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Castelnaudary - Maison du Cassoulet

Hearty food served at this hotel on the Canal du Midi

Maison du Cassoulet is in Castelnaudary, a regular stop on the popular Canal du Midi bike route. Just 300 metres from the canal, it's a handy stop that also has a restaurant serving regional cuisine. The star dish, as the name suggests, is the cassoulet – a dish unique to this part of the world. There is also a kids' menu. Maison du Cassoulet sees a lot of cyclists, thanks to its location, and there is a bike storage area as a result. Free wifi in the rooms. A Continental breakfast is offered in the restaurant each morning, plus there's a bar with terrace for post-ride drinks and pre-ride planning.

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Catalonia - Camping Verneda (Spanish border)

Camping and self-catering cabins within reach of Bagnères-de-Luchon

Tucked just over the Spanish border and within reach of the high Pyrenees cols from Bagnères-de-Luchon is the lovely Camping Verneda. There is plenty of room for tents and campervans, plus a great range of self-catering bungalows and cabins at affordable prices. Super family friendly (there are two children's playground areas). Onsite bar and restuarant. Mini-supermarket for supplies. Games room. Pool. Onsite mountain bike hire. This is a lovely option alongside a mountain river stream and handy to some of the best bike routes on both sides of the Pyrenees.   

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Cauterets - Hotel-Residence Le Lys

Versatile hotel with studios/apartments in Cauterets town centre

Hotel-Residence Le Lys is a clean and friendly apartment-hotel in the Cauterets town centre. It offers studio-style self-catering hotel rooms. Apartments sleep 1 to 8 people. Ideal for groups and families. Games room with table football, pinball machines and table tennis. Kids' playground area and kids' library area. Dedicated bike storage room (key kept at reception). Free high-speed wifi. All rooms have views of the Pyrenees. Breakfast is available if you don't want to self-cater. Bar/lounge area. Wellness centre with spa and massage. Landscaped gardens.

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Cavaillon - Hotel Mercure

4-star hotel a short ride from the centre of Cavaillon

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Cavaillon - Pont Royal en Provence

Self-catering apartments and houses for up to 8 people SE of Cavaillon

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Chadenne - Rural Gites Chadenne (Montpon-Menesterol)

Cyclist-run self-catered cottages for 4 or 6 people east of Bordeaux

If you're looking for a cyclist-run base for biking in a lesser-explored area of France, than this could be it. The Marshall family are cyclists who have spent two years creating comfortable and modern self-catered gites nestled in the ancient Foret de La Double halfway between Bordeaux and Perigueux. The nearest town is Montpon-Menesterol, which is on 5 designated local cycling circles. It's also on the Lawrence of Arabia bike route and the new Velo-route Voie verte de la Vallee de L'Isle, which goes all the way through to Perigueux. It's a safe car-free route along the river valley. The area also has lots to offer mountain bikers and families. The national park of La Jemaye is 20 minutes away and has beautiful cycling routes around the lake with places to swim and picnic. The gites themselves have modern creature comforts plus a safe storage area for bikes (there's a reliable repair shop in Montpon and hire bikes can be delivered to the door). The gites provide a beautiful-urban-meets rural space for cyclists of all levels. There's even a heated swimming pool for post-ride relaxation. 

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Chalon-sur-Saone - Camping Pont de Bourgogne

Riverside site close to Burgundy's canal towpaths and EuroVelo 6

This is a quiet site ideal for either a stopover or a slightly longer stay to appreciate the nearby famous wine region and historical towns. It also offers the chance to meander through lovely villages and vineyards by cycling the 31km canal-side voie verte, which starts in Chalon-sur-Saone, just over 2km away, and goes to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune. From Chalon-sur-Saone you can also access other parts of Burgundy's network of bike greenways (voies vertes), including the Canal du Centre, which forms part of EuroVelo 6. This town also has a beautiful cathedral and a highly regarded market three times a week. A restaurant/bar is available on-site and golf/bowling can be found close-by.

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Chambery - Hotel des Princes

Stylish Chambery hotel set in a beautifully restored convent building

Hotel des Princes is a beautifully presented hotel set in an old convent that dates back to 1471. It's been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. Located in the heart of the old part of Chambery, it's handy to local restaurants and bars, plus it's only 800m from the train station. Great option for groups, with some suites comfortably sleeping up to 6 adults. Onsite spa, jacuzzi and sauna, plus massage service. Management welcomes cyclists and says bikes can be safely stored inside the hotel. Free wifi (plus there's a computer available for guest use). Full buffet breakfast. French and English spoken.

