Where to stay: Languedoc-Roussillon

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 the eastern Pyrenees. The town, Arles-sur-Tech, offers the best of all words – 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 tranquility 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 a just 70km through the eastern part of the French and Spanish Pyrenees. What's not to like?

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Aude - Appartement 24, Caunes-Minervois

Cycle-friendly apartment for 2 people just north of the Canal du Midi

With a new kitchen and bathroom, Appartement 24 is an ideal fixed base for exploring the vineyards of the Minervois. Just 20km north of the Canal du Midi (halfway between Carcassonne and Homps), it's also a worthy diversion from the canal route and one that will take you through some varied and interesting towns and villages. Caunes-Minervois itself is a medieval town steeped in history (its abbey dates back to the 8th century). The apartment is completely self-contained and suitable for either 2 friends or a couple. It has a shared garden, plus a private private terrace with BBQ. There is also a spa to relax in after a day out on the bike. It's a short walk from local shops and cafes. Secure garage for bike storage. The owner, Helen, rides and is active locally – she is keen to share her corner of France with other cyclists. You can use the link below to book, or email or phone direct. 

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Aude - Maison Serres and La Petite Maison (Serres)

Versatile self-catering bases in a traditional south of France village

Maison Serres is a 4 double bedroom house sleeping 8 people, while La Petite Maison is a cosy self-catering gite sleeping 6 people in one bedroom and on a mezzanine floor. Both properties are ideal for cyclists, with many great routes from the door and suitable for all abilities. The village of Serres is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Pyrenees, 45km south of Carcassonne and 70km from Perpignan. This is an excellent base for the annual Figure of Hate sportive, one of the most brutal and beautiful race routes and based in Axat just to the south. When you're not cycling, there are plenty of opportunities for other activities in the area, including horse-riding, hiking, whitewater rafting, and swimming. English, basic French, basic Spanish spoken.

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Aude - The Au Petit Verger Cycle Aude B&B

Cyclist-run B&B offering local knowledge and lots of bikey support

Local cyclist Martyn has five rooms at his tranquil B&B close to excellent road routes and equally special mountain bike circuits. From his door, the Tour de France cols of Plateau de Beille, Port de Pailhères and Col de Porte-Pa are all within reach, but so too are some gentler local rides suited to all abilities. (See here for some local circuits). Martyn has a garage for storage and a full bike workshop for maintenance and running repairs. He can also provide help with route planning, airport pickups and local bike hire. Free wifi. French, English and Spanish spoken.

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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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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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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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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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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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Hérault - Gite Florence

Cycle friendly self-catering gite near to the stunning Languedoc Nature Park

Gite Florence is a 2-person self-catered gite with its own parking and steps down to a garden. It's in a wonderful location on the banks of the river Vernazobre. Just 5 minutes from St Chinian, it borders the Languedoc Nature Park, the mountains and the Mediterranean beaches. It's just 16km to the Canal du Midi at Capestang and 27km to Beziers. The whole area is very popular for cycling and was visited by the Tour de France in 2011 and again in 2016. The Tour of Occitanie, which attracts TDF teams, passed through prior to the 2020 Tour de France. 2021 will see the Tour de France return to the area for Stage 13 Nimes to Carcassonne (Friday, July 9). Lots of bells and whistles, including late arrival evening meals if you call ahead. English, French spoken.

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Herault – B&B Villa Fontilha

Bike-friendly village B&B midway between Beziers and Montpellier

Yulia is keen to welcome more cyclists to Villa Fontilha, a character-filled B&B set in a large medieval stone village house. There are 3 double bedrooms and 1 twin, together with an exotic Moroccan-style bathroom. There is also a tranquil, landscaped terrace for breakfasts. 

Villa Fontilha is located in the heart of a typical southern French village on the banks of the Hérault River in Languedoc. Some of the south of France's most picturesque cycling can be found from the doorstep. 

The B&B is just 20km from the Mediterranean, while the Canal du Midi at Beziers is also within reach. Day bike rides from here take in history and beautiful vistas, ancient French stone villages, castles and abbeys, water mills and churches. 

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La Palme - Camping Domaine de La Palme

Quiet campsite near the end of the Narbonne branch of the Canal du Midi

The 3-star Camping Domaine de La Palme at La Palme is just 5km from the Mediterranean coast near the end of the Narbonne stretch diversion of the Canal du Midi bike route. It around a 8km coastal ride from Port-la-Nouvelle. Tent pitches, as well as self-catered rentals including tents on stilts, canvas bungalows and chalets. This quiet, family campsite sits near a large saltwater lake on the edge of the Mediterranean, providing plenty of opportunities for swimming and water sports. Further afield, explore vineyards or watch the flamingos on the salt pans. Pool. Free wifi. Bar/restaurant with pizzeria.

