relaxation area with massages. Rooms (which can sleep up to 4 people) have panoramic views of the sea. Free wifi. French, English, Italian, Spanish and German spoken. There is a private underground carpark with safe cycle storage, plus a locked baggage area in the hotel proper. Help with bike hire and route information available at reception.

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Cannes - Pullman Mandelieu Royal Casino

Add a little luxury to your French cycling adventure on the Med coast

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Cap Ferret - Le Saint-Eloi

Bike-friendly hotel on Arcachon Bay near Cap Ferret

Friendly hotel just 100m from the Bay of Arcachon. With great access to Cap Ferret and to routes around the bay, it's ideally located for anyone cycling this section of the Atlantic Coast. Onsite restaurant serving local food. Free wifi. Some rooms have balcanies with view of the bay.

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Capbreton - Baya Hotel & Spa

Ocean views from hotel and spa on Atlantic Coast bike route

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Capendu - Hotel Restaurant Le Top du Roulier

Hotel at Capendu, south of the Canal du Midi at Marseillette

Le Top du Roulier has hosted Tour de France teams – Tom Dumoulin and Warren Barguil's Giant Alpecin team stayed here when the Tour passed through in 2016, so we humbly submit that if it's good enough for those guys, then it's probably good enough for the rest of us too. It has comforatble rooms, plus a well-regarded local restaurant with a variety of menus (including special menus for mini-cyclists). Filling breakfast with various pastries and breads on offer. Free wifi. Within easy reach of the Canal du Midi at Marseillette.

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Capestang - Les Portes du Soleil

Canalside B&B

With a pool to relax in and a hearty breakfast to get you started, Les Portes Soleil is recommended for anyone cycling or boating along the Canal du Midi. They are used to warmly welcoming cyclists and also have bikes available for hire if needed. Free wifi. 

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Carcans - Le Medoc Bleu

Accueil velo-accredited campsite on the Atlantic Coast

Le Medoc Bleu is part of the Flower Campings network of independently owned campsites with fewer than 300 pitches. This one has just 121 pitches, making it one of the smaller ones on the Atlantic Coast. It's 3-star and an ideal stop on the Atlantic Coast EuroVelo 1 bike route. There are pitches for tents and camping cars, as well as mobiile homes and log cabins for self-caterers. Heated outdoor pool, 5km from Carcans-Hourtin (France’s largest freshwater lake). Children’s activities. Close to Lacanau, it offers peace and quiet in spacious grounds dotted with oaks and sweet chestnuts. This area of France - well within reach of Bordeaux and an ideal stop on the Bordeaux-La Rocelle Ride, is a favourite summer holiday destination for Freewheeling France and her mini-cyclists. 

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Carcassonne - Hotel Le Donjon

Beautifully restored hotel in the heart of Carcassonne's Old Town

Hilde and Heather stayed here when they cycled the Canal du Midi – and they loved it. "What a fabulous start to our cycle ride down the Canal du Midi," Hilde wrote. "This hotel is an ancient building right in the middle of Carcassonne – its location could not be better." Helpful staff, secure bike store, comfortable (read: luxurious) rooms and hearty breakfasts. "Dark polished wood, beautiful fabrics, deep carpets, the odd suit of armour ... OK, OK, it's very touristy (remember this *is* one of France's most popular tourist towns), but it is very tastefully done. We loved it!" Free wifi, Onsite (cocktail) bar and restaurant. Peaceful gardens (all rooms look out over the gardens or the citadel). A hotel shuttle bus operates from the station or up from the old town gates. French, English anf Spanish spoken. You can read Hilde's full review here.

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Carcassonne – Hotel de la Cité

A luxurious end to a day on the bike with a splash of class in Carcassonne

Add a little luxury to your visit to the spectacular city of Carcassonne with a stay at the impressive Hotel de la Cité in the heart of the medieval fortress. Built in the 19th century in neo-gothic style, this hotel is full of surprises, with secret doors and passages, and patio and gardens with trees over a hundred years old. Eat in the Michelin-starred restaurant, La Barbacane, take a dip in the pool, or have a massage. Bike storage available in the hotel. The official website listed here has a best price guarantee.

