Where to stay: Midi-Pyrénées

Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val - Camping Les Gorges de l'Aveyron

Campsite for exploring the stunning gorges of the Aveyron

Camping Les Gorges de l'Aveyron is a 3-star campsite in the beautiful town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the Aveyron river gorge region of SW France. There are camping pitches, as well as self-catered canvas bungalows, lodges and mobile homes. Heated outdoor pool and play area. Kids’ club. Perfect base for cycling the relatively empty roads of the Aveyron. Also great for canoeing and kayaking, climbing, mountain biking and paragliding. Wander the narrow streets of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val or stay here en route to exploring the medieval villages of Cordes-sur-Ciel, Bruniquel and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Bar, pizzas to take away. Wifi.

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Saint-Jean-du-Bruel - Camping La Dourbie (Millau Viaduct)

In the Dourbie valley between the Larzac plateau and the Cévennes

Camping La Doubie is a 4-star campsite in Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, close to the Millau viaduct in southern Aveyron. It's nestled between the Causse du Larzac and the Cévennes National Park. Camping pitches, mobile homes and chalet rental. Outdoor pool, family activities. Camping La Dourbie takes its name from the river which flows alongside the site. The owners are proud of family atmosphere nurtured here, with the site offering quiet, generous pitches in the semi-shade on the banks of the river. Onsite activities include guided organise walks in the countryside and a range of outdoor activities.

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Soublecause - Hotel l'Adourable Auberge

Friendly family run hotel 40km north of Tarbes

Hôtel l'Adourable Auberge is in the heart of the picturesque Gascon countryside – one of the areas of France often (criminally) overlooked in the rush to get to the High Pyrenees. It's an ideal base for cyclists wanting a rural experience off the beaten track. Part of the Logis group of locally run hotels, this charming inn located on the banks of the Adour River in the small village of Soublecause offers a unique experience, far from the urban hustle and bustle. Hotels rooms, plus self-catered options. Inhouse restaurant serving lovely local cuisine Outdoor pool. Terrace. Great road cycling (including through the vineyards of the Madiran), plus MTB, hiking, fly fishing, and wildlife watching.
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Souillac - Auberge du Puits

Friendly hotel-restaurant on the Dordogne-Lot border

Auberge du Puits was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. Located in the centre of the Souillac old town and near the river routes of the Dordogne, it has its own restaurant (ideal for late arrivals who just want to shower, eat and relax!) and a dedicated bicycle storage area. There is a private garden and terrace, while some rooms have a private balcony. It's also close to Souillac railway station, which is on the line to Paris, Cahors and Toulouse. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
See here for a bike route that goes through town.

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Souillac - Camping Les Ondines

Riverside camping on the banks of the Dordogne

Camping Les Ondines is a 3-star campsite just across the Lot border at Souillac-sur-Dordogne, close to the river Dordogne and an ideal base from which to explore the Dordogne and Lot valleys, including the towns of Collonges La Rouge, Rocamadour and Sarlat. Camping pitches as well as self-catered rentals, fixed base canvas tents and mobile homes. Heated outdoor pool + a short walk from a water park. Family friendly with kids' entertainment. Bar/restaurant. Wifi.

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Tarbes - Le RexHotel

City centre hotel that regularly welcomes amateur and pro cyclists

With the Tarbes railway station only 1.3km away, this four-star hotel provides a good first stop for those arriving in the area by train or plane. It offers a great base for visitors wanting to explore the Pyrenees or take in a stage or two of the Tour de France. Decoration is modern throughout and the rooms are well appointed, with king-sized beds and air-conditioning. There is a bar and restaurant, plus gym and relaxation area (massages can be arranged). Free wifi. Staff speak French, English, Spanish and Dutch. Airport transfers available on request. Anyone arriving with a bike can use the secure storage facilities, and perhaps get some tips from the pros who often use this hotel as a base.
**We've stayed here - read our review**

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Tarn - Mercure Albi Bastides

Restored flour mill with stunning views of the river Tarn in Albi

One of the most picturesque hotels in France. Located on the banks of the Tarn, this restored flour mill now doubles as a modern hotel and centrally located hotel in Albi. 24-hour reception. Lift. Onsite restaurant and bar. Wifi. Management confirms that there is a room set aside for bike storage. 

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Tarn-et-Garonne - Nightingale Cottage

Stone cottage overlooking the countryside in the Tarn-et-Garonne

Nestled among rolling hills and fields of sunflowers, this newly-renovated stone cottage is the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Tarn et Garonne and Lot regions. It has miles of quiet roads and rolling hills surrounding it, making for beautiful and challenging bike rides. The two-bedroom gite sleeps 4 people.

