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Blois - Hotel Mercure Blois Centre

Comfortable Blois hotel recommmended to us by cyclists

This hotel is often used by cycle tour companies and touring cyclists passing through Blois, and provides safe and secure bike storage to meet this demand. It faces the Loire river and is handy to all Blois' famous attractions, including the chateau. Indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Family rooms available. Free wifi. Onsite restaurant and bar. French, English, Spanish and German spoken.

This hotel is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley

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Blois - Les Lodges de Blois-Chambord (Mont-prés-Chambord)

Pitches and cabins 10km from Blois on the Loire EV6 bike route

Les Lodges de Blois-Chambord is a small rural campsite nestled between Blois, Cheverny and Chambord in the Loire Valley – and perfect for anyone riding the EuroVelo 6. It's in a quiet location and offers both tent emplacements and wooden cabins (including cabins on stilts and 'floating' cabins) – an ideal base for exploring the chateaux of the Loire, including Chambord and Blois itself. Nearby also is the Grand Chambord lake, the woods and lakes of Sologne and, of course, the River Loire itself. Heated pool, wifi across the site + small onsite shop. Part of a network of independently run sites.

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Blois - Logis Hôtel du Cygne

Ideal for exploring the routes of the Loire chateaux

Logis Hôtel du Cygne is a good value hotel situated close to the famous Loire towns of Blois, Chambord and Cheverny, so perfect for exploring the Loire cycle routes. A great heated pool allows you to cool down after your ride and you can also top up your tan on the terrace with the sun shining down. Breakfast served every morning. Free wifi. Also animal-friendly if you're travelling with a furry friend.

This hotel is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley

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Bordeaux - Le Saint James Bouliac

Magical bike-friendly retreat in the hills overlooking Bordeaux

If you're after a truly magical vineyard stay in Bordeaux, then this could be the place for you. Granted, it's not cheap, but Le Saint James offers a wonderful Bordeaux food and wine experience. The hotel is set in the lovely village of Bouilac, a short detour from the towpath that leads to the Roger Lapebie bike path and the Canal de Garonne bike route. It comes with its own boutique vineyard, proudly overseen by Richard Bernard, a former winner of the French Sommelier of the Year competition. There's a Michelin-star restaurant, a courtyard that's ideal for sundowners, and a pool with table service. House bikes are available for bimbles down into Bordeaux. This is an ideal base for a start/end-of-trip celebration or to mark a special occasion during your cycling holiday in France. We've stayed here - read our review!

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Bordeaux Gare Saint Jean (train station) – Ibis Styles

Affordable, cheerful hotel close to the Bordeaux railway station

We stayed here at the end of our La Velo Francette trip after we'd caught a late train back from Caen via Paris. It had been a long day and we arrived very late. The hotel is a very short ride from the station and it's close to restaurants and cafes that are open late. The staff at the 24-hour reception were really friendly, and welcomed two weary cyclists by checking us in efficiently and locking our bikes safely in the conference room just off the reception area. The Ibis Styles brand is one notch up from the chain's 'Budget' brand. The room was clean, the shower was hot, the beds comfortable, and breakfast was from an all-you-can eat buffet with cereals, toast, fruits and fresh juices. Our room was quiet despite the proximity to the station and a tram line out the front.

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Bordeaux – Grand Hotel Francais

Bike-friendly hotel staffed by cyclists in central Bordeaux

Elegant city centre hotel that has been lovingly restored. It has a luggage room for bikes and cyclists on staff who are keen to share their local bike knowledge with guests. The Grand Hotel Francais, set in a quiet but central street, was bought by the Frenchman Jean Auriacombe back in 1987. He spent a year restoring it and returning the building to its pre-war glory. The hotel is now run by Jean's son, Frederic, and his wife, Sandrine. It has been listed in the Michelin guide since its re-opening. Close to cafes, bars and restaurants in the UNESCO-listed city centre. Free wifi and complimentary breakfasts. The hotel also carries the French eco label for environementally friendly hotels. French, English and Spanish spoken. 