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Carnac - Camping La Grande Métairie

Campsite near Carnac with on-site cabins sleeping upto 8

Cycle 2 miles down the road from your cabin to the ancient standing stones at Carnac, or explore any number of quiet cycling trails around this beautiful corner of Brittany. Cycling tours of the local area can be booked on-site and there are also free 'learn-to-ride' classes for kids aged 3-6. Click the link below to find out more about onsite self-catering cabins sleeping up to 8 people, or click here if you have your own tent, caravan or campervan.

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Carnac - Hôtel Celtique et Spa

Comfortable coastal hotel ideal for exploring the Brittany coast

Relaxing base on the Brittany coast, a mere 50 metres from the Atlantic Coast. Great base also from which to ride out to the famous Carnac standing stones. As its name suggests, the Hôtel Celtique et Spa has its own wellness centre, including indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. Onsite restaurant and bar + games area. Management tell me they offer bike hire to guests, and safe and secure bike parking if you arrive under your own steam. Free wifi. French and English spoken.  

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Carpentras - Le Comtadin (Ventoux)

Bike-friendly hotel on leisure routes near Ventoux

This is a nice base for exploring the vineyard and river leisure routes around Ventoux. Le Comtadin is set in a lovingly restored 18th century building near the Carpentras city centre (try and time your visit for the weekly Friday market). There's a lovely courtyard garden for breakfast or to relax in before/after a ride, plus a lounge bar for evening relaxation. The hotel tells me that bikes can be safely locked in the hotel's secure room. There are also route maps and itineraries available at reception. Doubles and triples available. French and English spoken.

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Casteljaloux - Camping Moulin de Campech

Peaceful lakeside campsite close to the Garonne river south of Marmande

With a focus on peace and quiet, Camping Moulin de Campech is located in a wooded valley complete with 16th century watermill. The mill is located on the river Ourbise which provides delightful background sounds of running water, and a home for local flora and fauna. The site itself has a heated pool set away from the large pitches to maintain the sense of tranquility. The mill is home to a popular restaurant, bar and terrace. The area is rich in cycling and walking opportunities and the English-speaking owners can supply further details about paths and trails. There's also a trout fishing lake and unspoit local towns waiting to be explored.

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Castelnaudary - Maison du Cassoulet

Hearty food served at this hotel on the Canal du Midi

Maison du Cassoulet is in Castelnaudary, a regular stop on the popular Canal du Midi bike route. Just 300 metres from the canal, it's a handy stop that also has a restaurant serving regional cuisine. The star dish, as the name suggests, is the cassoulet – a dish unique to this part of the world. There is also a kids' menu. Maison du Cassoulet sees a lot of cyclists, thanks to its location, and there is a bike storage area as a result. Free wifi in the rooms. A Continental breakfast is offered in the restaurant each morning, plus there's a bar with terrace for post-ride drinks and pre-ride planning.

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Catalonia - Camping Verneda (Spanish border)

Camping and self-catering cabins within reach of Bagnères-de-Luchon

Tucked just over the Spanish border and within reach of the high Pyrenees cols from Bagnères-de-Luchon is the lovely Camping Verneda. There is plenty of room for tents and campervans, plus a great range of self-catering bungalows and cabins at affordable prices. Super family friendly (there are two children's playground areas). Onsite bar and restuarant. Mini-supermarket for supplies. Games room. Pool. Onsite mountain bike hire. This is a lovely option alongside a mountain river stream and handy to some of the best bike routes on both sides of the Pyrenees.   

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Cavaillon - Hotel Mercure

4-star hotel a short ride from the centre of Cavaillon

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Cavaillon - Pont Royal en Provence

Self-catering apartments and houses for up to 8 people SE of Cavaillon

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Central Pyrenees – Pyrenees Cycling Holiday Gite (Port de Bales, Peyresourde)

Self-contained cottage in a rural setting; run by keen cyclists

Cyclists Claudia and Hugues would love to host you in the foothills of the Pyrenees. They have a beautifully restored self-contained cottage for 4 people (with 10x5m pool and mountain views). In the central Pyrenees on the border with the Hautes Pyrenees, they have access to some of the best cycling in France – from pan flat routes to lovely rolling hills and Tour de France cols. The start of the Port de Balès, either side of the Col de Mente and the Col d'Aspin, and the Portet de Aspet are all around 30km away. Superbagnères, the Portillon and the Peyresoude are within reach, while even the Tourmalet is a 150km round trip (a great day in the saddle). Or ask Claudia and Hugues about the lovely local rides through the beautiful Baronnies, a challenging landscape that sits in front of the Aspin and Tourmalet (and a true hidden gem). Free wifi. Storage/workshop, plus loads of local knowledge. English, French, Italian and German spoken.

