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Lyon - Sofitel Bellecour

Spoil yourself with this 5-star hotel on the banks of the Rhône

Bring a little luxury to your cycling holiday with this 5-star bike-friendly hotel in Lyon. This is one of the best hotels in the city, with a Michelin-star restaurant overlooking the river. Two bars. Fitness centre and spa. Free wifi. The hotel advises that bikes can be locked in the baggage store. Help with bike hire via a local hire partner. Italian, French, English, Spanish and German spoken.

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Lyon Hilton

Relax on the banks of the Rhone at this stylish Lyon hotel

Enjoy the views of the Rhone River from the hotel's whirlpool as you unwind after a day in the saddle. Located opposite Tête d'Or Park. Management tells us that bikes can be locked in an underground carpark that is reserved for guest use only. Other facilities: bar, Thai restaurant, French-style brasserie restaurant, al fresco terrace. Free wifi in public areas. Hilton has a best-priced guarantee, with its website (click below) offering the lowest prices online. If possible, book 3-4 weeks in advance for the best prices.

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Macinaggio - U Ricordu

Affordable four-star hotel close to Corsica's golden beaches

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Maintenon - Aux Charme de Maintenon

Charming B&B on the Veloscenic Paris to Mont St-Michel bike route

Aux Charmes de Maintenon is what you get when successful haute couture Parisian milliners pack it all in and move to the country to start their own B&B. Jose and Carmen's lovingly restored listed building dates back to the time of Louis XIV, and features five tastefully renovated rooms. While the place has oodles of beauty and charm, it's overwhelmingly their personal touch that makes Aux Charme de Maintenon. There's an exquisite landscaped French garden behind the house, plus a sauna and a swimming pool. Carmen's homecooked tables d'hotes features foie gras, la coquille Saint-Jacques and creme brûlée (and of course a good local wine). Aux Charme de Maintenon – within spitting distance of Chateau de Maintenon – is also close to the start/finish of the Maintenon leg of the Veloscenic. Free wifi. English and French spoken.
Read our full review of Aux Charmes de Maintenon

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Malestroit - La Glaneuse (Nantes-Brest Canal/EuroVelo 1)

Cottage garden room in quirky B&B near EuroVelo 1

Quaint B&B with just two rooms in Bohal, around 6km from where the Nantes-Brest Canal passes through Malestroit (it runs concurrently here with the EuroVelo 1). There's one beautifully decorated garden cottage room (pictured), plus a bedroom inside the house. Both rooms have their own private bathrooms. Kettles in the rooms for tea and coffee. Wonderful garden to relax in. Free wifi.

This hotel is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast
• Nantes-Brest Canal

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Marmande - Hôtel Le Capricorne

Great value hotel with modern design and facilities

This is a well-designed and maintained hotel with cool rooms between Bordeaux and Toulouse, not far from the Canal de Garonne route. It is surrounded by gardens and has a nice pool area to relax in. Buffet breakfast also available at reasonable price. French and English spoken. This hotel is also used by local cycle touring companies, so they are well used to accommodating cyclists and safely storing their equipment.

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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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Marseille - Adagio Prado Plage

Apartment hotel near the beachfront in the south of the city

Apartment hotel located south of the city centre with self-catering studios and 1-bedroom apartments for between 1 and 5 people. Each apartment has air-conditioning, a balcony, and a kitchenette. The hotel has 94 apartments, so it's good for groups and families. Management advises that bikes can be securely stored in the apartments overnight. Wifi. Outdoor swimming pool. 24-hour reception.

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Marseille - Centre Vieux Port Mercure

Reliable chain hotel near the Marseille's Old Port

Four-star hotel near the WTC convention centre, the Jardin des Vestiges and a short ride from the Vieux-Port and Saint Charles TGV train station. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast available. On-site bar. There is a locked luggage store available for bike parking. Twin, double and triple rooms. French, English, Italian and Spanish spoken. 

