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Eymet – Vingt Huit B&B

Friendly B&B in the centre of Eymet

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Fécamp - Relais du Silence Le Grand Pavois

Contemporary hotel on key Normandy bike routes

This hotel offers large modern rooms in an ideal location located as it is in the seaside town of Fécamp overlooking the harbour, with the beach just a short ride away. The hotel is accueil velo-rated so they are well used to cyclists and have a secure garage for stowing your bikes. There is a piano bar to relax in after a day of riding and you can enjoy a good continental breakfast before setting off to explore the delights of Normandy. It's on Normandy's linen bike route as well as on the coastal EuroVelo 4 and Alabaster coast routes.

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Fleuray - Hotel le Fleuray

Cycle-friendly hotel in Loire, close to Amboise and Blois

This restored country house has been converted into a hotel that's perfectly situated for cycling holidays in the Loire. It gives great access to the chateaux country, including Amboise (17km away), Blois (27km) and Tours (38km). Onsite restaurant. The hotel is part of the Logis hotel network and complies with its strict cycling standards policy – free bikes are available for guest use, along with tools and secure bike parking. Staff can help with route advice and maps.

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Foix - Cycle Pyrenees

Great cycling base near Foix with both hilly and flat Pyrenees routes

As you can tell by the name of their business, cyclists Lee and Helen offer dedicated cycling in their B&B in a quiet village 2km from the historic town of Foix. They have 3 rooms available, a lounge and dining area, and a large pretty garden and shaded terrace. Bikes are secured in a locked outdoor garage, and they also have bike cleaning and workshop facilities available for basic maintenance. They offer freshly prepared meals for breakfast and dinner, making this an easy option and a great base for cycling in the Pyrenees. They're perfectly situated for a wide variety of cycling – there are Tour de France cols to the south and beautiful flatter rides to the north.  The Voie Verte (route V81) passes within 1km of the door, making this an ideal spot for groups of all abilities.  Airport pickups can be arranged. English and French spoken.

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Fontainebleau - Hotel Victoria Fontainebleau

Accueil velo hotel positioned nicely for the Fontainebleau forest and EV3

Hotel Victoria is an accueil velo-rated hotel with its own fleet of hire bikes for day rides (for longer term rentals or one-way hire on the EuroVelo 3 or around Paris, use our bespoke service). Hotel Victoria is set in a manor house with a tree-lined park, located just 1km from the forest and and 650m from te fabulous Chateau de Fontainebleau (Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte – modelled on Versailles – is 25km away for a longer day ride. You can relax on the shaded terrace or browse the free wifi to plan your routes. The guest rooms are all decorated in a modern style with antique furniture. Meals can be delivered to your room upon prior reservation if you're arriving late. 

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Forges-les-Eaux - Domaine de Forges Continental Hotel

Hotel complex on the London to Paris bike route

The Continental hotel features a bistro, restaurant and casino as part of a complex with comfortable rooms. This is a great stop for anyone riding the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route. The hotel itself is used by bike tour companies cycling from London to Paris, so the staff are used to dealing with cyclists. A number of restaurants are within easy reach if you fancy a change of scenery. Free wifi. Onsite pool and spa.

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Forges-les-Eaux – Hotel Le Saint Denis (Avenue Verte London to Paris)

Budget hotel recommended by cyclists en route to the ferry at Dieppe

This hotel has been recommended by a number of cyclists who have used it to/from both Calais and Dieppe. Handy for a number of key cycling routes, including the Avenue Verte to Paris. By all reports, it's basic but clean, with the owners offering good, friendly service. It's a popular stop with cyclists, so the staff are used to welcoming visitors on two wheels. Bar and restaurant. Terrace. Free wifi. Singles, twins/doubles, triples and family rooms; good for small groups. Packed lunches can be arranged for the next day's cycling. 

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Fort-Mahon Plage - Belle Dune Holiday Village

Apartments and houses in eco-village near the Bay of Somme in Picardy

An eco-friendly, pedestrianised holiday village surrounded by a golf course and offering great access for nature-based outdoor activities and watersports. Great for birdwatching, seal-spotting and, of course, cycling. Accommodation varies from studio apartments for 2 people through to houses for up to 8. Facilities onsite for chidren aged from 3 months.