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Ceret - Mas Pallagourdi (SW of Perpignan)

A self-catered retreat focusing on cycling, yoga, hiking and wellness

Ceret is an undiscovered cycling paradise (at least until the 2021 Tour de France passes through). Just 30km south-west of Perpignan and 27km from Argelès-sur-Mer, it offers access to both the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. The area is steeped in history. From the door you can ride local roads to cross the French-Spanish border via the village of La Vajol – the same road refugees used to escape Franco during the Spanish Civil War (a memorial marks their passage). Or cycle down into Ceret itself and pick up the cycle track that runs up the Vallespir valley to Col d'Ares. There are other easier and shorter routes taking in pretty towns such as Thuir and its wine domains. The cycle track also extends in the opposite direction towards the coast. It's a delightful (and flat) ride through vineyards from to Argeles and the Med. From there you can cycle along the coast to Collioure, famous for its artistic heritage. Marian offers Mas Pallagourdi as a self-catered base for cyclists, or you can combine a cycling stay with yoga classes. There is an apartment that sleeps five, with additional accommodation up to a total of 17. English and French spoken.

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Chalon-sur-Saone - Camping Pont de Bourgogne

Riverside site close to Burgundy's canal towpaths and EuroVelo 6

This is a quiet site ideal for either a stopover or a slightly longer stay to appreciate the nearby famous wine region and historical towns. It also offers the chance to meander through lovely villages and vineyards by cycling the 31km canal-side voie verte, which starts in Chalon-sur-Saone, just over 2km away, and goes to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune. From Chalon-sur-Saone you can also access other parts of Burgundy's network of bike greenways (voies vertes), including the Canal du Centre, which forms part of EuroVelo 6. This town also has a beautiful cathedral and a highly regarded market three times a week. A restaurant/bar is available on-site and golf/bowling can be found close-by.

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Chambery - Aix-les-Bains Best Western Aquakub

Ride the shores of Lake Bourget and relax waterside afterwards

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Chambery - Hotel des Princes

Stylish Chambery hotel set in a beautifully restored convent building

Hotel des Princes is a beautifully presented hotel set in an old convent that dates back to 1471. It's been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. Located in the heart of the old part of Chambery, it's handy to local restaurants and bars, plus it's only 800m from the train station. Great option for groups, with some suites comfortably sleeping up to 6 adults. Onsite spa, jacuzzi and sauna, plus massage service. Management welcomes cyclists and says bikes can be safely stored inside the hotel. Free wifi (plus there's a computer available for guest use). Full buffet breakfast. French and English spoken.

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Chancia - Camping La Presqu'Île du Jura

Camping on the banks of the Lac du Croiselet

Set on a small peninsula bordered by the River Ain and the Lac du Croiselet, Camping La Presqu'Île du Jura is an unspoilt, family campsite offering a quiet holiday destination with views of the lake and mountains. It's a 3-star campsite at Chancia, close to Oyonnax in the Jura. It has camping pitches and chalet and mobile home rental. There is a multi-sports court nearby, with fishing, canoeing and boats. This is a good base for road cycling, as well as walking, mountain biking and horseriding. Don' forget to also sample the local cheeses and wines. Onsite snack bar and shop. Children's playground. Accueil Velo-rated.

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Chantilly - La Cantilienne (Avenue Verte London-Paris)

On the doorstep of Chateau Chantilly

La Cantilienne is a highly rated B&B just 1km from Chateau Chantilly, the fabulous historic chateau, gardens and collection of art and antiquities, which is one of France's most treasured settings. It is also perfectly located for the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route, which runs close by on the run into/out of Paris, making it a perfect first or last stop on your trip. The B&B with its private terrace and flower garden also has a lockable bike room and free wifi, plus a hearty continental breakfast for all guests.  