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Lézignan-Corbières - Camping la Pinède

Campsite 7km south of the Canal du Midi near Homps

Camping la Pinède at Lézignan-Corbières is a friendly campsite just south of the Canal du Midi near Homps, between Carcassonne and Narbonne. It's a lush, green site, spread out over 3.5 hectares and shaded by pine and almond trees. Tent pitces or mobile homes to rent. Restaurant. Children's play area. Local MTB and bike routes from te gate. 
 

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Marseillan Plage - Camping Robinson

Camping Robinson at Marseillan Plage is ideal for the start/end of Canal du Midi bike rides, being 7km from Agde and a 16km ride along the Mediterranean coast to/from Sete. The campsite – which has been a fixture on the south coast for more than 30 years – offers direct access to the beach at Marseillan Plage, but there's also a onsite swimming pool and waterpark. Set across 2.5 hectares, it's a peaceful and green site. Tent pitches plus mobile homes and cabins for rent. Some cabins face straight onto the beach and would be wonderful for a fixed base stay for a few days. There are also 'modulo'camp' pitches or wooden huts for cyclists. You pitch your tent near these and get added benefits of a fridge, coffee machine, picnic table and electricity.

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Mende - Hotel de France

Cosy accommodation near the Cevennes National Park

Mende is a great base for cycling. It's something of an off-the-beaten track destination, slightly less so recently thanks to a few appearances on the Tour de France route. It makes a great destination for cycling due to is its proximity on the edge of the wonderful Cévennes National Park. There are lots of MTB routes here, along with quiet road routes through beautiful gorges. Hotel de France is based in the centre of town and has a lovely terrace for dining.

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Montpellier – Holiday Inn Express Montpellier Odysseum

New hotel east of the Montpellier city centre with bike store facilities

The Holiday Inn Express Montpellier Odysseum is a new hotel east of the city centre. There are 90 rooms providing flexible accommodation, with family rooms plus some self-catering rooms with kitchenettes. Free buffet. Close to bars and restaurants, plus a cinema, aquarium and shopping centre for supplies. The hotel manager emailed to tell me that bikes can be kept in the luggage store or locked in a meeting room if more space is needed. Free wifi. French, English, German, Arabic and Italian spoken. 

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Montpellier – Hotel du Palais

Basic but friendly two-star bike-friendly hotel in the city centre

Friendly city centre hotel near the Peyrou Gardens and Place de la Canourgue, and a short ride from the train station. Basic but clean two-star hotel in an old, character-filled 200-year-old building. There are 26 air-conditioned rooms, all with their own bathrooms. Locked storage room for bikes. International TV. Left luggage area. Terrace. Free wifi. English, French and Spanish spoken.

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Montpellier/Sete - Camping Altéa

Near the coast halfway between Sete and Montpellier (15km each way)

The 3-star Camping Altéa is perfectly located for the end (or the start!) of a Canal du Midi bike ride, being just 15km from Sete. It's also just 15km from Montpellier, making it an ideal base if you are heading that way or arriving from the train station. Tent pitches, plus self-contained fixed base bungalow tents (pictured) as well as self-catered cabins. The campsite is 5km from the beach, and has a pool, bar plus snack bar for takeaway pizzas and other food, plus a mini-supermarket. Part of a network of independently owned French campsites.

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Narbonne - Chambre d'Hôtes Villa Ambrosia

Unique B&B that's a handy stop on the Canal de la Robine

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Narbonne - Hotel la Residence

Look no further for a hotel in Narbonne - we've tested this one for you

This is a super, super place to stay. Hilde and Heather stayed here when they rode the Canal du Midi. This hotel is in the heart of Narbonne, which is on the Canal de la Robine, an offshoot of the Midi. And the girls could not rave more about it. The staff were lovely, there was a great cyclists' breakfast, and the hotel itself is well-located and within walking distance of Narbonne's key attractions. The hotel has retained the charm of a grand family home, and despite its modern touches, its pictures, lamps, and furniture are all in keeping with the original 19th century character of the building. Luggage store. Free wifi. French, English and Spanish spoken.
You can read our full review here.

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Nîmes – Hotel Adagio Access

Apart-hotel with self-catering studios and apartments for up to 4 people

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Perpignan - Ibis Perpignan Centre Hotel

Centrally located Perpgnan hotel with good bike storage

A site user recommended the Ibis Perpignan Centre Hotel to us, saying it was well-located and close to all the main sights. He was particularly impressed with the friendly welcome he got when he arrived by bike. When we contacted them, the hotel confirmed that there is a baggage room, plus they can make available another lockable room for bikes if one is available You also have the option of storing your bike in your own room. The hotel has multilingual staff. There's a restaurant, and bar/lounge area, plus free wifi.

