Where to stay: All France

Abbeville - Ibis

Mid-range hotel between the bay of Somme and Amiens

Mid-range hotel on the outskirts of Abbeville, 20km south-east of the Bay of Somme and en route to Amiens. Abbeville is a frequent stop on the London to Paris route. Free wifi. Onsite restaurant with terrace. Management advises that bikes can be locked securely inside a room in the hotel.

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Agen - Citotel Stim'Otel

In the heart of Agen on the Canal de Garonne bike route

The Stim'Otel is an accueil velo hotel in the centre of Agen and is easily reached from the Canal de Garonne bike path, as well as from the station if you are arriving from Toulouse or Bordeaux by rail. It has modern, clean rooms, plus an inhouse restaurant that also serves buffet breakfasts each morning. It's ideal, affordable base for an overnight stay, and wlel-placed for exploring the Old Town after you've parked your bike nd had a shower. Free wifi. French, English and Spanish spoken.

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Aïnhoa - Hotel Ithurria

A typical Basque welcome on the Santiago de Compostela route

Hotel Ithurria is a family -owned and operated hotel-restaurant, now in the hands of its third generation. The hotel (and its restaurant) has stayed close to its Basque-Bearn origins, offering high-quality local hospitality and scrumptious food based on local ingredients (they also grow a lot of produce in their garden). As a mark of its quality, the hotel is now a member of the Chateaux et Hotels Collection of hotels, though still independently owned and operated. There are beautiful gardens and an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, plus a sauna and fitness room. Free wifi. The owners guarantee us there is plenty of safe and secure bike parking. French, English and Spanish spoken.

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Aix-en-Provence - Adagio Apart-hotel

Hotel with self-catering studios and apartments for up to 6 people

Close to Place de la Rotonde and the famous Cours Mirabeau, the Adagio Aix-en-Provence Centre is in the heart of the city. A 4-star holiday residence, the aparthotel has 89 air-conditioned apartments, including studios for 2 people through to 3-room apartments for 6. Ideal for families and cycling groups. All apartments have fully equipped kitchenettes. Free high-speed wifi. Management advises there is a luggage store for bikes, plus a private undercover car park downstairs.  

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Aix-en-Provence - Hotel de l'Arbois

Friendly hotel-restaurant outside the city centre

Relaxing hotel around 10km from the Aix-en-Provence city centre. There's an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness room. The onsite restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, including regional specialties. Management advises they have a locked garage that's used for bike storage. Free wifi. 24-hour reception. French and English spoken.

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Albas - Chateau de la Blainie

Grand chateau B&B on the Lot Valley bike route

Fancy staying in a castle? Chateau de la Blainie dates back to 1860 – it was built by General Pagès, who served Napoleon III. It's since taken on a new life as a B&B and it's been recommended to us by cyclists wo stayed there while cycling the Lot Valley Bike Route. It offers wonderful views of the Lot River, the ancient village of Albas and the local AOC Cahors vineyards. There is a terrace and pool area for guests, as well as other activities like table tennis. Despite being a castle, it's a small working B&B with just two rooms – the chateau is also the home and workplace of wine and food authors Jolande Burg and Erik Spaans (they sometimes also offer culinary workshops). The chateau is close to local restaurants and wineries (including Château de Cayx, which the Danish royal family owns). German, English, French and Dutch spoken.

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Albert - Hôtel Royal Picardie

Comfortable and friendly 3-star hotel in the heart of the Somme

This hotel comes recommended to us by a cyclist who used it while cycling the battlefields of the Somme. Set in the heart of the Picardy region, Hôtel Royal Picardie is an elegant and peaceful 3-star old-style French hotel. It has 24 rooms – all either double or twins and all with en suites. There is an onsite restaurant with traditional French cuisine. Excellent range of options for breakfast (including pancakes, accordng to our cyclist!) plus packed lunches available on request. There's also a hotel bar. The staff were happy to find a secure room in the hotel to lock his bike overnight. Free wifi. French and English spoken. 