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Charleville-Mezières Ibis

Reliable chain hotel near the Trans-Ardenne bike path

Just south of the Charleville Mezières city centre, the Ibis offers a reliable, if predictable, place to stay. Onsite restaurant and lounge, plus outdoor terrace. Free wifi. While bikes cannot be taken into bedrooms, management says they can be locked in lounge areas and reception is staffed 24 hours. Charleville-Mezières is the starting point for the lovely Trans-Ardennes bike path, while the regional national park and Meuse Valley routes are also within easy reach.

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Chartres - Hotel Cathedrale

City centre hotel in the beautiful French cathedrale city

Warm and welcoming hotel offers excellent access to local restaurants and tourist sites. Located opposite Chartres cathedral and just minutes from the station, it's a design hotel with modern, air-conditioned and sound-proofed rooms. Lounge bar, buffet breakfast and room service. Free wifi. There is a lockable bike store in the courtyard.  

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Chartres - Hotel Les Poèmes de Chartres

Elegant and friendly hotel on good local bike routes

Hotel Les Poèmes de Chartres is in a good location just 100m from train station. Friendly reception with manager who told us "give me those bikes. We’ll give them a rest for now" and then leading us to a locked storage room inside the hotel. Buffet or continental breakfast. Doubles, triples and family rooms/quads. 
**Bob and Jim stayed here on their cycle tour - report here** 

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Château-Gontier - Le Parc Hotel & Spa

19th century manor on Velo Francette route with 'accueil velo' label

We stayed here on our La Velo Francette ride and it took us about 30 seconds after arrival to regret not bringing our swimmers. After several days on the bike, a relax in the spa would have been a real treat. We made do instead with an Italian shower to ease the muscles followed by a glass of wine in the expansive gardens, chilling out in the afternoon sun and wishing we could stay longer. The hotel is family run and has accueil velo status, so you can request prices for baggage transfers and other bikey services. The house itself is a 19th century manor, with the bedrooms – each unique – housed in the adjoining restored and beautifully decorated stables. It's a unique and really pleasant place to stay. Free wifi. Pool and gym. 

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Chateauneuf du Faou - The Old Bakery (Nantes-Brest Canal)

Cyclist-friendly, character-filled B&B on the Nantes-Brest Canal

The Old Bakery is set above the Nantes-Brest Canal and provides an ideal halfway point between Chateaulin and Rostrenen. With many local sites of interest, it's also a great base in its own right – perfect for stopping for a day or two to explore farther afield from the canal and into Brittany's heartland. The more intrepid cyclist can reach here in a day from Mur de Bretagne or via the green route travelling from Huelgoat via Carhaix – both are steeped in history and worth exploring. On arrival you'll be greeted by Dorothy and Gary, the Old Bakery's new owners, who've put cyclists at the heart of their plans for the B&B. They offer light refreshments and safe bike storage, as well as lots of great local info on restaurants, routes and attractions. After a good night's sleep, there's a hearty continental breakfast, including fresh croissants, bread, cheese and ham to set you up for the day. Dorothy and Gary offer flexible accommodation for single riders through to groups of friends or families. Accommodation is provided on a B&B basis, and larger groups of up to 10 or 12 can request exclusive use of the facilities.

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Cherbourg - Hotel du Louvre

Bike-friendly Cherbourg hotel close to the marina

Comfortable and traditional two-star French hotel in the marina area of Cherbourg. Good option for anyone cycling to the ferry port or making their way around the coast on the EuroVelo 4. The hotel carries Accueil Velo accreditation, so it has guaranteed safe and secure bike parking. Secure underground car park for anyone driving. It's great for groups as well as there are rooms for single travellers through to quadruples that will sleep 4 adults and 2 kids. Free wifi. Disabled access. Pet allowed. French and English spoken.
We've stayed here – read our review.

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Cherbourg - Hotel La Glacerie

Affordable, bike-friendly hotel south of Cherbourg

Friendly chain hotel located 8km south of the ferry terminal on the E13. Reception open 24 hours. A buffet breakfast served each morning. Hotel restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, bar open 24 hours a day. Free wifi. The directrice of the hotel advises that there is a secure luggage storage for bikes, plus a hose and outdoor space for cleaning bikes. Reception can also provide local tourist maps to help plan bike routes. French and English spoken.