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Chamonix - Chalet Les Tissourds

Spacious chalet for 8 people near wonderful MTB and road routes

Chalet Les Tissourds is a wonderful Maison de Pays that has been beautifully restored and refurbished, a self-catered chalet in a class of its own. Built originally in 1924 the chalet is very well located, just a 5-10 minute stroll to the centre of Chamonix and near some fabulous restaurants. Situated in a quiet road it has wonderful views up to Mont Blanc, the Glacier des Bossons and across to Brévent on the other side of the valley. It's accueil velo-rated and the Tour de France route is often on the doorstep. A modern design within a traditional setting, the chalet is a delicious mixture of old and new. On the ground floor there is an open-plan kitchen and living room with French windows that open out onto a pretty garden, plus a kit room and a cloakroom. On the lower ground floor there is a cosy snug with sofas, beanbags and a 130cm screen, where you can chill out with some DVDs. Next door is a laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer. Relax in the jacuzzi, which is in the garden and enjoys wonderful views of Mont Blanc. The chalet sleeps 8 people and is available on a catered basis with breakfasts and other meals, or self-catered. 

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Chamonix - Chalet Valhalla

Light and luxurious chalet for 12-15 people overlooking Mont Blanc

Chalet Valhalla is an accueil velo-rated chalet in Chamonix, a French town famous for skiing and, increasingly, a cycling hotspot – the Tour de France often passes nearby. The chalet is built with beautiful natural timbers and is a structure of grand proportions right in the heart of Chamonix. It is open and light with floor-to-ceiling windows giving you Titanic views of Mont Blanc. A minstrel’s gallery overlooks the sitting/dining room and from here you share the same breathtaking view that is enjoyed from below. Add to this contemporary look a touch of traditional Savoyarde style and there’s the WOW! factor. Ideal for large family groups or groups of cycling friends, the icing on the gateau is the hot tub and the sauna in the garden with the best seats in the house overlooking Mont Blanc. Valhalla's location hits the high notes, set in an idyllic spot beside the forest it is also only a short stroll to the centre. More importantly, it is a mere two minutes staggering distance from the popular MBC bar and the Michelin-starred Albert 1er is just around the corner. Perfect! Available self-catered or fully catered with an inhouse chef.

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Chancia - Camping La Presqu'Île du Jura

Camping on the banks of the Lac du Croiselet

Set on a small peninsula bordered by the River Ain and the Lac du Croiselet, Camping La Presqu'Île du Jura is an unspoilt, family campsite offering a quiet holiday destination with views of the lake and mountains. It's a 3-star campsite at Chancia, close to Oyonnax in the Jura. It has camping pitches and chalet and mobile home rental. There is a multi-sports court nearby, with fishing, canoeing and boats. This is a good base for road cycling, as well as walking, mountain biking and horseriding. Don' forget to also sample the local cheeses and wines. Onsite snack bar and shop. Children's playground. Accueil Velo-rated.

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Chantilly - La Cantilienne (Avenue Verte London-Paris)

On the doorstep of Chateau Chantilly

La Cantilienne is a highly rated B&B just 1km from Chateau Chantilly, the fabulous historic chateau, gardens and collection of art and antiquities, which is one of France's most treasured settings. It is also perfectly located for the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route, which runs close by on the run into/out of Paris, making it a perfect first or last stop on your trip. The B&B with its private terrace and flower garden also has a lockable bike room and free wifi, plus a hearty continental breakfast for all guests.  

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Charleville-Mezières Ibis

Reliable chain hotel near the Trans-Ardenne bike path

Just south of the Charleville Mezières city centre, the Ibis offers a reliable, if predictable, place to stay. Onsite restaurant and lounge, plus outdoor terrace. Free wifi. While bikes cannot be taken into bedrooms, management says they can be locked in lounge areas and reception is staffed 24 hours. Charleville-Mezières is the starting point for the lovely Trans-Ardennes bike path, while the regional national park and Meuse Valley routes are also within easy reach.

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Chartres - Hotel Cathedrale

City centre hotel in the beautiful French cathedrale city

Warm and welcoming hotel offers excellent access to local restaurants and tourist sites. Located opposite Chartres cathedral and just minutes from the station, it's a design hotel with modern, air-conditioned and sound-proofed rooms. Lounge bar, buffet breakfast and room service. Free wifi. There is a lockable bike store in the courtyard.  