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Toulouse - Adagio Parthenon

Spacious and well-equipped apartment hotel in the Toulouse city centre

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Toulouse - Crowne Plaza

Super bike-friendly hotel a few blocks from the Canal du Midi

Super bike-friendly hotel in central Toulouse. Yannick from the hotel's management team contacted me to say they were very keen to host more English-speaking cyclists. The hotel is located on beautiful Capital Square, one of the city's showcase restaurant squares. Key city sights like the Saint Sernin Basilica, the Augustins Museum and the Convent of the Jacobins are all easy to reach from the door. The hotel is just a few blocks from the Canal de Garonne and the Canal du Midi, making it a good base for a ride in either direction. Gourmet restaurant with traditional French dishes plus a summer restaurant with salad and grill and an evening piano bar. The hotel has access to a locked bike parking box for 20 bikes in the secure carpark opposite the hotel. There's a bike maintenance and repair kit available from reception and a laundry service if you need to freshen up your kit. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Toulouse - Hôtel Le Père Léon

Atmospheric Toulouse institution with luggage room for bikes

Originally founded in 1905 as a wine bar by the grandfather of the current owners, the Hôtel Le Père Léon is a stylish 3-star city hotel in the city centre (the Esquirol Metro station is out the front). A brasserie still operates inside the hotel where the wine bar was first established, and this is complemented by a fully refurbished hotel. (The brasseries's wine racks – chock-full of hundreds of bottles – were protected throughout the refurbishment to preserve their coat of dust). This is a good base for exploring Toulouse – it's a quick ride to the river Garonne and to the point at which the Canal de Garonne becomes the Canal du Midi, plus it's handy for the city's museums and the basilica. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. Singles, doubles, twins and triples. Luggage store for upto 3 bikes.

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Toulouse - Ibis Toulouse Centre

Reliable chain hotel in Toulouse city centre

A short ride from the Toulouse Old Town and the train station, the Ibis Toulouse Centre is a refurbished modern hotel with onsite restaurant and bar, plus free wifi (and web corner) and 24-hour reception. Management advises that bikes can be safely locked inside the hotel. Airport shuttle bus.

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Toulouse - Mercure Toulouse Compans Caffarelli

Hotel at the junction of the Canal du Midi and Canal de Garonne

Located just near where the Canal du Midi meets the Canal de Garonne, this hotel is well-placed for cyclists visiting Toulouse. Airport shuttle nearby. Bar and terrace restaurant overlooking a garden. Wifi. A private garage provides secure bike parking (bring your own lock). The garage is gated, requires an entry code and has security cameras. 

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Toulouse - Novotel Centre Compans Caffarelli

Toulouse hotel near the Canal du Midi and with outdoor pool

Central Toulouse hotel with a bike-friendly approach. There is a secure car park with a designated area for bikes; the car park is under CCTV surveillance. There is also a luggage store inside the hotel for bikes on arrival and for panniers etc. The hotel works with a local bike hire firm and can help arrange bike hire. Free wifi. Onsite restaurant and bar. Outdoor swimming pool. Children's play area and games console.

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Toulouse - Privilège Hôtel Mermoz

Art deco hotel in the centre of town with room for tandems

The Privilège Hôtel Mermoz in the so-called pink city of Toulouse was recommended to us by tandem riders who stayed there, so there is plenty of space for cyclists and their equipment. It's about half a kilometre from the Matabiau train station, the city's main terminal, but still manages to incorporate an outdoor pool. Rooms are soundproofed and come with a coffee machine, a handy extra. There is also a decent – if slighly expensive – breakfast served every day, or you can just pop out for a croissant or to the supermarket.

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Toulouse - Royal Wilson Hotel

Clean and welcoming Toulouse hotel that's easy on the budget

The Royal Wilson hotel is located in the centre of Toulouse, ideally located for the junction of the Garonne de Garonne and the Canal du Midi bike routes (see here). The hotel has an Accueil Vélo rating, so secure bicycle storage facilities, bike washing and repair kits are on hand. There is a free left-luggage facility and a breakfast of breads and pastries from the Victor Hugo market, fresh seasonal fruits, cereals, cream cheeses, juices and hot drinks to set up for the day.

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Trie-sur-Baise - Logis Hotel le Loft

Stay 13th-century buildings on the Baise Valley bike route in SW France

Logis Hotel le Loft is in Trie-sur-Baise, a typical Hautes-Pyrénées village that's on the wonderfully undiscovered Baise Valley bike route. The hotel is set in charming 13th-century buildings that have been lovingly restored to provide all the comforts of contemporary living. Enjoy local gourmet cuisine in the dining room, on the terrace or in your room. At the back of the hotel, there's even an outdoor jacuzzi.
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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