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Fouesnant - Logis Hotel de la Pointe du Cap Coz

Acceuil velo-rated hotel on the EuroVelo 1 bike route

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Fouras - Grand Hotel des Bains

Well-appointed and quiet hotel near beach and town centre

The Grand Hotel des Bains has lots of treats behind its ordinary looking exterior. There's a heated pool that forms part of a spa area, a bar with lots of comfy club chairs, plus clean and comfortable ensuite bedrooms with free wifi. The beach is just a few strides away as is the centre of town. The hotel is accueil velo rated so your bike will be safe and you can get information on local rides from the owners. English and French spoken. Fouras is on La Flow Velo bike route and is an ideal place to stay if you don't want to stay on Ile d'Aix overnight or if you prefer to start the Flow bike route from the mainland. We include this hotel on our DIY Flow route here.

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Fréjus - Pierre & Vacances Cap Hermès

Self-contained studios and apartments on the Mediterranean

Studios and apartments sleeping up to 6 adults, making them ideal for families and groups. Apartments are fully furnished with kitchenettes, TVs and other creature comforts. The property faces the harbour and also has direct beach access and an outdoor swimming pool. Fréjus is a popular holiday town 40km from Cannes – book well ahead in summer and during French school holidays. As with all Pierre & Vacances properties, it's possible to store your bike in your apartment overnight. Wifi available at a surcharge.

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Galeria - Hotel Le Filosorma

Sea views and a great location

A short stroll from the beach, this simple 2* family run hotel is ideal for exploring the local area, especially for riding in the mountains. The rooms each have a balcony offering sea views and the restaurant serves local fish specialities as well as a good breakfast. Free wifi.

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Gensac – Chateau de Sanse

Elegant country hotel retreat overlooking vineyards

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the vines, Chateau de Sanse is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful corner of France that borders Dordogne and Gironde. The hotel is 25km south-east of UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion, and 13km from Castillon-la-Bataille, start of the Lawrence of Arabia bike route. This is Freewheeling France's backyard – we ride these roads A LOT, and we love them. The roads from the door of Chateau de Sanse are a bit hilly, but they are achievable (we know of at least one cycle tour company that uses Chateau de Sanse as part of a family cycling itinerary). There are flatter river routes and voies vertes within reach, including the excellent Roger Lapebie bike route, which you can jump on just shy of Rauzan.  

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Gien - Campsite Les Bois du Bardelet

Loire Valley campsite between Orleans and Nevers near the EV6

Camping Les Bois du Bardelet is just outside Poilly-lez-Gien. It's set in a peaceful area between lakes and forests – ideal for a cycling holiday. It's billed as 5-star camping and comes with all the bells and whistles you'd expect: restaurant + shop. Swimming pool + indoor water playground. Fish in the lake or go canoeing. Tent pitches, plus self-catered cabins, fishing huts and lodges. Accueil Velo-rated and located between Orleans and Nevers it is ideal for the EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley bike route.

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Gisors - Hotel Moderne (Avenue Verte)

Good value to be had in Gisors

We are not sure that the name of Hotel Moderne is completelty appropriate considering the decor, however, this hotel is ideal for anyone cycling the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route. It is a registered accueil velo hotel through the local tourist board (so secure bike storage is available, along with emergency repair kit and other bikey support). The great price also makes it a really good option. The hotel, which is located right in the middle of town, has a bar, free wifi and a buffet breakfast. 

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Giverny - B&B Aux Vieilles Pierres

Cycle-friendly B&B for Monet fans on the London-Paris bike route

B&B Aux Vieilles Pierres was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here. They report that it's a typical French B&B with friendly owners and the added bonuses of a heated indoor swimming pool and sauna. It's handy for the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route and also close to the Seine Valley bike route that links Paris to the ferry port in Le Havre. It's also an ideal stop for Monet's garden at Giverny, 10km away – close enough to ensure you can be there bright and early before the tour buses arrive but far enough away to avoid the worst of the crowds if you're staying on afterwards. This is a good last stop before/first stop from the outskirts of Paris. 