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Bordeaux – Ibis Bordeaux Aéroport

A short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac international airport

Clean and reliable hotel located a 5-minute ride from Merignac international airport, 9km west of Bordeaux city centre. 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast available from 4.30am for early flights. Onsite bar and restaurant serving traditional French food and local Bordeaux wines. Management advises bikes can be stored in rooms overnight. French, English, Spanish and German spoken. 

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Bordeaux – Novotel Aéroport Hotel

Reliable chain hotel a short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac airport

Hotel located a short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac airport, west of the city centre. Onsite restaurant and bar. Lounge area. Free wifi. Kids' play area. Pool and terrace. Management advises bikes can be securely locked overnight in the hotel's conference room, or kept in bedrooms. Good for groups.

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Bordeaux – Le Boutique Hotel

Classy city centre hotel with friendly staff and secure bike parking

Treat yourself to a touch of class in one of France's most elegant cities. Le Boutique Hotel is a converted 18th-century townhouse located in the UNESCO-listed centre of Bordeaux. Its modern, stylish rooms and self-catering apartments are surrounded by a peaceful green courtyard, and there's even a lovely terrace shaded by a 100-year-old chestnut tree. Rooms are air-conditioned, each with an iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine. Continental breakfast. Wine bar. Massage and hot tub available. Luggage room for bike store. Staff can help you plan local bike routes, including through the vineyards. Free wifi. French, Spanish, English, Romanian and Bulgarian spoken.

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Bouligny - Les Ecureuils

Friendly family-run B&B south of the Fontainebleau Forest on the EV3

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Bourbon-Lancy - Grand Hôtel

Character-filled hotel on the Burgundy bike route network

A hotel worthy of its Grand name, this hotel still carries with it much of its history and charm, being set in old 18th century convent buildings. There are 26 rooms, some with views out over the cloisters. The hotel, which is set in a thermal park (it has an onsite spa with swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre), is part of the Logis group, and meets their bike-friendly criteria. The onsite restaurant has an excellent reputation locally. Wifi, terrace and garden. Disabled access.

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Bourg-St-Maurice – Les Arcs 1800 Hotel Mercure

Mountain hotel with good access to road and MTB routes

In winter, this hotel high up in the Paradiski ski area offers the convenience of ski in-ski, in summer it's an ideal base for exploring the hundreds of kilometres of road and mountain bike routes in the area around Bourg Saint Maurice. Restaurant and terrace with mountain views. Heated outdoor swimming pool. Management has confirmed they have secure bike parking available. Free wifi. A shuttle service can be requested to and from Lyon-St Exupéry Airport or Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station. 

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Bourges - Novotel

Comfortable 4-star hotel on entrance to Bourges

Four-star hotel near the A71 highway on the outskirts of Bourges (good for anyone arriving by car with bikes on the back – there is private car park). Secure room inside the hotel for bikes. Restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool. Buffet breakfast, room service. 24-hour reception. Children's corner, Xbox in the lobby, free wifi and Apple Mac terminal for guest use. Good for groups.

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Bourron-Marlotte - Chateau-Hotel de Bourron

Spoil yourself near the Fontainebleau forest or the EV3 south of Paris

Located in the village of Bourron-Marlotte, the 17th-century Chateau-Hotel de Bourron is an accueil velo-rated hotel set in the grounds of an ancient fortress and surrounded by 42 hectares of park. It is 7km from Fontainebleau and perfect for exploring the forest. It's also a great stop on the EuroVelo 3 bike route as it heads south out of Paris. The elegant guest rooms at Chateau de Bourron offer views of the surrounding park and feature antique furniture. There are all the extra touches you'd expect – including en suite bathrooms with hairdryers and complimentary toiletries. A continental breakfast is served each morning in the chateau's dining room. For other meals, you can sample French cuisine at Les Prémices, a restaurant located in the chateau’s old stables. Explore the reading room or wander the chateau and its park when you're not on the bike. Free wifi. Bike hire available locally (use our bespoke service). 

