Accommodation - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs: All France

Bastia - Best Western Bastia Centre

Reliable Bastia hotel offering lots of bells and whistles for cyclists

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Bastia - Hotel Cyrnea

Friendly, affordable accommodation on the coast

Just outside of Bastia, Hotel Cyrnea offers affordable accommodation that looks out over the water (there's also access to a small beach and a garden). This hotel was recommended to us by a cyclist, who described it as excellent value for money. He also said the staff were extremely friendly. Doubles and triples. Free wifi. Ideal for ferry port access. No restaurant but within walking distance of one. Management advises bikes can be safely stored.

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Bastia - Hotel des Gouverneurs

Hotel with stunning views out over Bastia harbour

As you can tell from the picture, Hotel des Gouverneurs commands majestic views across Bastia harbour. The views are even more stunning by night when the lights are twinkling over the water. The hotel is used to welcoming cycling groups and has an indoor pool for your tired muscles after a day on the bike (there's also a sauna and hammam for guest use for a surcharge). The hotel itself is in a pedestrianised part of town, though car parking is available for nearby (email the hotel to reserve it after you've made your room booking). Onsite bar. Rooms also feature that all important kettle for teas/coffee (not always standard at French hotels). Free wifi. Choose from a buffet breakfast, or go continental. 24-hour reception for late arrivals. 

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Bayeux - Novotel Hotel

Bayeux hotel that comes recommended by readers

The Novotel Bayeux has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. They say the hotel lived up to the hotel chain's usual standard of cleanliness and friendliness, and that there was ample space for bike storage (the hotel has since told me they can easily store up to 15 bikes at a time in their secure room). Located near Bayeux's ring road, it's a direct ride straight into the city centre along Rue Saint-Patrice (under 1km). Outdoor pool. Free wifi (plus computer for guest use). Onsite restaurant and bar. French and English spoken.

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Bayonne - Le Grand Hôtel

Comfortable four-star hotel for a relaxing stop on the Atlantic Coast

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Bazas - Hotel Le Rodin (EV3 + Tour de Gironde)

Hotel with a bike shop next door and access to Bordeaux's regional routes

Hotel Le Rodin is a perfect stop on both the EuroVelo 3 Pilgrims' route and the Gironde regional bike route. Stop over for a night or use it as a fixed base for local rides through the sweet white wine vineyards of Sauternes or along the Bazas-Bios bike path, which goes to the Atlantic Coast. Located next to a bike shop, Hotel Le Rodin couldn't be better placed to ensure you have everything you need for your cycle tour (hire bikes available). The hotel is set in a magnificent historical building in the heart of Bazas, a thriving town 70km south-east of Bordeaux or about 15km south of the Bordeaux-Toulouse Garonne bike path at Saint Macaire. Take in the lovely Gothic cathedral and history that pre-dates the Romans. The building itself has been completely renovated by new owners Fenella and Peter and offers charming and comfortable rooms. This is a truly local hotel run by a family that previously owned a vineyard in the area, so don't forget to ask about bike routes that take in some of their favourite tipples. Families and cycling groups welcome. French, English, German spoken.

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Beaumont-sur-Sarthe - Hotel de la Barque

Basic but clean hotel on the Sarthe à vélo bike network

An accueil velo label hotel in small medieval town of Beaumont-sur-Sarthe on the Sarthe à vélo network halfway between Alençon and Le Mans in Pays de la Loire. Onsite restaurant serving regional cuisine. Flexible accommodation with twins/doubles through to family rooms sleeping upto five people. Free wifi. Tea- and coffee-making facilities in the rooms. We've stayed here – read our review.

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Beaune - Golf Hotel Colvert

Bike-friendly hotel outside the Beaune city centre

The Golf Hotel Colvert overlooks a golf course (hence the name) on the outskirts of Beaune, near the river Bouzaise. This is a nice alternative to a city centre hotel. The staff here are used to welcoming cyclists who are riding Burgundy's wine and canal routes. "You can rent bikes at the hotel," their director, Agnès, told me. "We can provide maps. We have a secure garage where our customers can put their bikes, and also a small room that can take several bikes. It is also possible to park the bikes on the terraces of the rooms (first and second floor), which are not accessible from outside." Buffet breakfast. Heated swimming pool. French and English spoken.