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Albert - Ibis Hotel

Bike-friendly hotel near the battlefields of the Somme

Good bike-friendly base from which to explore the Battlefields of the Somme. Within reach of Boisselle, Thiepval and Beaumont Hamel memorials. Bikes available for guest use (see also this page), maps of the Circuit of Remembrance available to reception. Secure parking on a private terrace that is locked. Cafe, restaurant and bar. Free wifi.

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Albi Ibis Hotel

Affordable hotel option in the centre of UNESCO-listed Albi

Located in the centre of the city, just 1km from the cathedral. 24-hour reception. Family friendly. 24-hour bar. Restaurant. Wifi. Bikes can be kept with you in your room or, if available, staff can find a spare, secure room for your bike.

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Alpe d'Huez - Chalet La Maitreya

Self-catering option nestled at the bottom on the famous 21 bends

La Maitreya is an 8-bedroom chalet with a sun-blessed terrace, hot tub and sauna. Add in bike storage and it's ideal for anyone looking to conquer the famous 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez. James and Whitney live just across the road, so they are always available to assist you if there are problems or if you just need some local advice. They can also arrange massages, bike rental, help with route planning, or cater for any other special requests you might have. Alpe d’Huez is on the doorstep, with the Glandon, Galibier, Lautaret, Croix de Fer and many more all within reach from here. For mountain bikers the Grand Domain Alpe d’Huez lift system runs throughout summer for downhill and cross country trails. French, English, Dutch and German spoken. Free wifi.

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Alpe d'Huez - Ferme Noemie

Alpine farmhouse offering self-catered and camping options

Surrounded by renowned Tour de France country, the Ferme Noemie is a British family-run farmhouse in a quiet rural location that provides a great base for relaxing and exploring the area. There is a nice mix of accommodation with something for everyone from the solo tourer to large groups: there are four apartments, two mobile homes, two furnished tents, and 16 tent places, all available for the majority of the year. For cyclists there are numerous rides on your doorstep, from the 4.5km flat ride to the town of Bourg d’Oisans, to the cols of Alpe d’Huez, Galibier, Sarenne, Croix de Fer and Glandon. There are also lots of mountain trails and loads of activities for non-cycling friends and family, including watersports at the nearby lake and river. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Alpe d'Huez – Le Château d’Oz

Conquer Alpe d-Huez, Galibier, Glandon and Croix de Fer

The mythical 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez are just around the corner from Le Château d’Oz. The Galibier, Glandon and Croix de Fer are just up the road with their dramatic landscapes and lung-busting gradients. The Oisans has more than 30 routes, including famous stages from the Tour de France. All routes start from the door. Transport is available in the chalet's minibus by arrangement. Free wifi. Secured garage for bikes and maintenance/washdown area. Accommodation is flexible, offering both self-catered and catered options, with the latter including hot and Continental breakfasts, three-course evening meals and post-cycling pasta.

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Alpe d’Huez - Chalet Pitu (Venosc)

Renovated barn for 4 people near Alpe d’Huez and the Glandon

The cyclist-run Chalet Pitu is positioned right in the centre of the beautiful, traditional and quaint village of Venosc with its 
restaurants, bars, boutiques and artisan shops. Venosc is 12km from Bourg-d'Oisans and is uniquely positioned for some of the best cycling in the Alps. It sits on one of the most picturesque and quiet climbs in the area including the ride up to the village of La Berarde on the very edge of the Ecrins national park. For those looking to emulate their heroes from the Tour de France, a number of famous climbs are within easy riding distance, including Alpe d’Huez, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon, the Galibier and Col du Lauteret. The gondola is a 5-minute stroll from the chalet and takes mountain bikers directly to Les Deux Alpes in 6 or 7 minutes, opening up lots of world class off-road runs. The run back down to Venosc from Les Deux Alpes in particular should not 
be missed, according to cyclist owners Jodie and George. This page gives an excellent summary of local road cycling, whilst also providing lots of information for mountain bikers. Chalet Pitu itself has been recently lovingly restored to a high standard, and offers luxury accommodation for 4 adults with all the creature comforts you could expect for a memorable stay.  We speak French, Dutch, English, German & Japanese.