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Brantome - Hostellerie du Perigord Vert

Bike-friendly hotel-restaurant in the north of the Dordogne

Situated in Brantôme, a pretty village on the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle route in the River Dronne area in the north of the Dordogne region, the Hostellerie du Perigord Vert is a welcoming hotel and restaurant. After exploring the area, you can take a dip in the heated pool or take a meal on the shady terrace. Hotels bikes available for guest use. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Branville - Normandy Garden Holiday Village

Apartments, houses and cottages close to the beach in Lower Normandy

Close to the beaches at Deauville, Cabourg and Villers-sur-Mer, Normandy Garden Holiday Resort has wooden apartments, houses and cottages for groups of all sizes. Close to the D-Day beaches and ferry links, it's an ideal location for a stop en route to London/Paris or to elsewhere in northern France.

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Brest - ibis Styles Brest Centre Port

Reliable chain hotel offering clean, affordable accommodation

Clean and friendly chain hotel near the water in the port area of Brest (about 2km from the city centre). Single rooms through to rooms catering for up to five people. Free wifi. Children's area with boardgames. The hotel advises that there is a secure room for bike storage. Onsite bar. Computer and printer for guest use. Buffet breakfast. 24-hour reception. This is a large hotel, making is almost always possible to make last-minute bookings. French and English spoken.

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Brest Ibis Centre

Bike-friendly hotel in the heart of Brest with super friendly staff

This is a super bike-friendly hotel that is keen to welcome more cyclists. Management advises that staff will be only too happy to find a safe place to store bikes, and that they can help arrange "athlete's meals" from the excellent restaurant across the road. Just over 70 rooms in the centre of town and around 1km from the train station. Bar open 24/7. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. Bike hire can be arranged through a local firm.

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Briançon - Camping Le Montana

Year-round mountain camping at the gateway to the Alps

Camping Le Montana is a 3-star campsite ideal for bike routes around Briançon and Serre Chevalier in Hautes-Alpes. Nestled between in the Clarée valley between Les Ecrins National Park and Le Queyras Regional Nature Park, this is pristine cycling country. Open both summer and winter. Heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Tent pitches plus self-catered mobile homes, chalets and fixed base tents. High mountain passes are accessible from the campsite. Bar, small shop, wifi.

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Briançon - Hotel Edelweiss

Comfortable hotel close to amenities

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Briancon - Residence du Temple Apart-hotel

Apartment hotel in the centre of town

Résidence du Temple has self-catering apartments with a locked private parking area for bikes. Located in Briançon’s old town, it's handy to amenities and the train station. Apartments have washing machines, kitchens and other mod-cons. Onsite bar. Meals also available. The owners are outdoor enthusiasts who are happy to share their local knowledge.

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Briancon - The Icerock Backpacker Hotel

Budget hotel option 16km south-west of Briancon

Predominantly a ski hotel in the winer, Icerock Hotel also opens in summer for cyclists and walkers. Rooms with dorm-style accommodation for a bargain basement price. Singles, doubles and quads. Onsite bar. Shared kitchen for self-caterers. The hotel has a cellar that doubles as a secure bike store. Free wifi. French and English spoken. 