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Beaune - Hotel des Remparts

Traditional French hotel in the heart of Burgundy's wine capital

A great base in Beaune's old city centre, and perfect for exploring Burgundy's wine routes by bike. Hotel des Remparts is a 17th-century private mansion that's been converted into a traditional French hotel. There's an interior courtyard with a bike shed, plus there is bike hire available from the hotel reeption. Doubles, twins and triple rooms, all individually decorated (some have original fireplaces). Lounge bar for drinks. Breakfast served daily and room service is also available. Transfer shuttles to airports and train stations are available upon request. Free wifi. Slovak, French, English and Czech spoken.

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Beauvais - Hotel du Cygne

Centrally located Beauvais hotel at a keen price

Hotel du Cygne in Beauvais is at the crossroads of a number of good cycling routes. Firstly, it's on the official London to Paris Avenue Verte bike route. It's also well located if you're cycling south from Calais to Paris, as Richard Peace did here. It's a reasonably priced, accueil velo hotel with spacious bike storage (though it's on the first floor, the owner will help you if required). There's a full buffet breakfast available each morning and there are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby if you prefer to pop out. Free wifi.

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Beauvais - La Salamandre (Avenue Verte London-Paris)

Modern and charming combination on the Avenue Verte

La Salamandre sits pretty in Beauvais on the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route and within easy reach of the Paris Beauvais airport, which is served by Ryanair. The five rooms are all individually decorated in this lovingly restored B&B, which also has a bar and free wifi. Breakfast is included in the price. There are also free house bikes available for guest use if you don't have your own. French and English are spoken.

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Belfort - Hotel Belfort

Stylish and contemproary hotel in the Belfort city centre

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Belleville-sur-Loire - Hotel Terre de Loire

Listen to sounds of the canal along the Loire valley

This hotel sits on the Canal latéral à la Loire on the Loire à Velo and EV6 bike route as the Loire river heads south towards Nevers and Burgundy. It's about 100km from Orléans. You can hire bikes if you stay here on Loire Valley cycling holiday and want to use the hotel as base to explore this wonderful region. If you're travelling with your bike, Hotel de Loire can guarantee secure bike storage. A restaurant serves regional specialties and there's a terrace for relaxing and taking a drink, perhaps one of the fantastic wines from the area's renowned vineyards. Free wifi.

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Bénodet – Le Grand Hôtel Abbatiale Bénodet

Accueil-velo rated hotel with views of the bay

The 3-star Le Grand Hôtel Abbatiale Bénodet is 17km south of Quimper. It's located opposite the Saint Marine harbour and offers pretty water views. Sandy beaches are also nearby. Free high-speed wifi. Room service (including pizza) can be delivered to your room. Bike rental is available from reception. Diving, canoeing and golf also available nearby. Discounted entry to a spa, sauna and thalassotherapy centre in town is available at a reduced rate.

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Bergerac - Campanile Bergerac

Budget hotel option with restaurant on the city's outskirts

Campanile Bergerac is a clean and reliable option just over 1km from the Bergerac city centre and 4km from the airport, just off the road to Bordeaux. Terrace, small garden. Contemporary-style rooms you'd expect of a modern budget hotel. All rooms are en suite rooms. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided in all rooms. Onsite restaurant with regional cuisine and local wines plus an all-you-can eat cheese and dessert buffet. Room service option. Buffet breakfast. Dedicated bike shed (Tour de France teams stayed here for the Bergerac stage of the 2014 Tour, though they had a fancy bus and team cars for their bikes and kit!) French and English spoken. Free wifi.

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Bergerac - Hotel de France

Good-value city centre hotel with outdoor pool and private garage

Friendly 3-star hotel in the centre of Bergerac and close to all amenities. We have had good reports from cyclists who have stayed here. A short ride from the Dordogne River, it has 20 air-conditioned rooms. There is secure bike parking in the hotel's private garage. Rooms have views of the pool/courtyard area or of the city centre. Buffet breakfasts. Heated outdoor pool plus garden area. Free wifi. English, French, Spanish and Italian spoken.

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Besançon - Hôtel de Paris

A contemporary base in one of France's most beautiful historic centres

A former stage house for the well-heeled, this hotel is just 15 minutes from Besançon's Vauban citadel, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax and enjoy the cool decor and the terrace after a day on the bike exploring the nearby routes, including the EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley route, which passes through Besançon. Private and secure parking is provided, with bikes kept in shelters in the enclosed hotel yard. Free wifi. French, English and German spoken.