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Chartres - Hotel Les Poèmes de Chartres

Elegant and friendly hotel on good local bike routes

Hotel Les Poèmes de Chartres is in a good location just 100m from train station. Friendly reception with manager who told us "give me those bikes. We’ll give them a rest for now" and then leading us to a locked storage room inside the hotel. Buffet or continental breakfast. Doubles, triples and family rooms/quads. 
**Bob and Jim stayed here on their cycle tour - report here** 

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Château-Gontier - Le Parc Hotel & Spa

19th century manor on Velo Francette route with 'accueil velo' label

We stayed here on our La Velo Francette ride and it took us about 30 seconds after arrival to regret not bringing our swimmers. After several days on the bike, a relax in the spa would have been a real treat. We made do instead with an Italian shower to ease the muscles followed by a glass of wine in the expansive gardens, chilling out in the afternoon sun and wishing we could stay longer. The hotel is family run and has accueil velo status, so you can request prices for baggage transfers and other bikey services. The house itself is a 19th century manor, with the bedrooms – each unique – housed in the adjoining restored and beautifully decorated stables. It's a unique and really pleasant place to stay. Free wifi. Pool and gym. 

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Cherbourg - Hotel du Louvre

Bike-friendly Cherbourg hotel close to the marina

Comfortable and traditional two-star French hotel in the marina area of Cherbourg. Good option for anyone cycling to the ferry port or making their way around the coast on the EuroVelo 4. The hotel carries Accueil Velo accreditation, so it has guaranteed safe and secure bike parking. Secure underground car park for anyone driving. It's great for groups as well as there are rooms for single travellers through to quadruples that will sleep 4 adults and 2 kids. Free wifi. Disabled access. Pet allowed. French and English spoken.
We've stayed here – read our review.

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Cherbourg - Hotel La Glacerie

Affordable, bike-friendly hotel south of Cherbourg

Friendly chain hotel located 8km south of the ferry terminal on the E13. Reception open 24 hours. A buffet breakfast served each morning. Hotel restaurant serving traditional French cuisine, bar open 24 hours a day. Free wifi. The directrice of the hotel advises that there is a secure luggage storage for bikes, plus a hose and outdoor space for cleaning bikes. Reception can also provide local tourist maps to help plan bike routes. French and English spoken.

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Cheverny - Camping Les Saules

Green, shady camping in the heart of the Loire chateaux route

Between a forest and the beautiful Chateau Cheverny lies the green oasis that is Camping Les Saules, an accueil velo-rated campsite. For cyclists it offers a superb base from which to cycle the Les Chateaux a velo routes, a network of cycle paths and lanes that link the stunning chateaux found in the Loire valley. One such netwok, the Itineraire 04 - Entre Vignobles et Chateaux, is very close to the site and offers and an incredible chance to explore the local highlights on signposted tracks and roads. The focus of Camping Les Saules itself is on providing shaded pitches in a calm ambience where nature comes first. The restaurant serves local food and there are pool options for all ages. Part of the Le French Time network of independently owned sites.

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Chinon - Hotel Diderot

Accueil velo hotel that makes an ideal stop in central Chinon

Hotel Diderot has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here while cycling in th Loire. It's also used by cycle tour companies so it's up to speed with what cyclists want. It's an accueil velo hotel and therefore carries accrediatation from the tourist board for its cycling services. These include a fully enclosed courtyard for bikes (locked 9pm to 7am). Local bike routes and maps are available from reception, along with information on bike hire and local repairs. The hotel is on a quiet street a short ride from the historic Chinon centre. Chinon is a popular stop for cyclists on the river Vienne, with the beautiful Chateau de Chinon a particular highlight. The river and backroad routes here feed up to the main Loire bike route to the north. The rooms at Hotel Diderot are decorated in a modern style despite the building dating back to the 17th century. You can have breakfast – including home-made jams – on the terrace or by the original fireplace when the weather turns cooler. All rooms are en-suite.