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Giverny - Maison où Claude Monet vécut à Vétheuil

B&B steeped in art history deep in Monet country on the Seine

As the French name suggests, this is the house where Claude Monet lived while painting more than 150 works of art between 1878 to 1881. It's on the River Seine about 15km shy of Giverny on the Paris side. It's open to visitors as a museum but it also has a small B&B that's ideal for cyclists. There's a double room as well as a quadruple for families or a group of friends. For bikes there is dedicated bike storage. Cyclists who have stayed here report that the owner, Claire, is friendly and accommodating, and that the rooms are clean and comfortable. Located on the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route and also the Seine Valley bike route that links Paris to the ferry port in Le Havre, this is an ideal place to soak up the magic of Monet on your French cycling holiday.

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Givet - Orchidee Rose B&B

Friendly B&B on the right bank of the Meuse River

We're told this is a clean but basic old-style French B&B run by a friendly local lady. On the Meuse River route. Scenic spot overlooking the river. Simple continental breakfast. Terrace and garden. Play area for kids. Doubles, triples and family rooms available.

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Gournay-en-Bray - Hotel Le Saint-Aubin (Avenue Verte London-Paris)

Hotel on Avenue Verte London-Paris route with Accueil Vélo status

Basic but comfortable hotel just outside Gournay-en-Bray, a popular stop on the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route. The hotel carries the official 'accueil vélo' label from the French tourist authorities, meaning it has a full range of services available from secure parking and packed lunches through to cyclist-sized breakasts (a full buffet is offered). Staff should also be able to advise about local baggage transfer services. Rooms for solo riders through to sharers (triples and quads), making this a good stop for groups. Free wifi. 24-hour reception for late arrivals. French and English spoken.
** We've stayed here – read our review **

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Gournay-en-Bray – Hotel Le Normandie (Avenue Verte London to Paris)

Cheap and friendly hotel on the London-Paris bike route

The Hotel Normandie in Gournay-en-Bray provides a cyclist friendly accueil vélo-rated option about 70km from Dieppe, making it ideal for anyone tackling the London to Paris cycle route, especially as it's located just before the route splits into two. If you're arriving with a few kilometres in your legs, there's a pizzeria just next door. The hotel staff speak English and French. Free wifi.
** We've stayed here – read our review **

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Gournay-Loize - La Grange de Gournay

Cyclist-run B&B inland from La Rochelle and keen to welcome more riders

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Goutrens - Le Bouleau

Passionately run B&B on an organic Goutrens farm

Bike-mad Steve and Lisa have worked tirelessly to create Le Bouleau since moving to the region in 2009 from South Africa. They offer B&B rooms with a wonderful locally sourced breakfast and evening meal options. Steve is a very keen cyclist who can advise on local routes, including those to one of the many surrounding 'plus beaux villages' and the beautiful Aveyron river valley area. Lisa is passionate about cooking and runs courses from the kitchen, as well as arranging visits to local markets, restaurants and vineyards. Free wifi. English and French spoken. And if that isn't enough, there's a certified organic farm alongside the property growing vegetables and saffron.

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Grenade-sur-Garonne - Villa Léopoldine

Lovely base that's worth a short detour from the Canal de Garonne

Midway between Montauban and Toulouse and a small detour from the Canal de Garonne towpath is Villa Léopoldine. It makes for an interesting stopover. Previously it was a large family townhouse and has now been converted into a contemporary hotel with large rooms complete with sofa and marble en-suite. A continental breakfast is served each morning, which you can enjoy outside when the sun is out, which is a lot in this area.

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Grenoble - Adagio Access Aparthotel

Hotel with self-catering apartments close to the Grenoble city centre

Self-catering studio and apartment rooms sleeping up to 4 people. Each room has a kitchenette with microwave, stove and fridge. Buffet breakfast also available for a surcharge. Free wifi. Management advises us that they have room for two bikes in a special storage area, plus clean bikes can be stored overnight in the apartments. Advice also available at reception on bike hire and local routes.

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Grenoble - Ibis Grenoble Université

Budget accommodation east of Grenoble city centre

Budget accommodation on the eastern outskirts of Grenoble near the university. Free wifi. Restaurant and bar. 81 rooms. Bikes can be locked in bedrooms overnight.