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Alps (Provence) - Chez-Ray

Low-cost accommodation run by cyclists for cyclists north-west of Nice

Affordable, low-cost cycling accommodation in the Provence Alps run by Ray – a cyclist – for other cyclists. Local routes are varied and can be as challenging or as relaxed as you like, with lavender fields combining with gorges, lakes and mountains. Ideal training ground for cyclists and triathletes. French and English spoken. Ray is on hand to advise about routes and provide maps and ride suggestions, to share local knowledge or to provide some company out on the road. Twins, doubles, triples and quads available, making Chez Ray a flexible option for groups as well as individuals.

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Alps - Chalet Vache Bleue (Meribel)

Small-scale cyclist-run chalets near Meribel for 2 or 6 people

Chalet Vache Bleue is a super find for small groups. It offers tidy, affordable self-catered accommodation for 2 people – something of a rarity in the Alps – as well as having a larger option for 6 people. Ride TDF routes from the village of Les Allues (6km north of Meribel) – in particular, cycle the Col de la Loze, which featured in the 2020 Tour de France and the 2019 Tour de l’Avenir. Les Allues is home to year-round locals – it's not a purpose-built ski resort, making a cycling holidays here an authentic French Alpine experience. There's is a small supermarket open every day, plus a couple of bars and restaurants. Chalet B is a unique space for 2 people across 4 levels. It has its own private entrance, 2 small balconies, a full-size kitchen and dining space, plus a comfortable lounge with double bed. The larger Chalet A sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (1 twin, 2 doubles) each with en-suite bathroom. Each chalet has a private locked garage for bikes; all linen and towels provided, plus washing machine available. The friendly owners, Elaine and Andrew, can also help with airport transfers for riders and bikes. Don't feel like cooking? Ask about their chef service! English and French spoken.

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Amboise - Le Vinci Loire Valley

Well-established bike-friendly hotel at the heart of the Loire Valley trail

Stylish and comofortable Loire Valley hotel that's a member of the 'cyclists welcome' programme for the Loire - garage for bikes, plus maps available as well as bike pumps and basic tools. Bikes can also be rented on site. The hotel is in the heart of the Loire Valley, around 1.5 km from the centre of Amboise. Free wifi. Rooms have mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. Laundry service plus washing machine and a tumble dryer available for a surcharge.

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Amboise - Novotel

Bike-friendly hotel in peaceful surrounds near the chateau at Amboise

Amboise hotel providing a good base for exploring the chateaux and following the river. Hotel complies to the Loire à Vélo 'accueil velo' (cyclists welcome) standards, providing secure parking, repair kits and other support services. Terrace, tennis courts and swimming pool with view of Amboise Château. Traditional French cuisine served in hotel restaurant. Children's play area. Free wifi.

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Amiens - Appart'Hotel Odalys Blamont

Modern apartment-style hotel between Calais and Paris

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Amiens - Grand Hôtel de l’Univers

Stylish three-star hotel right in the centre of Amiens

Stylish three-star hotel in a lovely old mansion building in the centre of Amiens. Around 100m from the train station and close to all the city's main attractions. Locally managed. 24-hour reception. Free wifi throughout the hotel. French and English TV. Catering trays and snacks available on request. The management advises us that bikes can be safely stored inside the hotel.