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Chirac - Tranquille Vienne Gites (Tour de Charente bike route)

Top value self-catering cottages between Angouleme and Limoges

Open all year round, the three independent and private gites at Tranquille Vienne are perfectly located for cyclists who are exploring the Charente area. They're slap-bang on the Tour de Charente bike route, so perfect for tourers or those wanting a longer-term base to rest and relax. The rolling countryside surrounding the accommodation is well-suited for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Lex and Monique are keen to welcome all types of cyclists, from road riders wanting a training base to cycle tourers and families. It's perfect for group adventures, with a huge garden and an above-ground pool to keep everyone happy. One of the gites is a 3-bedroomed cottage, while there are also two, 2-bedroom gites – all offering comfortable and affordable accommodation at nightly or weekly rates. There's safe parking for your bikes and lots of local advice on hand. English and French spoken. Free wifi.

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Chitenay - Logis Auberge du Centre (Blois)

Ideal location on the EuroVelo 6 Loire bike route just south of Blois

Logis Auberge du Centre is just south of Blois, in the town of Chitenay. Part of the bike-friendly Logis network of independent hotels, it offers a great base from which to enjoy the best of this section of the Loire Euro Velo 6 bike route. The hotel is friendly and welcoming with all the key essentials, plus a pool and gardens. Air-conditioned in summer. Free car parking. As with most Logis hotels, there is an onsite restaurant serving regional cuisine. Eat in the restaurant or on the terrace. Breakfast also served daily (kids at a reduced price). Bike tours and rental can also be arranged to explore the area's famous castles.  
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Clermont Ferrand - hotelF1 Clermont Ferrand Est

Super budget hotel near Auvergne airport 5km from the city centre

Bargain basement budget chain hotel on the north-eastern fringes of the city, near the airport. Air-conditioned low-cost hotel with free WIFI and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Rooms are basic and sleep two or three people. Shared bathrooms; rooms have sinks, mirrors and TVs. Management advises that bikes can be stored in the bedrooms overnight. The hotel's parent website has a best-price guarantee so it's always worth comparing prices. 

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Clermont-Ferrand - Adagio Access Clermont Ferrand Jaude

Affordable studio apartments close to the city centre

Apartment hotel in the centre of Clermont-Ferrand, near Place de Jaude, and a two-minute walk from the historic centre of the city. It has 122 self-catering apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes. The studio apartments can sleep up to 3 people. Free wifi access. Management advises that bikes can be stored in apartments.  

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Clermont-Ferrand - Camping Huttopia Royat

Tent pitches, cabins and safari tents in the shadow of ancient volcanoes

The Auvergne is home to some spectacular cycling through France's ancient volcanic fields – both road biking and MTB. Camping Huttopia Royat is in the spa town of Royat – just outside the regional capital Clermont-Ferrand and at the foot of the iconic Puy de Dôme. The campsite has tent and campervan pitches, as well as fixed safari tents and cabins. Pool, children's activities and games room (including table football), plus cafe and bar areas. Electric MTBs available for hire from the campsite.

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Clohars-Carnoët - Camping Le Kergariou

Leafy, bike-friendly campsite on the Atlantic Coast bike route

The 3-star Le Kergariou campsite offers a warm welcome at Clohars-Carnoët, between Lorient and Concarneau on the EV1 bike route. The beach 1.5km away, heated pool, sauna, kids’ club and entertainment. Camping pitches, self-catering chalets and mobile homes. Shop and snack bar.

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Cluny - Hostellerie d'Héloïse

Family hotel on the Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon voie verte

The Hostellerie d'Héloïse – on the banks of La Grosne and metres from the Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon voie verte – has been a hotel in one format or another since the 1800s. The hotel is part of the Logis hotel group and meets their bike-friendly criteria. The owners, Nathalie and Patrick, have a shed for bicycles and the onsite restaurant serves up plenty of nourishing fuel for riders passing through (there's even a special menu for mini-cyclists). There's also a lounge bar area for relaxing (and for sampling Burgundy's best wines). Doubles, triples and family rooms. English and French spoken. 
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Cognac - Domaine Quai des Pontis

Lovely bike-friendly option on the banks of the river Charente

Wonderfully versatile accommodation, with hotel/B&B-style accommodation, as well as self-catering lodges, 'houses on stilts' and even rustic Gypsy caravans. Twins, doubles, triples and quads, making this great for families and groups. In the middle of Cognac, it's handy for all the local attractions, including Cognac tours and distillery visits. Peaceful location on Charente River banks + swimming pool. Bike hire available on site. French and English spoken. We stayed here on our flow Velo ride from the Atlantic Coat to Thiviers.
Photo: Freewheeling France

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Cognac - Hotel Domaine du Breuil, Chateau Menuet

Live it up in a chateau on the edge of Cognac

For a truly unique French castle experience, checkout the 19th century Chateau Menuet, set in its own seven-hectare park on the outskirts of Cognac. Onsite restaurant serving seasonal menus – the restaurant itself has wonderful views out over the Charente (you can eat on the terrace when the weather's nice). You can also drink the chateau's own Cognac at the bar. The bedrooms are as you'd expect from a chateau – elegant and comfortable (some of the rooms overlook the grounds). Outdoor pool. Free wifi. French and English spoken. There is secure bike storage and the chateau has its own fleet of bikes for hire.