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Marseille - Ibis Est la Valentine

Reliable budget hotel on the outskirts of Marseille

Budget chain hotel located near the A50 on the eastern approach into the city (around 13km from the harbour). Free wifi. Onsite Courtepaille restaurant with terrace. Buffet breakfast available. Management advises that bikes can be locked securely in the hotel's conference room overnight. Reception is open 24 hours. 

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Martres-Tolosane - Le Moulin

Campsite 60km SW of Toulouse in the foothills of the Pyrenees

The tranquil Le Moulin campsite in Martres-Tolosane 60km SW of Toulouse is set in an old Roman villa, the atmospheric 17th century stone buildings and restored watermill providing a unique place to stay. The site is easily accessible from the A64 running between Toulouse and Pau if you're arriving by car, making it an ideal base for cycling while enjoying the secluded and relaxed nature of this park. The pitch options are hedge-lined and generally partially shaded. The heated swimming area includes an aqua-park style slide. A restaurant/bar serves drinks and ice-creams throughout the day and the nearby medieval town of Martres-Tolosane offers sightseeing and dining options. Pitches as well as self-catered cabins.

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Mayenne - Hotel La Marjolaine

Mayenne River hotel with fantastic restaurant and super bike room

We stayed at Hotel La Marjolaine on our La Velo Francette bike ride (see here for our Angers to Mayenne report). Hotel La Marjolaine really is an excellent base for cycling. The hotel has its own fleet of bikes (see photo above) in a massive bike storage room (plenty of room for repairs and maintenance). The restaurant is excellent, serving fine local cuisine, and the breakfasts are fit for any cyclist. The hotel has lovely gardens, and rooms either overlook these or the Mayenne River itself. This is a super place from which to explore the wonderful Mayenne River bike path south towards Laval (and the Loire) or north towards Domfront. French and English spoken. Free wifi.

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Medoc - Chateau Cordeillan-Bages (Pauillac)

Elegant chateau hotel just outside Pauillac on the Medoc wine route

A 'spoil yourself' option. Château Cordeillan-Bages is a grand 17th-century chateau in the heart of Bordeaux's Medoc wine region. Sat on 2 hectares of its own vines (yes, you can drink them here too), it's also home to a Michelin-star restaurant. Just 1km from the Garonne River, this is an ideal (if somewhat lavish) base from which to discover some of Bordeaux's most famous vineyards. Outdoor swimming pool plus sauna and a fitness room (you can also have massages). Bike rental can be arranged via reception.

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Medoc - Le Relais de Listrac (Margaux)

Affordable option in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards

This is an affordable family-run option just 11km by bike from the prestigious wine town of Margaux. Based in an old winery, it offers clean accommodation and a restaurant serving local food and wine. French and English spoken. The owners tell us they welcome cyclists and safe bike parking is a given. Terrace and garden. The hotel prides itself on good value for money in an area where more lavish hotel chateaux are in abundance.

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Melun - La Closerie des Trois Marottes B&B

B&B near the Seine River and Fontainebleau forest south-west of Paris

With a rich history this stone building has been restored to provide a welcoming chambres d'hotes in the centre of Melun. There are lovely church-style gardens for relaxing in, while the river Seine and its bike path are just 1km away. It's also a good location from which to explore the opulent Chateau de Fontainebleau, whose formal gardens and surrounding decidious forest can be accessed just south of Melun. Free wifi. The owners have confirmed they can safely store bikes indoors.

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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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Metz - Ibis Metz Centre Cathedrale

Great budget option in the city centre

Metz boasts some wonderful architecture with the Gothic Saint-Stephen Cathedral having the largest expanse of stained-glass windows in the world. The Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, meanwhile, is reported to be the oldest church in France. This Ibis hotel is situated centrally and is in a pedestrian zone, so it is perfect for taking in the sights. Onsite bar/restaurant. Free wifi. English, French, German and Spanish spoken. Lockable bicycle storage in underground car park.

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Metz - Ibis Styles Centre Gare

Reliable chain hotel in the centre of town

Ibis Style hotels offer reliable accommodation all over France. The chain under-went a makeover a few years ago, meaning the hotels are generally modern and clean. The Metz branch is situated right next to the station, rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed, and you're a short ride from the cathedral area in the centre of town. The hotel has free wifi. English, French, German and Spanish spoken. For cyclists there is a bike store on the ground floor, or clean bikes can be kept in rooms.