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Amiens - Mercure Cathedrale

4-star hotel opposite Amiens' famous UNESCO-listed cathedral

Located opposite France's largest cathedral in Amiens, the Mercure provides a 4-star base to rest your legs. Rooms are large, the restaurant is excellent, and there is also a bar and lounge in which to relax. Free wifi. Management can provide a room in which to securely store bikes overnight. Amiens is the gateway to the Battlefields of the Somme, and a good stop if you're looking to experience a small French city after a few days' riding in the countryside.  

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Amiens – Ibis Centre Cathedrale

Mid-range bike-friendly hotel in the Amiens city centre

Reliable chain hotel in the centre of Amiens. 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Management advises bikes can be locked securely in the conference room overnight, or kept in rooms. Luggage storage. Bar and snack bar. Reception can help with bike hire and maps. French, English, Spanish and German spoken.

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Ancenis - Hotel Akwaba

A welcoming hotel on the Loire route between Nantes and Angers

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Andernos-les-Bains - Hotel Villa Teranga

Relaxed vibe with bike friendly welcome

If cycling and beaches are your thing then Hotel Villa Teranga could be ideal. This place was recommended to us by readers who stayed here. A bike-friendly stop on the Atlantic Coast bike path, it's ideal for exploring the Arcachon Bay area and the beaches of the Atlantic Coast. The rooms are decorated in beach chic and there is secure bike storage – and a cocktail bar! A continental breakfasts can be enjoyed on the terrace. 

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Angers - Camping de l'Etang (Brissac-Quincé)

Rural camping south-east of Angers on the Loire Valley route

Far from bustling roads, Camping de l'Etang sits in a quiet natural lake environment. Interestingly, the owners focus on providing employment for disabled people, making it accessible for everyone. They also take tremendous care to ensure that the communal areas are planted with flowers and well-kept year-round. The site is family friendly, with open-air or covered pools and childminders during the summer months who are fluent in English. A real highlight is its proximity to Angers – a key stop on the Loire valley bike route, which runs concurrently with La Velo Francette along this section (La Velo Francette is just 14km from the campsite). Angers has a stunning catherdral and chateau, home to the Apocalypse Tapestry, a breathtaking work and well worth a day trip. This all makes Camping de l'Etang a good base to relax and enjoy the Loire valley. Part of a network of independently run sites.

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Angers - Camping du Port Caroline

Bike-friendly campsite near Angers on the Loire Valley bike route

Camping du Port Caroline is located just outside the Angers city centre, on the eastern side. It's an Accueil Velo-rated campsite on the EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley bike route. Designated a 3-star campsite, its has tent pitches, as well as fixed base canvas bungalow tents to rent, plus mobile homes and chalets for longer stays. There are also 'tentelodges' (pictured) that are fixed tents in small wooden huts - ideal for cyclists. Heated, covered pool. Family friendly. 

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Angers - Hotel d'Anjou

Elegant hotel in the heart of Angers - perfect for Loire à Vélo

Bike-friendly hotel well-placed for the popular Loire à Vélo route. Located in the centre of Angers, it has been elegantly restored and decorated to retain its neogothic charm. Well-known locally for its restaurant. Secure bike parking in a private, coded garage behind the hotel. Loire à Vélo information is available from reception, plus local bike hire contacts are also available. The staff is well-versed in local cycling routes and can help with other enquiries. Free wifi. French, Spanish, English, German spoken.

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Angers – Hotel de l'Europe

Affordable city hotel with enclosed bike parking and good breakfasts

We stayed here for two nights on our La Velo Francette ride. We found it to be a friendly city centre hotel with good bike facilities (it carries the Loire à Vélo stamp of approval). There is enclosed courtyard parking for bikes, and staff can help with buckets and sponges if you need to clean your bike. Breakfast was one of the better ones we had on the trip, with breads and cereals, plus fresh fruit and eggs available as an all-you-can-eat buffet. We had a room facing onto the road, though, so it was a little noisy (ask for a room at the back of the hotel). Good location and within walking distance of restaurants, cafes and bars. Also just a short ride from the train station. Free wifi. (You can read one of our reports frm Angers here).