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Brittany - Ty Barrachou (Guisseny)

Upmarket hostel-style accommodation for cycling and standup paddle

The Ty Barrachou is a townhouse in Guisseny on the northern coast of beautiful Brittany. This is a largely undiscovered pocket of the coast just 30km west of where the EuroVelo 1 and EuroVelo 4 routes meet at Roscoff. It's also just 30km north of Brest. The coastline here loops around Finistere – on the NW tip of France – from Roscoff through to Brest, making it a stunning part of the country to ride. You'll find Ty Barrachou Gite in the village of Guisseny, which remains largely untouched by tourism. It's situated between the 'boulder village' of Meneham – which is often used as a film set – and the inlet that looks out to the Ile Vierge, with its famous lighthouse. Ty Barrachou, which has its own enclosed garden, offers upmarket hostel-style accommodation. Rooms can be booked individually and there is no minimum night stay. There is a boulangerie next door plus full self-catering facilities. It's ideal for family groups or friends and can sleep up to 10 people. It's owned by an outdoor centre that offers kayak and standup paddle rental and courses. Bikes and baggage transfers can be arranged for a small cost. English and French spoken. This truly is an ideal 'local' base in a beautiful part of Brittany.

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Brittany coast - Hotel Le Benhuyc

Versatile hotel north of Saint-Brieuc overlooking the harbour

Welcoming three-star hotel located opposite the harbour and just 280 metres from the beach. Singles and doubles through to family rooms that sleep up to 6 people. Some rooms have harbour views. Tea and coffee making facilities in each room. Continental breakfast served in the dining room, on the terrace or in your room. Free wifi; there's also a hotel lounge computer for guest use. French, English and Spanish spoken. The managers welcome cyclists and are happy to find a secure place inside the hotel for bikes, plus there's a good sized luggage store.

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Burgundy Canal – Shopicerie (Veuvey-sur-Ouche)

Friendly B&B with small campsite on the towpath 29km from Dijon

There can be no better place to stay while cycling the Burgundy Canal than right on the canal. Shopicerie is as close as you can get without getting wet! You can find the Shopicerie right near the towpath at Veuvey-sur-Ouche between locks 22S/23S. Shopicerie was recommended to us by a cyclist who stayed there. "It's a great cafe, shop, bar, B&B and campsite all in one. Really friendly, English spoken. Highly recommended," he writes. There are just two B&B rooms with space for 7 people in total. The rooms have canal views and private bathrooms. Rare in French B&Bs, they also have kettles in the rooms for teas and coffees. There is space in the garden for 6 tents. The attached shop sells stacks of goodies for your panniers: groceries, coffee, beer, wine, and sandwiches, as well as ice-creams to cool off when you arrive. There are showers, toilets and washing machine/tumble dryer for campers, as well as a book swap with English and French books. (There is no other general store on the towpath for around 20km). The Shopicerie is run by the lovely Bryony, who told me: "I started this multi-service shop in 2017 having lived in the area for 30 years and felt something was needed for all those thirsty and hungry tourists pedalling by. Our guests now come in all languages, and the English-speaking ones are always relieved to find someone who can chat and help in English." Credit cards accepted. The Shopicerie also has bike hire. Dijon is 29km away via the towpath. See here for camping and here for B&B (or email/phone Bryony direct).

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Cabourg - Le Grand Hotel Cabourg

A 5-star treat with bike storage on the waterfront at Cabourg

The elegance of the Grand Hotel at Cabourg was once enjoyed by Marcel Proust, who loved staying here. Its spacious rooms overlook the luscious gardens or the sea, while eating at the restaurant provides ample opportunity for people-watching passers-by on the promenade. Bar and lounge with cocktails and snacks. Private beach access. Free wifi. En suites with luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. Continental breakfast. Bikes can be stored in the baggage room.  

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Cabrerets - Hôtel Restaurant des Grottes du Pech Merle

Rural retreat tucked away in the gorges of the Lot Valley

Hôtel Restaurant des Grottes du Pech Merle is a family run hotel on the River Célé, which joins the Lot River around 4km to the south near Bouzies. As the hotel name suggests, it's a 3km ride to the caves at Pech Merle – among France's most prehistric and best preserved prehistoric sites; you can also take the hill climb from the village. The hotel was in fact started by Marthe David – who as teenager discovered the cave with two friends, the three quarrying their way in through a gap. It's still run by the family today. There is a restaurant terrace (food is served all day) that overlooks the river, as well as a pool and a lovely garden area. 