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Mimizan - Hotel Restaurant Atlantique

Friendly hotel on Atlantic Coast seafront at Mimizan

Beachfront hotel with free wifi and an onsite restaurant serving local cuisine. Rooms sleep 2-4 people, making it an affordable option for groups. Cyclists report that there is secure bike storage in a rear basement laundry room that is locked from early evening. The hotel can help arrange activities, including cycle hire, canoeing, surfing, horse-riding, etc.

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Mimizan - La Mimona

Find some calm on the Vélodyssée route

La Mimona B&B is perfectly situated for anyone wanting to enjoy the Atlantic Coast La Vélodyssée cycle route as it passes through the south west, with the signposted path passing just 50m away. The B&B is just outside of Mimizan, with the town centre and the lake, which come alive in the holiday season, a further 7km to the south. This is a great one-night stopover or a good base for a longer holiday stay. A pool is available for guests plus the owners provide house bikes for guest use, so you can explore this flat area even if you don't arrive under your own steam. Free wifi in all rooms.

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Moissac - L'Armateur (Canal de Garonne)

Well-appointed hotel with pool between Bordeaux and Toulouse

This hotel has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here (there is a dedicated bike shed). L'Armateur is an 18th-century house that's been converted into a modern and stylish hotel. It's in the centre of Moissac, just 50m from the Canal de Garonne bike route. The rooms at the Hotel l'Armateur have views over the garden or the town. Free wifi plus the rooms have kettles for tea and coffee – something of a rarity in French hotels. The common areas in the hotel are air-conditioned and there is a swimming pool in the garden. The restaurant serves traditional and regional cuisine (you can also eat on the terrace).

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Moliets et Maa - Pierre & Vacances Apart-hotel

Family friendly and with easy access to the beach

Under 2km from the beach and with its own pool, the Pierre & Vacances apart-hotel at Moliets et Maa is a nice option for combining a cycle with a beach holiday. The La Vélodyssée cycle route runs close by, and there's safe bike storage (as at all Pierre & Vacances properties in France). Each room has a kitchenette with all the pots and pans you'd need to cook up a storm, or you can have breakfast in the restaurant. There's free wifi. English and French spoken.

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Mont St Michel - Hotel Le Beauvoir

Well regarded local restaurant with accommodation on site

Hotel Le Beauvoir is perhaps better known (and regarded) locally for its restaurant than its accommodation, however it does offer basic rooms for an affordable price (often in combination with meal deals). When I visited to eat, the lovely lady managing the restaurant told me that the hotel has a lockable garage for bikes and that it often welcomes cyclists who are passing through en route to Mont St Michel. Twins, doubles and family rooms sleeping 4-5 people. Wifi.

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Mont St Michel - Ibis Avranches Mont St Michel

Reliable chain hotel within reach of Mont St Michel

Just over 20km from Mont St Michel, this reliable chain hotel is close to the Tour de Manche Cross Channel bike route. The hotel meets the national Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome) criteria. Free wifi. Restaurant, bar, 24-hour snacks. The hotel has more than 60 rooms, so suitable for groups.

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Mont St Michel – Hôtel Les 13 Assiettes

Peaceful cycle-friendly hotel in the Mont Saint Michel bay

Comfortable hotel that is accueil velo accredited as bike-friendly with the local tourist office. Situated just 12km from the fabulous Mont Saint Michel, the hotel is an ideal base to explore the Manche department of Normandy, or as an overnight stop on the way to the nearby ferry ports of Cherbourg or Ouistreham (Caen), both around 120km away. The hotel itself has a peaceful setting in the countryside and has an onsite restaurant. Free wifi provided. French and English spoken.