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Perpignan – Adagio Access Apart'hotel

Affordable 2-star hotel with self-catering studio apartments

Two-star city hotel with affordable self-catering studio apartments that include kichenettes, fridges and microwaves. Close to restaurants and bars, and near the river Têt. Management advises that bikes can be stored in rooms. 100 rooms available, so good for groups on a budget. French and English spoken.

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Port Argelès - Pierre & Vacances Maeva

Apartments near Perpignan and the Spanish border

Studios and apartments sleeping up to 6 people and offering basic but affordable accommodation. Fully furnished with kitchenettes. Choose between harbour and mountain views. 300 metres from the beach and handy to Perpignan, and the road south to the Spanish border. The apartments are run by Pierre & Vacances, which allows guests to lock bikes safely in their rooms overnight. Wifi available at a surcharge. Also onsite: games room and table tennis, children's playground, massage, outdoor pool.

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Portiragnes - Les Sablons

Campsite with self-catering cabins perfectly placed for the Canal du Midi

Les Sablons is good base from which to access the cycle routes along the Canal du Midi, which crosses the River River Orb at Béziers, 14km away. The campsite also has direct access to the beach Portiragnes for a relaxing swim after a day's riding. Cycling tours of the local area can be arranged on-site. Click below to find out more about the fixed tents and cabins sleeping up to 8 people, or click here if you have your own tent or campervan.

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Quillan - Hotel La Chaumière

Recently renovated rooms with mountain views in Cathar country

Air-conditioned rooms that are light, airy and well-equipped this hotel is ideal for lovers of Cathar architecture. Peaceful surroundings with lots to do in the surrounding gorges and forests. There are great road and mountain bike routes in this relatively quiet and unspoilt area of the Pyrenees. The Hotel La Chaumiere has an onsite restaurant serving regional cuisine. Double, triple and family rooms available, making it versatile accommodation for groups. Some rooms have views of the Pyrenees. The annual Figure of Hate sportive is held in nearby Axat, making this an ideal base.

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Sète - Le Grand Hotel

Quirky decor at the end of the Canal du Midi

Le Grand Hotel sits in an old stone building in a great central location, close to lots of restaurants and with a view over the canals. Famed for its funky decor, the hotel is used to welcoming cyclists, which makes it a really good option as a stop while exploring the Canal du Midi. Free wifi. French, English and Spanish spoken. The hotel can store two bikes in the hotel, plus they have a private, locked parking area 50m from the hotel that's reserved for guests.

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Sommières - Domaine de Massereau

Holiday lodges on a working vineyard between Montpellier and Nîmes

Fancy staying on a working vineyard? Look no further! Domaine de Massereau is located between Montpellier and Nimes, and also within reach of the Camargue. Its owners have created something really special based around their wine-producing château. The property is part of the Eurocamp network that offers self-catering cabins on campsites in France. The property is bike-friendly – cycle through the trees to your cabin hidden among oak trees. Facilities on site include swimming pools (with waterslides), a gourmet-standard restaurant, indoor spa, Jacuzzi and sauna. Adults spending more than three nights in May, June and September also get a free 45-minute spa session or a free pass to the local adventure parc, Roc de Massereau. You can also try canoeing, tennis or other outdoor activities. This is a good option for families or groups wanting an affordable fixed base for a few days (or more) in the south of France.

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Uzès - Hostellerie Provençale

Well-regarded hotel-restaurant that's used to welcoming cyclists

In the heart of Uzès is this well-known local hotel-restaurant that regularly welcomes groups of cyclists. Recognised as a 'historic hotel of France', the Hostellerie Provençale is a 300-year-old house that has been tastefully renovated to bring it into the 21st century. There are only nine rooms here, each with wifi and super showers (according to one cyclist who stayed there). Hostellerie Provençale is also a popular local eatery, with Eric and François' restaurant, La Parenthèse, specialising in quality Mediterranean cuisine. Take breakfast in the restaurant or on the terrace overlooking Uzès and the surrounding countryside. Dedicated bike storage. Massages available on request.

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Valras-Plage - Hotel Albizzia

Bike-friendly hotel close to the beach

Popular stop for cyclists taking the coastal route at the tail end of the Canal du Midi bike route. Friendly hotel that's handy for the beach. Offering good value for money, it has an outdoor pool plus terrace and snack bar. Doubles and triples available. Safe bike parking plus on-site rental. Free wifi. French, English, Spanish, German spoken.  

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Vias Plage - Club Farret

Upmarket holiday village with self-catered cabins and direct beach access

A family-run Yelloh! Village campsite with self-catered cabins and bungalows offering direct access to the beach, as well as to local ride routes (the Canal du Midi is less than 20km away in Beziers). Local cycling tours and bike hire can be aranged on-site. Click here for full details of the self-catering cabins and bungalows, or click here for prices if you have your own tent.

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