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Besançon - hotelF1 Micropolis

Super cheap budget hotel just outside the Besançon city centre

Basic but clean and cheap option for cyclists passing through Besançon. Wifi. 24-hour reception. Rooms include TV, hairdryer and cable/satellite TV. Rooms are doubles and triples with sinks. Bathrooms located a few metres down the hall. Management says there is a lockable room to store bikes overnight. The hotel's parent website has a best-price guarantee so it's always worth comparing prices.

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Besançon - Ibis Centre Ville

Reliable city hotel located in the Old Town of Besançon

Clean and friendly city centre hotel with 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. 24-hour snack bar. Within easy reach of the Viotte train station, the Vauban Citadel and the Museum of Fine Art. From spring 2014 there will be a dedicated bike room for secure parking. At the time of writing (October 2013), there was space for 3 bikes in the equipment room.

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Béziers - L'Hôtel Particulier

Stylish and intimate hotel offering a touch of luxury in Béziers

L'Hôtel Particulier Beziers offers a touch of luxury near the Canal du Midi. Set in a lovely old, restored chateau in the town centre, there are 9 rooms, each individually decorated and furnished (complete with coffee machines). B&B only plus evening meals/room service also available. Outdoor pool. Free wifi. City and garden views from the bedrooms. Terrace. Onsite bar. Luggage store. The staff can help arrange local bike hire (there is secure parking inside the hotel). Italian, French, Spanish, English and German spoken.

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Béziers - Hôtel Confort

Local hotel used to welcoming cyclists near the Canal du Midi

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Béziers – Hôtel des Poètes

Bike-friendly two-star hotel opposite garden oasis in Béziers centre

Hotel des Poètes is located in the heart of Béziers and overlooks the beautiful Parc des Poètes, a little oasis with lakes, swans and statues. The hotel is a short 200m ride from the train station. A two-star hotel, the rooms are basic but comfortable, decorated in a contemporary style. Singles, doubles, triples and quads available – good for groups and families. Continental breakfast. Free bikes for guest use around town, plus the hotel works with a local bike rental firm for longer trips. Good base for the Canal du Midi. Secure bike garage. French, Spanish and English spoken. Free wifi.

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Béziers – Appart'City

Hotel with self-catering apartments (and breakfast) in town centre

Three-star studios and apartments sleeping between 2 and 6 people. Each apartment has a kitchenette (including a kettle or coffee machine), living space, and terrace or balcony. There is no dedicated bike storage but bikes can be stored in apartments, either inside or on the balcony, or they can be locked in the private garage for €3. Wifi available for a surcharge. Breakfast is an optional extra if you don't want to self-cater. French, Spanish and English spoken.

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Biarritz - Hotel Kemaris

Bike-friendly hotel on the La Vélodyssée Atlantic Coast bike route

Hotel Kemaris was recommended to me by a cyclist who was riding the Atlantic Coast bike path, La Vélodyssée. "It is very central," he wrote, "and hotel staff put our cycles in a locked storeroom inside the hotel."  The hotel is only 200m from the beach (some rooms have terrrace balconies). Buffet breakfast with local produce served daily (there's the option to have the full buffet or an 'express' version). Free wifi. Hotel combines local Basque architecture with modern touches. Groups welcome (discounts available). English, French and Spanish spoken. Good local knowledge and advice on off here.

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Biscarrosse - Hôtel la Forestière

Small, good value 3-star hotel with its own pool

Hôtel la Forestière is used by small cycle tour companies on La Vélodyssée Atlantic Coast cycle route, so the staff here are used to welcoming riders. 800m from the beach. There is a heated swimming pool and free wifi. French and English spoken. Onsite restaurant. There are also a couple of golf courses nearby if you fancy a break from the sand. It's a hard life!

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Blésé - Hotel Le Cheval Blanc

Loire Valley hotel that's been recommended to us by cyclists

Hotel Le Cheval Blanc has been recommended to us by a cyclists who stayed there recently. It's a small hotel with just eight rooms, all of them en suite. The hotel has a lovely garden/courtyard setting. Near the banks of Le Cher river, Hotel Le Cheval Blanc is a great base from which to explore the Loire's chateaux. It's around 7km from Château de Chenonceau and about 11km to Amboise. Outdoor swimming pool for summer. Free wifi throughout. Onsite restaurant serving local cuisine and continental breakfasts. Doubles/twins plus family rooms. Secure bike storage.