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Mont St-Michel - Les Epinettes B&B and Boutique

B&B and self-catering studio near Mont St-Michel

A unique B&B (with self-catering studio apartment) that's both a place to stay and a place to top up on souvenirs and French chic on your visit to nearby Mont-St Michel – the B&B has its own gift boutique! This is flexible accommodation that caters for solo cyclists through to families (some rooms comfortably sleep 5 people). Les Epinettes is an accredited Accueil Velo place to stay with secure parking and all the other bikey bits you'd expect from a cycle-friendly B&B. Free wifi. En suite bathrooms. Oh and fresh pastries for breakfast plus packed lunches can be prepared if you're heading off out on your bikes. Close also to local restaurants in Beauvoir. We've stayed here – read our review.

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Mont St-Michel – Camping Aux Pommiers

Camping village at the end of the Veloscenic Paris to Mont St-Michel route

There's camping and then there's camping à la française. This site is super-conveniently located, about a 20-minute bike ride from the cycle/walking path to Mont-Saint-Michel. It’s spotlessly clean, has all the mod cons you'd need, and is right in the high street of Beauvoir, if you want to stock up on snacks and essentials. You name it, they've got it: bar, snack bar, shop selling bread, pastries and sundries, outdoor ping-pong tables, mini golf, trampoline, video games, boules, pinball, board games, bicycle hire, washing machines, wifi (paid-for), tumble dryers, BBQ rental and ticket sales for Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. You never, ever have to leave. Okay, maybe to go and see Mont-Saint-Michel. It also got accueil vélo status, so they tick all the bike boxes.  
We stayed here when we rode Paris to Mont St-Michel – read our review

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Mont Ventoux – Hotel des Pins (Bédoin )

Hotel ideal for exploring the area around Mont Ventoux

The 3-star Hotel des Pins in Bedoin is located in Bédoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux, making it a perfect base for an assault on the Giant of Provence. This area is also perfect for cyclists wanting a gentler cycling holiday, with the hotel giving good access to routes through the vineyards of the Vaucluse department and through Provence's famous lavender fields. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant serving regional specialities based on fresh local market produce. Free wifi. Swimming pool and gardens. Secure garage for bike parking. Both French and English spoken. Bike hire available locally.

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Mont Ventoux – Hôtel Le Siècle (Mazan)

Comfortable two-star hotel a short ride from the foot of Mont Ventoux

A lovely two-star hotel (there are only 9 rooms, so book ahead) set in an impressive old 16th-century building in the heart of the wine-growing village of Mazan. Located just 10km south of Bedoin, it's an ideal base for tackling Mont Ventoux. Classicaly decorated air-conditioned rooms (each with its own distinct style) and with pretty village views. Single, double and triple rooms available, all with ensuite bathrooms. Shady terrace. Picnic baskets and packed lunches available on request. Free wifi. Bike storage area and washdown facilities. French, Portuguese and Spanish spoken. Comes recommended to us by local cycle tour operators.

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Mont Ventoux – Le Relais du Mont Ventoux (Aurel)

Charming Ventoux hotel run by a couple who understand cyclists’ needs

The Le Relais du Mont Ventoux in Aurel was recommended to us by Paul Lamarra, who stayed there when he climbed Ventoux on his Brompton. It's a family-run hotel with 17 rooms and an onsite restaurant. "It's a charming hotel run by a lovely couple who understand cyclists’ needs completely (especially on the food front)," says Paul. "Dinner and breakfast on the terrace across the road from the hotel with great views." Free wifi. Hot tub. Bike hire available through reception. French, English and German spoken.

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Montauban - Abbaye des Capucins Spa & Resort (for Canal de Garonne)

Classy and comfortable four-star hotel near the river in Montauban

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Montbard - Hôtel de l'Ecu

Well located local hotel for cycling Burgundy's canals

Between Auxerre and Beaune, this is a basic local hotel that is part of the Logis Hotel group and meets their bike-friendly criteria. It's a family run hotel and has been in the same family since 1952. It often welcomes cyclists riding the Burgundy wine trails. Also close to La Brenne Nature Reserve and Parc Buffon. There's an onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Monte Carlo – Novotel

Comfortable accommodation among the high-rollers on the Riviera

OK, so I realise Monaco this isn't *technically* part of France but I'm including bike-friendly accommodation here because so many cyclists pass through during their South of France travels. The Novotel is in the heart of Monaco, a short ride from the train station, Place du Casino and Grimaldi Forum. Cafe and restaurant onsite, plus bar. Guests have access to 2 computers on site, plus free wifi throughout the hotel. Rooms sleeping up to 4 people. Pool, terrace, garden. Other facilities include a hammam, library and children's playground. French, English, Italian and Spanish spoken. Management advises that bikes can be safely locked in the luggage store.

