Where to stay: Franche-Comté

Belfort - Hotel Belfort

Stylish and contemproary hotel in the Belfort city centre

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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, there was space for 3 bikes in the equipment room.

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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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Grande-Rivière Château - Logis Hôtel de l'Abbaye (Jura)

Enjoy mountain, lake views and stunning rides in the Jura

Logis Hôtel de l'Abbaye is set spectacularly on the shores of Lac de l'Abbaye in the Jura Mountains. It really is a stunning setting and a wonderful base for cycling. Wake up to wonderful views from your room, or enjoy the vista during breakfast or over an evening meal in the hotel restaurant. The chefs here serve up locally made and sourced meals, including fish from the lake. Note that on quieter days of the week – namely Mondays and Tuesdays – the restaurant only has one set menu and you need to book in advance, so phone ahead of you are arriving on these days. The hotel is part of the bike-friendly Logis network of independent hotels. The town of Morbier – famous for its cheese – is around 17km away. Free wifi throughout the hotel. Free parking for cars + you can take part in local activities for free, including fishing in the lake for free. 
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Gumois - Hotel Taillard

Picturesque local hotel on the Grande Traversée du Jura bike route

Overlooking the Doubs River valley, Hotel Taillard is a charming base set on the hillside among nature. It's been run by the Taillard family since 1875 and continues to offer warm hospitality and fine local food. There are rooms with balconies looking out over the mountain. Private swimming pool + wellbeing/spa area with sauna and jacuzzi. Gardens and terrace. Bike storage room plus locked garage for cars. The hotel is close to the Grande Traversée du Jura bike route. 
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Les Rousses - Logis Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse

Comfortable chalet-style rooms in the Jura

This hotel on the French-Swiss border is part of the Logis hotel group and meets their bike-friendly criteria (parking, good breakfasts, etc). It is easy to reach from Geneva and is a great base for exploring the Jura around the ski station of Les Rousses, with Côte de la Combe de Laisia Les Molunes just over 20km away. The hotel has a restaurant and provides free wifi.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Saint-Hippolyte - Hotel le Bellevue

Riverside hotel on the Grand Traversée du Jura bike route

Hotel le Bellevue at Saint-Hippolyte is right on the Grand Traversée du Jura bike route around 30km south of the starting point at Montbéliard. It's a well-established local hotel-restaurant offering a traditional French welcome and feel. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the food served up in the restaurant showcases regional recipes and local Franche-Comté produce. Bike storage room + locked garage for cars.
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Vesoul - Camping Val de Bonnal

Riverside camping ideal for exploring the southern Vosges and Jura

Situated on the river Ognon, this family campsite provides spacious hedged pitches to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The river, nearby lakes and heated swimming pools combine to provide an oasis of watersport oppurtunities for all ages, including fishing. A large restaurant/bar with newly renovated terrace provides eat-in and take-out options and is also the venue for entertainment. Fresh bread is sold in the well-stocked grocery shop, and don't forget the try the delicious local cheese, Comte.

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