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Blois - Blois Chateau Hotel

Comfortable Loire Valley hotel experienced at welcoming cyclists in Blois

Hotel on the Loire à Vélo route with lockable, dedicated bike shed. Staff here see lots of cyclists and can advise on local routes and provide maps. There is even a bike hire outlet next door. Close in the city centre less than a kilometre from the river and just 150m from the train station. Free wifi. Rooms have tea and coffee making facilities. 24-hour reception. French and English spoken. You're guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome when you ride up to the door.

This hotel is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley

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Blois - Hotel Mercure Blois Centre

Comfortable Blois hotel recommmended to us by cyclists

This hotel is often used by cycle tour companies and touring cyclists passing through Blois, and provides safe and secure bike storage to meet this demand. It faces the Loire river and is handy to all Blois' famous attractions, including the chateau. Indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Family rooms available. Free wifi. Onsite restaurant and bar. French, English, Spanish and German spoken.

This hotel is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley

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Blois - Logis Hôtel du Cygne

Ideal for exploring the routes of the Loire chateaux

Logis Hôtel du Cygne is a good value hotel situated close to the famous Loire towns of Blois, Chambord and Cheverny, so perfect for exploring the Loire cycle routes. A great heated pool allows you to cool down after your ride and you can also top up your tan on the terrace with the sun shining down. Breakfast served every morning. Free wifi. Also animal-friendly if you're travelling with a furry friend.

This hotel is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley

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Bordeaux - Le Saint James Bouliac

Magical bike-friendly retreat in the hills overlooking Bordeaux

If you're after a truly magical vineyard stay in Bordeaux, then this could be the place for you. Granted, it's not cheap, but Le Saint James offers a wonderful Bordeaux food and wine experience. The hotel is set in the lovely village of Bouilac, a short detour from the towpath that leads to the Roger Lapebie bike path and the Canal de Garonne bike route. It comes with its own boutique vineyard, proudly overseen by Richard Bernard, a former winner of the French Sommelier of the Year competition. There's a Michelin-star restaurant, a courtyard that's ideal for sundowners, and a pool with table service. House bikes are available for bimbles down into Bordeaux. This is an ideal base for a start/end-of-trip celebration or to mark a special occasion during your cycling holiday in France. We've stayed here - read our review!

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Bordeaux Gare Saint Jean (train station) – Ibis Styles

Affordable, cheerful hotel close to the Bordeaux railway station

We stayed here at the end of our La Velo Francette trip after we'd caught a late train back from Caen via Paris. It had been a long day and we arrived very late. The hotel is a very short ride from the station and it's close to restaurants and cafes that are open late. The staff at the 24-hour reception were really friendly, and welcomed two weary cyclists by checking us in efficiently and locking our bikes safely in the conference room just off the reception area. The Ibis Styles brand is one notch up from the chain's 'Budget' brand. The room was clean, the shower was hot, the beds comfortable, and breakfast was from an all-you-can eat buffet with cereals, toast, fruits and fresh juices. Our room was quiet despite the proximity to the station and a tram line out the front.

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Bordeaux – Grand Hotel Francais

Bike-friendly hotel staffed by cyclists in central Bordeaux

Elegant city centre hotel that has been lovingly restored. It has a luggage room for bikes and cyclists on staff who are keen to share their local bike knowledge with guests. The Grand Hotel Francais, set in a quiet but central street, was bought by the Frenchman Jean Auriacombe back in 1987. He spent a year restoring it and returning the building to its pre-war glory. The hotel is now run by Jean's son, Frederic, and his wife, Sandrine. It has been listed in the Michelin guide since its re-opening. Close to cafes, bars and restaurants in the UNESCO-listed city centre. Free wifi and complimentary breakfasts. The hotel also carries the French eco label for environementally friendly hotels. French, English and Spanish spoken. 

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Bordeaux – Ibis Bordeaux Aéroport

A short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac international airport

Clean and reliable hotel located a 5-minute ride from Merignac international airport, 9km west of Bordeaux city centre. 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast available from 4.30am for early flights. Onsite bar and restaurant serving traditional French food and local Bordeaux wines. Management advises bikes can be stored in rooms overnight. French, English, Spanish and German spoken. 

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Bordeaux – Novotel Aéroport Hotel

Reliable chain hotel a short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac airport

Hotel located a short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac airport, west of the city centre. Onsite restaurant and bar. Lounge area. Free wifi. Kids' play area. Pool and terrace. Management advises bikes can be securely locked overnight in the hotels conference room, or kept in bedrooms. Good for groups.