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Montebourg - Chambres d'hôtes les Clématites en Cotentin

Cheerful B&B close to restaurants and en route to the D-Day beaches

I stayed here while cycling in Normandy and found it both affordable and cheerful. The owner Patricia is a delight, cheerful and very welcoming (anyone who asks if you'd like a hot chocolate for breakfast before she even shows you to your room wins points with me). The rooms are big, bright and colourful with eclectic wallpaper and comfortable beds. The bathrooms are less impressive and a little bit dated, but there are hot towel racks and radiators for drying cycling clothes and, as a one-night stop close to town, this place is great. One room also has a fridge and microwave; it's also on the road – it's not noisy by city standards but the other two rooms are at the back and quieter, one with garden views. You do need to be aware that you need to arrive after 5pm unless you've let Patricia know in advance (you can do this when you book online); if you arrive early, you can get a key from a neighbour. We've stayed here – read our review.

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Monthermé - Hotel-Restaurant Les Boucles de Meuse

Friendly local hotel in a picture-postcard spot on the Meuse Cycle route

Aerial views of Monthermé are the most popular postcards along this Ardennes stretch of the EuroVelo 19 Meuse Cycle Route. The small town is tucked around a dramatic hairpin in the river, one of the boucles or loops that give this stretch of the river – and the hotel – its name, with wooded hills rising up steeply on either side. Les Boucles de Meuse is a friendly local hotel that is used to welcoming cyclists. Rooms are clean and airy.
** We have stayed her – read our review **

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Monthermé – Camping Les Rapides de Phades

Small independent campsite on the Meuse River bike route

Campsite des Rapides de Phade is in Monthermé in the heart of the Ardennes and on the EuroVelo 19 Meuse River bike route. It's a basic site located in the woods and near a stream. Tent pitches plus caravans and mobile homes for rent. Small shop. 

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Montigny-le-Roi - Hotel Arcombelle

A convenient overnight stop on the Meuse River bike route

Slightly unprepossessing from the road, the hotel’s location is super handy for the Meuse bike route. It’s only a couple of kilometres off the route and although they are uphill, it means you have a stunning view over the surrounding countryside. With a bar, bistro and restaurant on site, there’s no need to ride further afield for food and drink. Two large, locked garages on the opposite side of the main road with loads of space to lock bikes. 
**We've stayed here - read our review**

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Montmartre Paris - Le Studio

Parisian studio that sleeps 4 people near the Moulin Rouge

Live like a local in this studio apartment in the famous Paris suburb of Montmarte. The Studio is a 25 square metre ground floor space with a private entrance that guarantees tranquility and privacy (and bike access). The studio has a fantastic layout with one main room, kitchen and a full bathroom. It has high ceilings and two comfortable sofas bed. It's also got a fully equipped kitchen, making it easier to save money in what is an expensive city. There's a TV, free wifi, a library of magazines, books and CDs as well. It comfortably sleeps 4 people, making this an affordable alternative to a hotel. The bathroom even comes with a hair dryer and towels, robes and complimentary quality bath products. You can book online or contact Francois by email or phone (he speaks English).

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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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Morbihan - Camping des Menhirs

Campsite with self-catering cabins walking distance of the beach

Within walking distance of the seaside resort of Carnac Plage, Les Menhirs is a short bike ride from the famous standing stones at Carnac. Cycle around the peninsula before cooling off in the pool (complete with giant waterslide) or relax in the jacuzzi. Cycling tours of the local area can be booked onsite. Click the 'full details' button below for information on self-catering cabins sleeping upto 8 people, or click here if you have your own tent or campervan.