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Grenoble - Ibis Styles Grenoble Centre Gare

Modern city centre hotel in Grenoble

Centrally located hotel in the Grenoble city centre, and close to the train station. 54 air-conditioned rooms. Free, unlimited wifi. On site bar. There is a private car park available for bike storage (bring your own lock), or bikes can be locked in rooms. Rates are for bed and breakfast.

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Grignan - Camping Les Truffières

Quiet campsite SE of Montélimar and handy for the Via Rhona

Camping Les Truffières is an Accueil Velo-rated campsite set among abandoned truffle fields and century-old oaks in the southern Drôme. South-east of Montélimar en route to Orange, it's a great stop on the Via Rhona bike route. It's also well placed for the lavender fields of the Drome, as well as the hilltop villages of the Enclave des Papes, including Adhémar-Montélimar, Suze-la-Rousse, La Garde-Adhémar, Vinsobres, Valréas and Nyons. Peaceful site with large, shady pitches. Also cabins and fully equipped onsite tents for rent. Heated swimming pool. Onsite bike hire. Part of the Flower Campings network of independent campsites.

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Grospierre - Le Rouret Holiday Village

Apartments and houses in the Ardèche countryside

Le Rouret Holiday Village is situated in the Rhone-Alps, within reach of both Cévennes and Provence. The village is spread across 197 acres, with the Ardèche gorges within cycling distance, along with prehistoric caves and the UNESCO-listed listed Vallon Pont d'Arc. Accommodation includes studio apartments for two people through to houses sleeping up to 8 people.

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Guenrouet - Chambre d'Hotes Exçarêve (EuroVelo 1)

Ecologically friendly B&B on the Nantes-Brest Canal

Rustic and eco-friendly, this is a budget option just outside of Guenrouet near the Nantes-Brest Canal. Set on more than 5000 square metres of gardens and woodland, it's a little countryside retreat where the Canal runs concurrently with the EuroVelo 1 La Vélodyssée bike route. Family friendly (there are chickens, rabbits, dogs and cats to pat and feed). Organic breakfasts. All water is filtered and solar-heated. Restaurant nearby. Packed lunches can be made for your pannier on request.

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Gueudecourt - Le Clos du Clocher B&B and self-catering gites

Idyllic B&B and gites at the heart of the WWI battlefields

Le Clos du Clocher is an ideal base if you are riding between Lille and Paris or exploring the World War I battlefields. You can choose between B&B or self catering gites. Whichever you decide upon you will be able to enjoy a really magnifcent garden and jacuzzi, not to mention home cooking. You can also hire ebikes from the owners.
We have stayed here, read our review.

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Hendaye - Camping de la Corniche (EuroVelo 1)

Campsite on the Basque section of the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast route

Ideally located between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, the quiet Camping de la Corniche is an accueil velo campsite that sits in leafy grounds, and is handy for the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast La Velodyssee bike route. It's a 4-star campsite within easy reach of Hendaye (2.5km) and the Spanish border. Camping pitches, plus mobile homes and canvas bungalows to rent. Onsite pizzeria/restaurant. This is an ideal site whether you’re just passing through staying longer with family or friends. Just 150 metres from the Atlantic Ocean, it offers easy access to the magnificent coastal route that forms part of the EuroVelo 1.

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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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Honfleur - Domaine de la Catinière

Shady campsite set among the trees outside Honfleur

Domaine de la Catinière is a friendly and relaxed campsite near the Pont de Normandie. Countryside feel but within easy reach of Honfleur and its harbour. A 4-star site with tent pitches, fixed base 'coco' tents, mobile home rentals, thatched cottages and 'barrel' caravans. Ideal for touring cyclists as well as single base riders. Bar and restaurant on site. Pool with waterslide. Playground for kids.

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Honfleur – Les Coquillettes

Friendly B&B and self-catering option recommended to us by cyclists

Small and friendly B&B recommended to us by one of our contributors, Hilde, who used the B&B on a cycling trip from Caen to Honfleur. Just 1km from the town centre, it's a typically French affair, offering basic but comfortable accommodation and a versatile mix of double and family rooms (all rooms have private bathrooms). There is also a small self-catering gite for up to 4 people. Good locations en route to key towns and cities in Normandy: Deauville is 15km away, while the ferry at Le Havre is a 25km bike ride from the door. Free wifi. BBQ, garden, terrace.