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Bordeaux – Le Boutique Hotel

Classy city centre hotel with friendly staff and secure bike parking

Treat yourself to a touch of class in one of France's most elegant cities. Le Boutique Hotel is a converted 18th-century townhouse located in the UNESCO-listed centre of Bordeaux. Its modern, stylish rooms and self-catering apartments are surrounded by a peaceful green courtyard, and there's even a lovely terrace shaded by a 100-year-old chestnut tree. Rooms are air-conditioned, each with an iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine. Continental breakfast. Wine bar. Massage and hot tub available. Luggage room for bike store. Staff can help you plan local bike routes, including through the vineyards. Free wifi. French, Spanish, English, Romanian and Bulgarian spoken.

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Bouligny - Les Ecureuils

Friendly family-run B&B south of the Fontainebleau Forest on the EV3

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Bourbon-Lancy - Grand Hôtel

Character-filled hotel on the Burgundy bike route network

A hotel worthy of its Grand name, this hotel still carries with it much of its history and charm, being set in old 18th century convent buildings. There are 26 rooms, some with views out over the cloisters. The hotel, which is set in a thermal park (it has an onsite spa with swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre), is part of the Logis group, and meets their bike-friendly criteria. The onsite restaurant has an excellent reputation locally. Wifi, terrace and garden. Disabled access.

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Bourg-St-Maurice – Les Arcs 1800 Hotel Mercure

Mountain hotel with good access to road and MTB routes

In winter, this hotel high up in the Paradiski ski area offers the convenience of ski in-ski, in summer it's an ideal base for exploring the hundreds of kilometres of road and mountain bike routes in the area around Bourg Saint Maurice. Restaurant and terrace with mountain views. Heated outdoor swimming pool. Management has confirmed they have secure bike parking available. Free wifi. A shuttle service can be requested to and from Lyon-St Exupéry Airport or Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station. 

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Bourges - Novotel

Comfortable 4-star hotel on entrance to Bourges

Four-star hotel near the A71 highway on the outskirts of Bourges (good for anyone arriving by car with bikes on the back – there is private car park). Secure room inside the hotel for bikes. Restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool. Buffet breakfast, room service. 24-hour reception. Children's corner, Xbox in the lobby, free wifi and Apple Mac terminal for guest use. Good for groups.

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Bourron-Marlotte - Chateau-Hotel de Bourron

Spoil yourself near the Fontainebleau forest or the EV3 south of Paris

Located in the village of Bourron-Marlotte, the 17th-century Chateau-Hotel de Bourron is an accueil velo-rated hotel set in the grounds of an ancient fortress and surrounded by 42 hectares of park. It is 7km from Fontainebleau and perfect for exploring the forest. It's also a great stop on the EuroVelo 3 bike route as it heads south out of Paris. The elegant guest rooms at Chateau de Bourron offer views of the surrounding park and feature antique furniture. There are all the extra touches you'd expect – including en suite bathrooms with hairdryers and complimentary toiletries. A continental breakfast is served each morning in the chateau's dining room. For other meals, you can sample French cuisine at Les Prémices, a restaurant located in the chateau’s old stables. Explore the reading room or wander the chateau and its park when you're not on the bike. Free wifi. Bike hire available locally (use our bespoke service). 

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Brantome - Hostellerie du Perigord Vert

Bike-friendly hotel-restaurant in the north of the Dordogne

Situated in Brantôme, a pretty village on the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle route in the River Dronne area in the north of the Dordogne region, the Hostellerie du Perigord Vert is a welcoming hotel and restaurant. After exploring the area, you can take a dip in the heated pool or take a meal on the shady terrace. Hotels bikes available for guest use. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Brest - ibis Styles Brest Centre Port

Reliable chain hotel offering clean, affordable accommodation

Clean and friendly chain hotel near the water in the port area of Brest (about 2km from the city centre). Single rooms through to rooms catering for up to five people. Free wifi. Children's area with boardgames. The hotel advises that there is a secure room for bike storage. Onsite bar. Computer and printer for guest use. Buffet breakfast. 24-hour reception. This is a large hotel, making is almost always possible to make last-minute bookings. French and English spoken.