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Angoulême - Hotel Saint Antoine

Located near the Point Saint Antoine on the banks of the Charente, the Hotel Saint Antoine is a typically French hotel that's a short ride from the city centre and the train station (with links to both Paris and Bordeaux). It offers a locked storage room for bikes, inhouse fitness centre. Courtyard garden. Free wifi. Flexible room options for groups and families + disabled access rooms. French and English spoken. 

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Angouleme/Limoges – Le Moulin de Pensol (Pensol)

Bikers' base between Limoges and Angouleme (self-catering + B&B)

Heidi and Nik at Le Moulin de Pensol were recommended to us by cyclists who stayed with them. They have space for 17 people in a combination of B&B and self-catering accommodation, making this a flexible base for solo riders through to larger groups. They are located roughly halfway between Limoges and Angouleme in the heart of the Perigord-Limousin national park near the northern edge of the Dordogne. This is a stunning area for cycling (see here). The roads are well-maintained and virtually traffic-free, offering routes of every distance and for every ability through gently rolling hills, chestnut woods, pretty stone villages and past grand chateaux. Heidi and Nik can pick you (and your bikes) up from Limoges or Angouleme, or help you arrange bike hire locally. Ample space for bike and bike box storage. In all, there are 2 x double B&B rooms, a triple B&B room, two 2-person self-catering gites, and a larger gite that's perfect for 6 people. English, French and German spoken.

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Annecy - Hotel International

3-star hotel with hot tub, hammam and onsite massage facilities

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Anneyron - Camping La Châtaigneraie

Bike-friendly campsites on the Via Rhona between Lyon and Valence

Camping La Châtaigneraie at Anneyron is a cool and shady campsite between Lyon and Valence and ideal for the Via Rhona bike route. It's got camping pitches, as well as self-catered chalets and mobile homes for longer stays or a few more creature comforts. Family friendly with kids' club. Swimming pool + spa/wellness centre. Accueil Velo-rated campsite. Onsite shop. 

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Antibes - Hotel Sophia Antipolis

Comfortable hotel 8km from Antibes on the French Riviera

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Apt - Cent Cinq apartments

Town centre apartments in Provence's picture-perfect Luberon region

Jen and Chris at Cent Cinq have two beautiful holiday apartments in an 18th-century townhouse in Apt, a vibrant market town in the heart of the Luberon. The fully equipped apartments sleep 3 people – so ideal for couples or small groups of friends. There is also a smaller en suite bedroom with a fridge and a kettle. It sleeps 2 people. Shorter stays are welcome all year round for all three options. Cent Cinq is located 200m from the lovely Véloroute du Calavon, which forms part of the longer Euro Velo 8 Méditerranée à Vélo. All the key sites of the Luberon and Vaucluse areas of France are within reach from here, including the vineyards of the Rhone Valley, Mont Ventoux, the market town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Avignon. After your ride, relax in the courtyard or make use of the games room in the vaulted cellar. Apt has a great range of shops and restaurants, so you will be fully self-sufficient here.

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Arcachon - Hôtel de la Plage

Relax on the terrace at this 3-star hotel after a ride around the bay

Arcachon is a popular and thriving seaside town that echoes a bygone area in its architecture. The Hotel de la Plage is in the centre of town and close to the beach, so perfect for exploring by foot or cycle. It's close to the La Vélodyssée bike route and cycle tour companies use it as an overnight stop on the Atlantic Coast route. Onsite bar. 24-hour reception. Bikes can be hired through the the hotel. Free wifi. English and French spoken.