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Caen - Hotel Moderne

Friendly 4-star hotel with dedicated bike shed for parking

Elegant 4-star hotel in the Caen city centre, a few minutes from the Castle of Caen and close to local restaurats and bars. Buffet breakfast on the 5th floor with its panoramic view of Caen. 24-hour reception. Free wifi, plus computer available for guest use. Minibar in all rooms. Lounge and bar area. Sauna. Laundry service. French, English, Spanish and German spoken.

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Caen – Adagio Caen Centre

Hotel with self-catering apartments for individuals and groups

City centre hotel located near the River Orne and close to the railway station. Studios and one-bedroom apartments sleeping up to 4 people. Fitness centre. Free wifi. Each apartment has a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, plus the hotel offers a buffet breakfast. 24-hour reception. Laundry service. French and English spoken. Management says bikes can be locked in the baggage store.

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Caen – Mercure Centre Port de Plaisance

Central city hotel facing the marina and good for ferry port

Centrally located 4-star hotel facing the marina, a short ride from the city centre. Handy for ferry port (16km to the north) and D-Day beaches along the coast. The baggage room can store one or two bikes; there is a private and secure underground carpark to accommodate larger groups. 24-hour reception. Bar and restaurant onsite. Free wifi. French, English, Italian and Spanish spoken. 

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Cahors - Hotel Terminus

Ideally placed for riding the Lot Valley bike route

Hotel Terminus has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. It's a friendly local hotel with 20 rooms in a traditional manor house. It's just 280m from the train station. This is a good one for wine-lovers - there is a wine cellar with more than 600 local and international wines. You can try some of them if you eat at the restaurant Le Balandre, which serves gourmet French cuisine. 24-hour reception for late arrivals (or early departures) on the Lot Valley bike route.

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Cahors - Inter-Hotel de France

Bike-friendly hotel in train station precinct of Cahors

This is a great option if you're riding the Lot Valley bike route. (And it's been recommended to us by cyclists who've used it). Close to the station, it's at the southern end of the city where the river Lot loops up and around Cahors. There is dedicated bike parking available. Choose from a single, double, triple or quad room – making this hotel a good option for families and groups. It's rated three-star and has all the usual mod-cons, including free wifi. English, French and Spanish spoken. 

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Calais - Holiday Inn

Port hotel experienced at welcoming cyclists to Calais

Located in central Calais overlooking the boats in Port de Plaisance harbour, the Holiday Inn has a long tradition of welcoming cyclists. "We have been doing this for years," general manager Patrice Haultcoeur told me. "Especially with charity organisations like Pedal To Paris, the Royal British Legion, etc." He said the hotel has a space reserved to store bikes, and that hotel staff would love to see more cyclists arriving at the door. The hotel has free wifi, onsite restaurant, and full buffet breakfasts. Children eat free in the restaurant;lobby bar open til late; 24-hour reception. French and English spoken. The official website has a best-price guarantee (find it cheaper elsewhere and you get a night free).

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Calais - Hotel Meurice

Historic Calais hotel in town centre and close to the ferry port

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Calais Ibis Styles Centre

Clean and modern chain hotel in Calais city centre

Calais city centre hotel handy for ferry port. Short ride from train station and 5km from ferry port. 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. A small number of bikes can be stored in a small luggage room that has a code (it is not suitable for groups).

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Calais Novotel Coquelles (Eurotunnel)

High-tech hotel just 200m from the Eurotunnel terminal at Calais

Located just 200 metres from the Channel Tunnel and a short ride from the Eurostar TGV station, this hotel has the latest in modern communications. Each suite has a multimedia system including wifi, free video games, movies and music. Free massages on Thursday nights. Range of 24-hour services including a food counter, bar, a business centre, and fitness area. Management advises there is a luggage store that can be used to lock bikes.