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Cognac - Hotel Heritage

Modern town centre hotel with a rich history

Town centre hotel located in a renovated 17th-century inn that dates back to 1635. A lot of love and thought has gone into the Heritage Hotel to make the most of its history as well as provide the necessary mod-cons for 21st century guests. There's an onsite restaurant with courtyard garden for summer dining (the chef likes to feature local cuisine and use local ingredients), plus a restored and modernised bar area. There is a garage for bike storage plus a picnic service for cyclists wanting to eat out among the vines or near the river. English and French spoken. Singles, doubles, twins and triples. Free wifi.

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Cognac - Hotel L'Oliveraie

Well-located hotel with its own fleet of bikes for guest use

This is a comfortable city centre hotel near the train station. It's particularly bike-friendly, with its own fleet of bicycles, a secure bike parking area and lots of local bikey knowledge (it's been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there). Singles, doubles, triples and quads – ideal for groups and families. Outdoor swimming pool. Onsite restaurant plus garden, terrace and bar. It doesn't have 24-hour reception but the owners can welcome late arrivals - just call ahead or make a note of it when you book. Disabled access rooms. Free wifi. 

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Col d'Aspin/Tourmalet/Aubisque - Hotel Les Templiers

Cosy famiily run hotel on the western side of the Col du Tourmalet

Hotel Les Templiers is a small, family run hotel in the centre of Luz St Sauveur, and ideally located at the bottom of the western side of the Col du Tourmalet, and also at the bottom of a number of other interesting climbs (Luz Ardiden, Col des Tentes, Troumouse). Just down the road in Argeles-Gazost is the bottom of the climbs for Hautacam and Col du Soulor/Col d'Aubisque. The hotel has 10 traditional hotel rooms available for B&B, as well as a fully equipped self-catered apartment. Free wifi. French and English spoken. On-site restaurant; free tea and coffee in the lounge.

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Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier - Chalet Le 1000 Thabor (Valmenier)

Maurienne Valley chalet with views of the Col du Telegraphe

Chalet Le 1000 Thabor sleeps up to 15 people. Ride Col du Telegraphe (6 kilometres away) or Col du Galibier, Col du Glandon and Croix de Fer, then Lacets de Montvernier or Col de la Madeleine, Aussois and Col du Montcenis, Col de l’Iseran. To help you recover from your cycling day you can enjoy a Finnish sauna before firing up the gas BBQ and enjoying a beer in your private garden, all while taking in the wonderful view of the Col du Telegraphe. There's free parking for cars and a secure garage for your bike.

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Colmar - Aux Armes de France

Traditional inn on the Alsace Wine Route 9km from Colmar

Friendly family-run hotel-restaurant in the town of Ammerschwihr, just 9km from Colmar. The hotel is an excellent stop on the Alsace Wine Route. Onsite restaurant serving traditional local cuisine alongside a wonderful menu of wines from the surrounding vineyards. Buffet breakfast available. Double and triple rooms. Outdoor terrace/courtyard. Free wifi. This hotel has been recommended by Max Wooldridge, author of our cycling in Alsace article.

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Colmar - ibis Colmar Centre

Stylish city centre hotel with dedicated bike room

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Commercy - Hotel Côté Jardin

Hotel set in lovely gardens on the Meuse Cycle Route

Hotel Côté Jardin has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here and told us their bikes were tucked safely away indoors overnight. We're also told the breakfast – and the coffee – were good. As the name suggests, Hôtel Côté Jardin in central Commercy, is set amid beautiful gardens. Terrace and private car park. Free wifi. It's ideally placed for a stay on the Meuse Cycle Route.