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Brest Ibis Centre

Bike-friendly hotel in the heart of Brest with super friendly staff

This is a super bike-friendly hotel that is keen to welcome more cyclists. Management advises that staff will be only too happy to find a safe place to store bikes, and that they can help arrange "athlete's meals" from the excellent restaurant across the road. Just over 70 rooms in the centre of town and around 1km from the train station. Bar open 24/7. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. Bike hire can be arranged through a local firm.

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Briançon - Hotel Edelweiss

Comfortable hotel close to amenities

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Briancon - Residence du Temple Apart-hotel

Apartment hotel in the centre of town

Résidence du Temple has self-catering apartments with a locked private parking area for bikes. Located in Briançon’s old town, it's handy to amenities and the train station. Apartments have washing machines, kitchens and other mod-cons. Onsite bar. Meals also available. The owners are outdoor enthusiasts who are happy to share their local knowledge.

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Briancon - The Icerock Backpacker Hotel

Budget hotel option 16km south-west of Briancon

Predominantly a ski hotel in the winer, Icerock Hotel also opens in summer for cyclists and walkers. Rooms with dorm-style accommodation for a bargain basement price. Singles, doubles and quads. Onsite bar. Shared kitchen for self-caterers. The hotel has a cellar that doubles as a secure bike store. Free wifi. French and English spoken. 

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Brittany coast - Hotel Le Benhuyc

Versatile hotel north of Saint-Brieuc overlooking the harbour

Welcoming three-star hotel located opposite the harbour and just 280 metres from the beach. Singles and doubles through to family rooms that sleep up to 6 people. Some rooms have harbour views. Tea and coffee making facilities in each room. Continental breakfast served in the dining room, on the terrace or in your room. Free wifi; there's also a hotel lounge computer for guest use. French, English and Spanish spoken. The managers welcome cyclists and are happy to find a secure place inside the hotel for bikes, plus there's a good sized luggage store.

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Burgundy Canal – Shopicerie (Veuvey-sur-Ouche)

Friendly B&B with small campsite on the towpath 29km from Dijon

There can be no better place to stay while cycling the Burgundy Canal than right on the canal. Shopicerie is as close as you can get without getting wet! You can find the Shopicerie right near the towpath at Veuvey-sur-Ouche between locks 22S/23S. Shopicerie was recommended to us by a cyclist who stayed there. "It's a great cafe, shop, bar, B&B and campsite all in one. Really friendly, English spoken. Highly recommended," he writes. There are just two B&B rooms with space for 7 people in total. The rooms have canal views and private bathrooms. Rare in French B&Bs, they also have kettles in the rooms for teas and coffees. There is space in the garden for 6 tents. The attached shop sells stacks of goodies for your panniers: groceries, coffee, beer, wine, and sandwiches, as well as ice-creams to cool off when you arrive. There are showers, toilets and washing machine/tumble dryer for campers, as well as a book swap with English and French books. (There is no other general store on the towpath for around 20km). The Shopicerie is run by the lovely Bryony, who told me: "I started this multi-service shop in 2017 having lived in the area for 30 years and felt something was needed for all those thirsty and hungry tourists pedalling by. Our guests now come in all languages, and the English-speaking ones are always relieved to find someone who can chat and help in English." Credit cards accepted. The Shopicerie also has bike hire. Dijon is 29km away via the towpath. See here for camping and here for B&B (or email/phone Bryony direct).

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Cabourg - Le Grand Hotel Cabourg

A 5-star treat with bike storage on the waterfront at Cabourg

The elegance of the Grand Hotel at Cabourg was once enjoyed by Marcel Proust, who loved staying here. Its spacious rooms overlook the luscious gardens or the sea, while eating at the restaurant provides ample opportunity for people-watching passers-by on the promenade. Bar and lounge with cocktails and snacks. Private beach access. Free wifi. En suites with luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. Continental breakfast. Bikes can be stored in the baggage room.  

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Cabrerets - Hôtel Restaurant des Grottes du Pech Merle

Rural retreat tucked away in the gorges of the Lot Valley

Hôtel Restaurant des Grottes du Pech Merle is a family run hotel on the River Célé, which joins the Lot River around 4km to the south near Bouzies. As the hotel name suggests, it's a 3km ride to the caves at Pech Merle – among France's most prehistric and best preserved prehistoric sites; you can also take the hill climb from the village. The hotel was in fact started by Marthe David – who as teenager discovered the cave with two friends, the three quarrying their way in through a gap. It's still run by the family today. There is a restaurant terrace (food is served all day) that overlooks the river, as well as a pool and a lovely garden area. 

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