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Arcachon - Hôtel Du Delta

2-star hotel with Arcachon an easy ride away

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Arcachon - Hotel Le B d'Arcachon (Atlantic Coast EV1)

Cycle friendly hotel on the Basin d'Arcachon bike routes

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Arçais - Maison Flore

Small eco-hotel in the heart of the beautiful Marais Poitevin

We stayed at this small eco-hotel on our La Velo Francette ride. It's in a lovely location, with the rambling gardens backing straight onto the canal system of the Venise Verte in the Marais Poitevin. There are 10 rooms – singles, doubles, triples and a family room – some of them with balconies and garden views. There is a bike parking area in the garden; it's not a fully enclosed shed, but the B&B's central gates are locked at night and I felt comfortable leaving my bike in the bike area. There is a hose nearby for washdowns. Free wifi. All-you-can eat buffet breakfast of cereals and fresh fruit. There is an emphasis here on the environment, with the hotel (though it's more like a B&B) having its own solar-energy system.

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Argelès-Gazost - Hôtel Le Miramont

Pyrenees spa town hotel with its own dedicated bike area

The Hotel Miramont is a well-appointed cycle friendly hotel that's used to welcoming cyclists – it even has a dedicated bike area called The Grange. There, you'll find four individual bike lockups, plus a communal bike storage area, a workshop with tools, plus a bike cleaning area. Individual riders welcome, as well as groups. The hotel is in the spa town of Argelès-Gaznost, making it an excellent choice as a base for exploring the many cols accessible from here, such as the Aubisque, Col du Soulor and the Hautacam. It's also great for non-cycling family and friends as it has lovely gardens – relax in a deckchair! – plus a restaurant that opens onto a terrace when the sun is shining. It's also just a short walk to the town's spa centre. Free wifi. French and English spoken. Twins, doubles and family rooms.

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Argelès-sur-Mer - Camping Les Chênes Rouges

Woodland campsite near the Mediterranean coast south of Perpignan

Shady and peaceful, Camping Les Chênes Rouges is located in a wooded parkland just west og the Mediterranean hub of Argelès-sur-Mer. It's set among cork oak, mimosa, aloe vera and eucalyptus trees, and offering stunning views of the Albères mountain range. It's ideally located for both outings across the Spanish border into northern Catalonia and walks along the coves and through the picturesque villages of the Côte Vermeille. Snack bar and onsite pizzeria. Pool and waterslides. Children's play area and outdoor games. Part of the Flower Campings network of independently run sites.

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Arles - La Résidence (Via Rhona)

Well-appointed self-catering apartments in the centre of Arles

La Résidence offers self-catering apartments are in a great central location in the town. Arles is at a key junction on the Via Rhona bike route sitting as it does at the mouth of the River Rhone. It's also the heart of Van Gogh country in Provence (there's art on display in the communal areas). Housed within a 17th-century building, the apartments are stylishly decorated and the kitchens are fully equipped. They make a great base for an overnight (or longer) stay for people wanting to cut costs and prepare their own meals. Apartments sleep 2-4 people so they are also good also for families and groups. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Arles - Le Rodin Hotel

Spacious hotel near historic Roman Arles

The Hotel Le Rodin is a lovely 4-star hotel that's a good stopping point on a ride through Provence as it's on the Via Rhona bike route. It's just over 1km from Arles' famous Roman amphitheatre and the city centre. Lovely pool and gardens (all rooms are air-conditioned and overlook one or the other). Rooms also have fridges, which is great if you're bringing food in your panniers. Free wifi and parking if you're arriving by car. The hotel is used by cycling tour companies so it is used to welcoming riders. Around 20km from Nimes-Ales-Camargue-Cevennes Airport. Doubles, triples, quads and family rooms are available, making it ideal for all kinds of groups.