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Huelgoat - Hotel-Restaurant du Lac

Lake-side hotel on main bike routes recommended to us by cyclists

Hotel-Restaurant du Lac in Huelgoat was recommended to us by a group of cyclists who stay here regularly. As the name (and photo) suggests, it's in a super location near the lake, with relaxing views and gentle bike rides on offer. Huelgoat is in the picturesque Monts d'Arrée in Finistère, a popular area for cycling. The hotel is on this 320km circular bike route from Roscoff and also on the Euro Velo 1 La Velodyssee route. Ideal for an overnight stay or a fixed base for local rides.

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Île d'Oléron - Camping La Cailletière

Family friendly campsite on the island of Oléron

Camping La Cailletière is a 3-star campsite at Dolus on the Île d'Oléron on the west coast of France. It's got camping pitches, cottage rentals and mobile homes. Heated covered pool. Bar/restaurant. Kids’ club and holiday activities in summer. Set in a forested area, it's a peaceful and relaxing place from which to cycle the Oleron, famous for the Marennes-Oléron oysters.

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Île d'Oléron - Novotel Thalassa Oléron Saint Trojan

Family friendly hotel on the beach on beautiful Oléron

Île d'Oléron really is an idyllic place for a cycling holiday. And the Novotel Thalassa Oléron Saint Trojan is a wonderful base. It's located on the beach, and the rooms have either a forest view or a sea view. Whether you're popping across to the island from the mainland for a night or whether you're staying longer to explore the island, this is a relaxing place to be. It's fully self contained with on site restaurant and bar, plus a spa, sauna and fitness centre. It has indoor and outdoor pools, plus its own fleet of bikes for rent (mountain bikes, hybrids and tandems) if you're not bringing your own wheels. Twins, triples and family rooms. It has an excellent family friendly reputaton and even has a kids' club. 24-hour reception. Free wifi. English and French spoken.

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île de Ré - Camping Bel Air

Friendly campsite with pitches and bungalows on super cycling island

Camping Bel Air is a 3-star campsite at at Flotte-en-Ré on the Ile de Ré. It's 900m from the beach and handy for the island's excellent network of bike routes. There is a heated outdoor pool + kids’ club. There are pitches for tents and camping cars, as well as wood cabins and canvas bungalows for self-caterers. Close to the star-shaped citadel and restaurants of St-Martin-de-Ré. The campsite has its own bike rental. Part of a network of independently owned campsites in France.

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Ile de Ré - Hotel La Marée

Cycle-friendly hotel-restaurant on Ile de Ré

Three-star cycle-friendly hotel located within easy reach of the La Rochelle-Ile de Ré bridge. Restaurant onsite and free wifi. The hotel is part of the Logis hotel network and complies with its cycling standards policy. Staff can help with route advice and maps. There is a bike hire outlet 200m away and a cycle route starting just 50m down the road.

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Ile-de-Re - Hôtel La Jetée (Saint-Martin-de-Ré)

Excellent harbour hotel with its own fleet of bicycles

We stayed at the excellent Hôtel La Jetée in Saint-Martin-de-Ré and would happily stay here again on our next visit to the Ile-de-Ré. It's a 3-star harbour hotel with its own fleet of hire bikes and a dedicated underground car park area for secure bike storage. Our room was spick and span, and stylishly decorated. The beds were comfortable, there was a kettle and tea and coffee, plus a bar fridge. The Italian walk-in shower was wonderful. Breakfast was a smorgasbord of yoghurts, cereals, fruits, breads, coffees, teas, meats and smoked salmon. Doubles as well as larger rooms with a sofa bed for groups and children (plus a children's play corner in the breakfast/bar area). Super-friendly staff (English- and French-speaking). Close to restaurants and bars. An excellent base for exploring the island. ** We've stayed here - read our review**

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Isigny-sur-Mer - Hotel de France

Simple place to rest your head and have a good meal

The Hotel de France in Isigny-sur-Mer was recommended to us by Bob Zeller, one of our contributors. He stayed here while touring in Normandy. It's a 2-star hotel and part of France’s Logis chain, which is usually a safe choice for value for money. The rooms are basic, almost North American motel-style, but comfortable and clean. There is a lock up garage for bikes. As is often the case with Logis hotels, it also has an excellent restaurant.