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Calvi - Augerge Ferayola

Friendly rooms or self-catering cottages with sea views south of Calvi

Just over 20km south of Calvi, the three-star Augerge Ferayola is located in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Corse near the Scandola Reserve, between sea and hills. Twins, doubles, triples and quads, plus self-catering cottages. Forest and sea views. Outdoor pool. Tennis court. Free wifi. Onsite restaurant serving regional cuisine. There is a lockable room for bikes (the owners tell us they have welcomed many cyclists over the years). They can help arrange bike hire locally and can help you with other aspects of your planning if you get in touch after booking. English and Italian spoken.

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Calvi - Hôtel La Villa Calvi

Lush 5-star hotels with B&B or self-catering apartments and villas

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Camoël - Hôtel du Littoral

Hotel in small village ideally placed for the Atlantic Coast and Morbihan

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Canal de Garonne - A La Reine (Monbéqui)

Welcoming B&B close to Montauban and the Canal de Garonne

A short ride from the Canal de Garonne the A La Reine, a charming B&B with two very generous bedrooms. A good buffet breakfast is served each morning and this can be taken on the terrace when the sun is shining, as can evening meals which a focus on high quality produce with a wide-ranging and interesting menu. They also have bikes available for guest use.

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Canal de Garonne - Chateau Saint Marcel

17th century chateau a short detour from the Garonne river route

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Canal de Garonne - Gîte Les Hirondelles (near Marmande)

4-bedroom bike-friendly barn conversion sleeping 8 people

Matt and Pauline at Gîte Les Hirondelles are keen to welcome more cyclists to their detached and spacious barn conversion in the beautiful Lot-et-Garonne. Located between Marmande and Duras and just 15km from the Canal de Garonne, Gîte Les Hirondelles offers a great base for exploring bastide towns and villages with castles atop hills, market squares, rivers, vineyards and sunflower fields. This is one of France's under-explored areas for cycling – there are several marked bike routes here, taking in rolling hills, winding roads and beautiful views across open countryside. We at Freewheeling France live around 40km to the north(ish) and we can ride for miles without passing cars on the roads around here. In fact, it's one of our favourite areas for a pootle. Les Hirondelles is private with views across the open countryside from the terraces and a 10x5m salt-water pool for post-ride relaxation. English and French spoken. Bikes can be stored inside the gîte in the utility room or in the communal areas. A local bike hire service will also deliver leisure bikes to your door (for kids and adults). Sleeps 8 adults + cots for two babies.

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Canal de Garonne - Hôtel Le Moulin de Moissac

Riverside hotel ideal for the Bordeaux-Toulouse bike route

This is a super base on the banks of the Tarn river, 6 or 7km off the Garonne towpath – it's an ideal place to stay if you're cycing the Canal de Garonne. The hotel regularly hosts small cycle tour companies, so the staff here are used to welcoming riders who are coming in off the canal. It's a 3-star hotel, and all the rooms have river views. It has some excellent bonus facilities such as a spa complex (ideal for resting weary muscles) – there's a hot tub, sauna, hammam and massages also available. Onsite restaurant with a piano bar. Rooms also have coffee machines. Adventure playground for kids, plus canoe hire nearby. French, English and Spanish spoken. Free wifi.

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Canal de Garonne - Hotel-Restaurant Au Colombier du Touron

Family friendly hotel a short distance from the canal

Bike-friendly small hotel on the D119 about 6km west of Agen that's used to welcoming cyclists (it's about 500 metres from the Canal de Garonne tow path linking Bordeaux to Toulouse). Super family friendly with a playground area for mini-cyclists + cots, high chairs and bottle warmers. There are 11 rooms, including family rooms and triples ideal for groups and sharers. Onsite restaurant serving local cuisine. Free wifi. French and English spoken. 