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Arles-sur-Tech - Villa Bonheur

Great base for cycling off the beaten track in the Vallespir valley

Renilde and Wim are the owners of Villa Bonheur, a welcoming B&B in the eastern Pyrenees. The town, Arles-sur-Tech (not to be confused with Arles in Provence), offers the best of all worlds – the sea, mountains and nice village roads. The B&B is located at the foot of the Pyrenees in the Vallespir, a region known for its tranquillity and beautiful nature. The Spanish border is just 15km away and the Mediterranean Sea is 30km away – so a round trip is possible in a day. The house has been tastefully furnished and each of the five rooms has aircon. The villa can also be fully rented out to large groups wanting a fixed base (please ask for a price). Renilde and Wim can help arrange guided bike tours for those who need them. French, English, Dutch spoken. Nearby the property there are marked MTB tracks, road bike routes and the villa is also on the Pirinexus route – a 353km circular route that takes you from sea level to 2500m in just 70km through the eastern part of the French and Spanish Pyrenees. What's not to like?

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Arnac - Le Camp (Aveyron Gorge)

Bike-friendly luxury camping in south-west France

Le Camp is located in a stunning and relatively unknown (and unspoilt) cycling country in south-west France. You'll find it around 90 minutes north-east of Toulouse, close to the Gaillac wine region and near the beautiful medieval towns of Saint‑Antonin‑Noble‑Val, Cordes‑sur‑Ciel and Najac. This is a delightful area for cycling, combining river gorges and valley rides with vineyards. The facilities on site are exceptional, including a stunning 20-metre natural swimming pool. Experience the joy of swimming in fresh crystal clear water as you dive in. Everything you need for a luxurious camping experience is here. Enjoy fixed base tents with large handmade beds, soft solar lighting and individually crafted furniture. Each tent offers space and privacy, plus views over the green valley below. There's a woodland spa shower house for post-ride cooling off and you can shower under the trees in the warm summer air. Cook a meal or BBQ in the fully equipped summer kitchen to create a home away from home experience. This truly is luxury in the wild and an exceptional cycling base. Sleeping up to 40 i different tent configuration, it's ideal for family groups or cycling groups looking for something a little bit different on their French cycling holidays.

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Arras - Maison d'Hôtes La Corne d'Or

Elegantly decorated family-run B&B in central Arras

A friendly, family-run bedroom B&B in an elegantly decorated 18th century mansion in central Arras. There are 5 bedroom, and one of them has a kitchenette for basic self-catered meals. All rooms have private bathrooms (one also has a spa). Continental breakfast including homemade jams and local products; free hot and cold drinks throughout your stay. Play the piano, relax in the lounge or admire the local art on the walls after a day on the bike. Great location for exploring Arras’ underground tunnels, the Louvre-Lens Museum and the area's many First World War Monuments. Free wifi. French and English spoken. Bike storage in a locked private garage.

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Arras - Hotel de l'Univers

Stylish and affordable mid-range hotel in the centre of Arras

The centrally located Hotel de l'Univers is a former 17th century Jesuit monastery that has been lovingly restored, with many of its original features remaining. Relax on the terrace, in the bar or enjoy a gourmet meal in the hotel's restaurant. All rooms are en suite with TV. Wifi (surcharge). There is a room for secure bike parking inside the hotel. A good base for exploring the area's war memorials and monuments. It's also ideal if you're cycling from Lille to Paris.
We stayed here – read our review.

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Aspet - Le Cottage du Milan Royal (Pyrenees)

Large village house ideal for classic TDF climbs in the Pyrenees

Le Cottage du Milan Royal is a fully renovated 6-bedroom cottage that's a perfect base for cycling in the central Pyrenees. The owner, Alison, is keen to see more cyclists use it. The cottage is on a small square with parking at the front and a lockable garage for bikes. There is also walled private garden. A hose is available for washing down bikes. Aspet is near the Col de Portet d’Aspet – featured over 30 times in the Tour de France. It's also within reach of the Col de Mente, Col de Buret, Col de Larrieu, Station du Mortis, Cols des Ares and the Portillon. Great also for mountain biking, with 32 all-terrain routes in the Aspet area. The tourist office has more info on bike routes. Good access from Lannemezan (50km), Saint-Gaudens (15km) and Bagneres-du-Luchon (45km).