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Cheverny - Camping Les Saules

Green, shady camping in the heart of the Loire chateaux route

Between a forest and the beautiful Chateau Cheverny lies the green oasis that is Camping Les Saules, an accueil velo-rated campsite. For cyclists it offers a superb base from which to cycle the Les Chateaux a velo routes, a network of cycle paths and lanes that link the stunning chateaux found in the Loire valley. One such netwok, the Itineraire 04 - Entre Vignobles et Chateaux, is very close to the site and offers and an incredible chance to explore the local highlights on signposted tracks and roads. The focus of Camping Les Saules itself is on providing shaded pitches in a calm ambience where nature comes first. The restaurant serves local food and there are pool options for all ages. Part of the Le French Time network of independently owned sites.

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Chinon - Hotel Diderot

Accueil velo hotel that makes an ideal stop in central Chinon

Hotel Diderot has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here while cycling in th Loire. It's also used by cycle tour companies so it's up to speed with what cyclists want. It's an accueil velo hotel and therefore carries accrediatation from the tourist board for its cycling services. These include a fully enclosed courtyard for bikes (locked 9pm to 7am). Local bike routes and maps are available from reception, along with information on bike hire and local repairs. The hotel is on a quiet street a short ride from the historic Chinon centre. Chinon is a popular stop for cyclists on the river Vienne, with the beautiful Chateau de Chinon a particular highlight. The river and backroad routes here feed up to the main Loire bike route to the north. The rooms at Hotel Diderot are decorated in a modern style despite the building dating back to the 17th century. You can have breakfast – including home-made jams – on the terrace or by the original fireplace when the weather turns cooler. All rooms are en-suite.

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Chinon - ibis Styles

Cyclist-friendly hotel south-east of Saumer on the banks of the river

Located on the banks of the Vienne, opposite the Royal Fortress. The hotel is a member of the Loire Valley's 'cyclists welcome' program, and has a secure bike storage room in the hotel. Rooms are modern and spacious. The hotel welcomes groups. Heated outdoor pool plus terrace overlooking the castle. Breakfast and wifi included in all prices. Restaurant onsire with traditional cuisine. Great base for exploring the Loire, or an ideal stop on a longer Loire Valley itinerary. Vineyards and other local attractions well within reach.

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Clermont Ferrand - Adagio Access Clermont Ferrand Jaude

Affordable studio apartments close to the city centre

Apartment hotel in the centre of Clermont-Ferrand, near Place de Jaude, and a two-minute walk from the historic centre of the city. It has 122 self-catering apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes. The studio apartments can sleep up to 3 people. Free wifi access. Management advises that bikes can be stored in apartments.  

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Clermont Ferrand - hotelF1 Clermont Ferrand Est

Super budget hotel near Auvergne airport 5km from the city centre

Bargain basement budget chain hotel on the north-eastern fringes of the city, near the airport. Air-conditioned low-cost hotel with free WIFI and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Rooms are basic and sleep two or three people. Shared bathrooms; rooms have sinks, mirrors and TVs. Management advises that bikes can be stored in the bedrooms overnight. The hotel's parent website has a best-price guarantee so it's always worth comparing prices. 

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Clohars-Carnoët - Camping Le Kergariou

Leafy, bike-friendly campsite on the Atlantic Coast bike route

The 3-star Le Kergariou campsite offers a warm welcome at Clohars-Carnoët, between Lorient and Concarneau on the EV1 bike route. The beach 1.5km away, heated pool, sauna, kids’ club and entertainment. Camping pitches, self-catering chalets and mobile homes. Shop and snack bar.

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Cluny - Hostellerie d'Héloïse

Family hotel on the Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon voie verte

The Hostellerie d'Héloïse – on the banks of La Grosne and metres from the Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon voie verte – has been a hotel in one format or another since the 1800s. The hotel is part of the Logis hotel group and meets their bike-friendly criteria. The owners, Nathalie and Patrick, have a shed for bicycles and the onsite restaurant serves up plenty of nourishing fuel for riders passing through (there's even a special menu for mini-cyclists). There's also a lounge bar area for relaxing (and for sampling Burgundy's best wines). Doubles, triples and family rooms. English and French spoken. 