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Morestel - Servhotel

Basic, affordable stopover between Bourg-en-Bresse and Grenoble

This is a convenient no frills option for cycling in this area of the Alps (roughly betwen Bourg-en-Bresse and Grenoble). It's also within reach of the ViaRhona. The rooms are basic but clean with TVs with satellite channels. A continental breakfast is served each morning (there's a picnic area for outside eating). Single rooms through to family rooms that sleep 5 - ideal for sharers on a budget. Free wifi.

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Morlaix - Hotel du Port

Accueil velo-rated hotel in one of Brittany's cycling hubs

Hotel du Port is in a lovely waterfront location just 1km from the Morlaix town centre. It offers views of the harbour of Morlaix, with free parking out the front if you need to unload bikes from the car. The hotel is accueil velo-rated ('cyclists welcome') under the local tourist board scheme. Rooms are spread over three floors and each room has a TV, a phone, desk and wifi. There is an on-site bar and breakfast is made with local products. The Roscoff ferry port is 19km away. The hotel has secured bike storage and reception staff can help with luggage transfers.

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Morlaix – Hôtel Restaurant de la Gare

Friendly local hotel that's a good stop for cycing in Finistère, Brittany

Friendly 2-star hotel with just 8 rooms, a restaurant serving a traditional Breton menu, and a pretty courtyard garden to relax in. The hotel is 10km south-west of Morlaix, 30km from Roscoff and 50km from Brest, making it an ideal stopover on a cycling tour of Brittany. Free wifi. There is secure bike parking available in a locked, detached private garage at the rear of the hotel. A member of the Logis hotel network, it complies with that company's cycling standards policy.

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Mortain - Hotel Restaurant de la Poste

Ideal stop on the EuroVelo 4 between Saint-Lo and Mont St Michel

This is a good stop on the Tour de Manche bike route that doubles as the EuroVelo 4 through Normandy and Brittany. Inhouse restaurant serving regional cuisine – the chef prides himself on using local produce and creating the flavours of Normandy (vegeterian options available too). Terrace for drinks and a pool for cooling down in summer. Singles and doubles through to suites for 4 people. English and French spoken. The owner tells me there is a bike storage area that locks.

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Muides-sur-Loire - Chateau des Marais

Campsite with tents and self-catering cabins near Chambord

Small and friendly campsite near Chambord and Blois chateaux, making it a great base for exploring the Loire Valley. The campsite is in the grounds of a manor house. Facilities include restaurant and mini-market. Pool complex, plus spa and jacuzzi with Turkish bath and massage available. Self-catering cabins. Bike hire available on site (including kids' bikes and child seats).

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Mulhouse - Mercure Mulhouse Centre

Stylish city hotel near the train station

Comfortable 4-star hotel near the train station. Onsite restaurant and bar, plus a terrace to enjoy in summer. Free wifi. Disabled access rooms. French, English and German spoken. Management tells us the hotel's luggage store can accommodate a few bikes and that there is also additional storage in the guest-only garage. Good for groups and individual riders.

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Najac - Le Belle-Rive

Cycle-friendly hotel on the banks of the Aveyron River

Friendly 2-star hotel-restaurant 2km outside the village. On the banks of the river Aveyron, it faces the castle. Welcomes groups. Bicycle parking provided in a garage. Internet access. Member of the Logis network of hotels and complies to that company's cycle standards policy. Also has a swimming pool and tennis court.

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Nancy - Centre Suite Novotel

City centre hotel just of the Canal de la Marne au Rhin

Four-star hotel in the centre of Nancy. Rooms can accommodate up to 4 people and each have a kettle, coffee and tea, microwave for basic food preparation, fridge and water cooler. 24-hour self-service food boutique with healthy readymade meals that you reheat in your room, plus cold dishes, desserts and drinks available. Free in-room mineral water. Free wifi, music and video on demand, and free landline calls within France. Free massages every Thursday. Onsite bar open until 1am. Management says bikes can be stored in rooms.

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