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Atlantic Coast - Holiday Inn Express (Saint-Nazaire)

At the start of the Loire à Vélo with the 'cyclists welcome' label

Holiday Inn Express Saint-Nazaire is keen to welcome more cyclists passing through Pays de la Loire – either riders heading up or down the Atlantic Coast on La Vélodyssée or those cycling to or from the Loire Valley. The hotel conforms to the French standard 'accueil vélo' ('cyclists welcome') tourist label, and provides secure and dedicated parking (pictured), along with a wash down and repair area. The general manager, Laurence, says he is super keen to welcome more cyclists. French, English, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and German spoken. 24-hour reception, onsite bar, free wifi.

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Atlantic Coast - Les Petits Gites de Beauregard (Saint-Valérien)

Holiday gites with a pool near the Euro Velo 1 Atlantic Coast bike route

Situated in the heart of the cycling paradise that is the Vendée, Les Petits Gites de Beauregard is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful west coast of France. There are 2 self-catering gites – Pear Tree sleeps up to 5 and Cherry Tree sleeps up to 4. They can be hired individually or together – ideal for couples, families or groups. The gites provide easy access to one of the largest cycling networks in France, the Vendée Velo, which has some 1800km of routes. The gites have everything you need for a relaxing stay – they're fully self-contained with modern fully equipped kitchens, private terraces, BBQs and plenty of on-site parking for both bikes and cars. There's also a heated swimming pool for post-ride cooling off. Breakfast baskets can even be delivered to your gite each morning. Explore the fantastic countryside and beaches – the Euro Velo 1 Atlantic Coast route is within easy reach, as is the La Velo Francette La Rochelle to Caen route – or potter through charming villages or along the canals of ‘Green Venice’ in the Marais Poitevin National Park. English and French spoken.

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Atlantic Coast bike route - La Fleur Sauvage B&B (Plumieux)

Cyclist-focused B&B near the Nantes-Brest Canal section of EuroVelo 1

Kim at La Fleur Sauvage B&B has set up a home away from home for cyclists exploring Brittany. The B&B – located in Plumieux on the Nantes-Brest Canal stretch of the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast route - sleeps upto 4 people. There are lots of extra services on offer here: a bike rack for transporting bikes (riders can be picked up or dropped off by arrangement), a large driveway/garden for working on bikes and a bilingual local cycle guide. Homemade meals are available from the local deli and can be eaten at the B&B. Various other local eating options too, including visits from a wood-fired pizza van. The B&B itself is in central Brittany, making it a great base or stopover for several cycling routes. There are greenway and MTB routes nearby, as well as access to Brittany's V6 and V3 veloroutes. Relax in the evening listening to birdsong by the pond in the garden. English and French spoken. 

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Atlantic Coast EV1 bike route - L'Èquipe Sportive (Pontivy)

B&B for the Nantes-Brest Canal and the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast routes

Mark offers 2 good-sized and comfortable south-facing bedrooms in the heart of Brittany's famous cycling country. Both are ensuite and have a double bed + an extra-long single bed for taller riders. The B&B is in a calm hamlet only 10 minutes by bike from Pontivy. There are a number of good road rides (including Tour de France stage finishes) and established cycling routes very close by. This is a great fixed base or stopover for Nantes-Brest Canal, which is on the Velodyssée Eurovelo 1 bike route that goes down the Atlantic Coast. There are riverside/woodland walks, a boules court and a crêpe restaurant on the doorstep. There is also a bus service to/from Pontivy and Guémené-sur-Scorff. English and French spoken. Garden, gym, laundry, storage for bikes and free car parking. Airport/station/ferry pick-up/drop-off available for up to 4 people plus bikes + baggage transfers and evening meals can be arranged. Mark is a personal trainer by trade so is also able to provide on-site training sessions. You can email or phone to avoid the Airbnb charges.

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