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Canal de Garonne - Le Clos d'Any

Modern take on an ancient mill on the Garonne towpath

This is a wonderful stop on the Canal de Garonne ride. Le Clos d’Any is a 12th century farmhouse and mill that has been brought into the 21st century. It's now run as a modern B&B with three guestrooms (sleeping 3-4 people each), plus a Gypsy caravan for two (with bonus private jacuzzi). It's just south of the La Reole and east of Castets-en-Dorthe where the canal splits off from the river Garonne. Within easy reach of the vineyards of Graves and the sweet white wines of Sauternes. Outdoor pool. Free wifi. Secure bike parking in the barn. Families welcome.

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Canal de Garonne - Villa Toulousaine (Grisolles)

B&B on the Canal de Garonne

The Villa Toulousaine is a highly regarded B&B on the Canal de Garonne between Montauban and Toulouse. With really well decorated and clean rooms, a lovely garden with private spots to relax and a pool it could be a great place to stay while travelling along the canal. Free wifi. French and English spoken. There is also a babysitting service, plus the owners can help arrange bike hire for exploring the canal and the countryside.

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Canal du Midi - Aux Quatre Vents Guest House (Marseillan)

Near Sète, this is a great stop on a Canal du Midi adventure

Steve and Phillip at Aux Quatre Vents Guest House offer friendly and affordable accommodation only 7 minutes from the Canal du Midi at Marseillan. They've been offering B&B in two double rooms here since 2016 – and they're keen to see more cyclists pull up at the door. They write: "It's the ideal place for bikers who need a place to relax, unwind and gather their strength. We have a large property so bike security is not a problem as it is a gated site." The guesthouse is near the banks of the Ètang de Thau, just past Agde near the end of the canal as the route comes into Sete – ideal as a last stop to unwind and reflect on your journey (or to plan it if you are just setting out!) Steve and Phillip have a real passion for this part of France and have a wealth of local knowledge to share. English and French spoken.

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Canal du Midi - Camping du Lac de La Thésauque (Montgeard)

Lake-side pitches and cabins off the Canal du Midi east of Toulouse

Camping du Lac de La Thésauque is a 3-star campsite at Montgeard, just off the Canal du Midi east of Toulouse. Tent pitches, mobile homes and cabins to rent. The campsite provides a natural, lake-side setting with water sports centre, an outdoor pool, and activities for young and old (canoeing, paddle-boarding, pedalos, floating bouncy castle, etc). An ideal stop between Toulouse and Carcassonne on the Canal di Midi bike route. There is also a free suttle bus for walkers and cyclists to and from the canal. Part of the Flower Campings network of independently run sites.

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Canal du Midi - La Maison de Charlotte

Friendly B&B (with jacuzzi) between Toulouse and Castelnaudary

Small traditional B&B with just four rooms just minutes from the Canal du Midi at Villefranche-de-Lauragais. We're told this is a friendly place that offers a really French welcome ('it's a bit like staying with friends,' one cyclist reports). There is also a shared kitchen for guest use. Free wifi. Locked garage for bike parking. Doubles and twins, plus there's one triple. Outdoor decking/terrace with jacuzzi.

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Canal du Midi - Le Jardin d'Homps

Stay with locals between Carcassonne and Béziers on the Canal du Midi

Dutch couple Gerda and Thomas are keen to welcome cyclists to their slice of paradise on the Canal du Midi. Located halfway between Carcassonne and Béziers and between Carcassonne and Narbonne, this is an ideal stopover on the Canal du Midi. It also provides an opportunity to stay an extra night and take a day to visit Minervé. Centrally located, it is a perfect base for exploring the Languedoc area in more detail. Le Jardin d'Homps offers versatile accommodation with five elegantly presented bedrooms with extra-long (2.10m) beds. It also has a self-catering cottage. Cool off in the pool after a day's riding, or relax in the privacy of the lovingly manicured gardens. Free wifi. Le Jardin d'Homps is within walking distance of several local restaurants, and Gerda and Thomas are on hand to offer local advice, plus help arrange bike hire. Bike parking in a lockable garage. French, English and Dutch spoken.
Hilde and Heather stayed here when they rode the Canal du Midi – you can read their review here. 

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