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Cognac - Domaine Quai des Pontis

Lovely bike-friendly option on the banks of the river Charente

Wonderfully versatile accommodation, with hotel/B&B-style accommodation, as well as self-catering lodges, 'houses on stilts' and even rustic Gypsy caravans. Twins, doubles, triples and quads, making this great for families and groups. In the middle of Cognac, it's handy for all the local attractions, including Cognac tours and distillery visits. Peaceful location on Charente River banks + swimming pool. Bike hire available on site. French and English spoken.

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Cognac - Hotel Domaine du Breuil, Chateau Menuet

Live it up in a chateau on the edge of Cognac

For a truly unique French castle experience, checkout the 19th century Chateau Menuet, set in its own seven-hectare park on the outskirts of Cognac. Onsite restaurant serving seasonal menus – the restaurant itself has wonderful views out over the Charente (you can eat on the terrace when the weather's nice). You can also drink the chateau's own Cognac at the bar. The bedrooms are as you'd expect from a chateau – elegant and comfortable (some of the rooms overlook the grounds). Outdoor pool. Free wifi. French and English spoken. There is secure bike storage and the chateau has its own fleet of bikes for hire.

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Cognac - Hotel Heritage

Modern town centre hotel with a rich history

Town centre hotel located in a renovated 17th-century inn that dates back to 1635. A lot of love and thought has gone into the Heritage Hotel to make the most of its history as well as provide the necessary mod-cons for 21st century guests. There's an onsite restaurant with courtyard garden for summer dining (the chef likes to feature local cuisine and use local ingredients), plus a restored and modernised bar area. There is a garage for bike storage plus a picnic service for cyclists wanting to eat out among the vines or near the river. English and French spoken. Singles, doubles, twins and triples. Free wifi.

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Cognac - Hotel L'Oliveraie

Well-located hotel with its own fleet of bikes for guest use

This is a comfortable city centre hotel near the train station. It's particularly bike-friendly, with its own fleet of bicycles, a secure bike parking area and lots of local bikey knowledge (it's been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there). Singles, doubles, triples and quads – ideal for groups and families. Outdoor swimming pool. Onsite restaurant plus garden, terrace and bar. It doesn't have 24-hour reception but the owners can welcome late arrivals - just call ahead or make a note of it when you book. Disabled access rooms. Free wifi. 

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Col d'Aspin/Tourmalet/Aubisque - Hotel Les Templiers

Cosy famiily run hotel on the western side of the Col du Tourmalet

Hotel Les Templiers is a small, family run hotel in the centre of Luz St Sauveur, and ideally located at the bottom of the western side of the Col du Tourmalet, and also at the bottom of a number of other interesting climbs (Luz Ardiden, Col des Tentes, Troumouse). Just down the road in Argeles-Gazost is the bottom of the climbs for Hautacam and Col du Soulor/Col d'Aubisque. The hotel has 10 traditional hotel rooms available for B&B, as well as a fully equipped self-catered apartment. Free wifi. French and English spoken (run by a Franco-Australian couple). On-site restaurant; free tea and coffee in the lounge.

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Colmar - Aux Armes de France

Traditional inn on the Alsace Wine Route 9km from Colmar

Friendly family-run hotel-restaurant in the town of Ammerschwihr, just 9km from Colmar. The hotel is an excellent stop on the Alsace Wine Route. Onsite restaurant serving traditional local cuisine alongside a wonderful menu of wines from the surrounding vineyards. Buffet breakfast available. Double and triple rooms. Outdoor terrace/courtyard. Free wifi. This hotel has been recommended by Max Wooldridge, author of our cycling in Alsace article.

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Colmar - ibis Colmar Centre

Stylish city centre hotel with dedicated bike room

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Commercy - Hotel Côté Jardin

Hotel set in lovely gardens on the Meuse Cycle Route

Hotel Côté Jardin has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here and told us their bikes were tucked safely away indoors overnight. We're also told the breakfast – and the coffee – were good. As the name suggests, Hôtel Côté Jardin in central Commercy, is set amid beautiful gardens. Terrace and private car park. Free wifi. It's ideally placed for a stay on the Meuse Cycle Route.

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