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L'Isle Adam - ibis budget

Cheap but functional play to stay with your bike north of Paris

You know what you're getting with ibis Budget: cheap but clean rooms with air-conditioning and the chance to grab a buffet breakfast before your next ride. This one is near the river Oise, north of Paris.

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L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - Grand Hotel Henri

Elegant chateaux hotel with funky wallpaper

With its grand entrance, marble staircase and restaurant terrace (complete with the sound of trickling water from the stone fountain), this is a great base for cycling in Provence. The restaurant serves classic provencal-style cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs, making Hôtel Henri perfect for either a one-night treat or a longer holiday. For cyclists, the hotel has its own fleet of bikes from which to enjoy local rides, including the Luberon national park. Also great for winter riding with an old fireplace to snuggle up to on your return, and a club-style tea-room/bar. Free wifi. 

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L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - Mas De Cure Bourse

Quiet but elegant local hotel surrounded by bikes routes

This hotel is situated about 12km from the waterside town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which is home to lots of restaurants, cafes and antique shops. Surrounded by acres of grass and old trees there is a terrasse from which to enjoy the good local Provencal food from the onsite restaurant. There are lots of quiet rides to be enjoyed around here – see our suggested routes here (you can download the GPX files as well). Free wifi is available, and both French and English are spoken. 

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La Chapelle Hermier - Le Pin Parasol

Cabins and on-site tents with good access to Lake Jaunay cycle paths

First-class parc near woodlands and Lake Jaunay, with good access to dedicated cycle paths around the lake. Other activities incude tennis, kayaking and fishing. Family-friendly with kids' pool area. Bar, take-away and pizzeria on site. Mobile homes/cabins and onsite tents that sleep up to 8 people.

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La Chartre-sur-le-Loir - Hotel de France

Art Deco style hotel on La Sarthe à Vélo bike route

Bike-friendly hotel that's well-used to welcoming cyclists (and motorcyclists as well as fans of the Le Mans 24-hour car race). You could say it ticks all the sporting boxes. There are 22 rooms which fall into 'standard and 'deluxe' categories, so something for all budgets. There is also an onsite bar and restaurant/brasserie, which Jacqui and Adrian ate at when they cycled La Sarthe à Vélo for us. (They say they ate like kings). Terrace, swimming pool plus gardens that back on to the river Loir. The hotel has been independently owned for more than a century, and previous guests have included French presidents, members of the Kennedy family, racing legend Stirling Moss and none other than Hollywood star Steve McQueen. 

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La Grave – Auberge Edelweiss Bike & Ski Hotel

Specialist bike hotel with rooms and apartments, workshop and sauna

Auberge Edelweiss is a specialist bike hotel in the heart of the Alps; Robin and Marlon are keen to welcome more English-speaking riders to enjoy the Galibier, Col d'Izoard, Alpe d'Huez and Col du Lautaret – all within easy reach. The hotel has information folders with profiles of all key climbs, plus cycling itineraries for both road and mountain bike routes. The hotel is geared up for individual riders as well as groups, and can cater for big events like La Marmotte, Alpe d'Huzes, the Tour de France and Etape du Tour. Well-equiped workshop, plus Marlon and Robin work with a local bike shop that can deliver spares. Bike wash and sauna onsite; massages available on request. Oh, and plenty of wine and cold beer to help you relax on the terrace or in the restaurant. Then wake up to a generous breakfast of cereals, yoghurts, fruit juices, hot drinks, local jams and breads, meat, cheese and fruit salad. Bonne route!

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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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La Rivière Thibouville – Le Soloro (Brionne)

Friendly hotel set in orchard and gardens with onsite restaurant

Le Soloro was recommended to us by Hilde, who stayed there in 2014 on her Caen-Honfleur bike ride. The hotel is a few kilometres south of Brionne, in the village of La Riviere Thibouville. The hotel, Hilde said, had seen better days: "The gardens were overgrown and from the outside it looked rundown," she says, "but la patronne was very friendly, our room was lovely and we ate at the hotel that evening. It was reasonably priced and a good place to stop." Free wifi. French, English and Spanish spoken.

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