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Compiègne - Hotel Les Beaux Arts

Bike-friendly hotel in the start town for Paris-Roubaix

This hotel is a good base for watching the Paris-Roubaix or exploring the nearby ancient Forest of Compiègne which covers a total of 14,417 hectares and is crossed by hundreds of bike trails. Is stands alongside the River Oise in the historic cultural town of Compiègne. Hotel management tells us they have access to an underground carpark close that has places reserved for hotel guests' bicycles. Free wifi. French and English spoken. This is also ideal for cycling from Lille to Paris.
** We've stayed here - read our review.**

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Condom - Les Trois Lys

Ideal for exploring the town and riding the Voie Verte de l'Armagnac

You get a lot of bang for your buck at Les Trois Lys – closer to a major city, a hotel like this would twice the price or more. Instead, you'll find yourself nestled in a town surrounded by countryside and within striking distance of the Pyrenees. Condom is around 150km from either Bordeaux and Toulouse, or 100km north of the airport at Tarbes. It's 50km from the Canal de Garonne at Agen – linked via the Baise Valley bike route (and also linked by local TER train - see bike/train info here). It's a great cycling base – especially as the Voie Verte de l'Armagnac starts near the town as well. There is no dedicated bike garage but there is a safe storage shelter within the grounds – the hotel regularly welcomes cyclists and walkers on the route to Compostella. It offers an outdoor pool and a bar, free wifi and a 24-hour reception for late arrivals. 
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Corbigny - Hotel de L'Europe Restaurant Le Cepage

Basic and affordable stop on the Canal du Nivernais bike route

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Corsica - Holiday by the Mediterranean (seaside house)

The perfect self-catered base for a Corsican cycling adventure

Tanya offers a spacious yet cosy, accessible yet tranquil base from which to explore the incredible coastal scenery of Corsica. The house is located on the east coast, 40km north of Porto-Vecchio. You can find it at the top of the vineyards in the village of Solenzara. It features 4 bedrooms with very comfortable king-size beds, 3 bathrooms, in and outdoor dining tables and a comfortable sofa area. There's a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering, a laundry room for bike kit and a terrace with 10-metre pool and scenic views. The village has a harbour and various bars and restaurants. There are 14 breathtaking cycling routes starting from Solenzara suitable for all skill levels. The property is fully gated, so there's lots of safe bike parking. English and French spoken.

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Corsica campervan hire

Hire a campervan to make the most of your time cycling on Corsica

Hit the road on Corisca and explore the island at your own pace in a campervan. Vans can come with bike racks, plus lots of optional extras for camping. The Volkswagen and Mercedes vans sleep 4 and 5 people. They are fully self-contained with fridges, cooking equipment/facilities and water. Compare options here. There is also a self-guided package option to help with planning. 9-seater people movers also available for cycling groups. Bike and paddle board hire can be arranged. 

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Cote d'Azur – Les Jardins d'Azur Hotel and Apartments (Vence for Nice)

Cycle-friendly hotel with self-catered apartments just 20km from Nice

Les Jardins d'Azur is an ideal base if you're looking to enjoy the countryside around Nice without being stuck in the city centre itself. Located in Vence, just 20km from the Mediterranean coast at Nice, it offers affordable, luxury self-catered apartments for 2 to 9 people. The surrounds are lovely – take in the mountain views from the heated pool or tackle the Col de Vence by bike.  In Vence, there is an onsite multisport area, plus a heated pool (enjoy the snacks on offer, including drinks and ice-creams in summer). The hotel is classified as a "résidence de tourisme 4 étoiles". There are a few different accommodation options, from cozy studios and holiday apartments to impressive penthouses with private terraces. Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony or terrace. Hotel breakfast also available if you don't want to self-cater. Bike rental and e-scooters are available to enjoy on tracked GPS routes from the hotel. There is outside bike rack storage for during the day and you can take your bike to your apartment overnight. The hotel owner, the French hotel group Evancy, is actively encouraging cycle tourism at its hotels (it also has apartment-hotels along the northern coast of France).

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Coulon - Camping La Venise Verte

Lovely camping base in the heart of a natural wonderland. Ideal for families

4-star campsite near Niort in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park with heated outdoor pool, evening entertainment and children’s activities. Camping pitches, mobile homes and chalets to rent. On the Velo Francette bike route. Recently awarded European Ecolabel status. Near 300km of cycle paths, walking routes and waterways which criss-cross the park. Part of the Flower Campings network of independently owned sites.

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Coulon - Le Central Hotel (Velo Francette)

In the heart of the beautiful Marais Poitevin marshes

Lovely, stylish locally run hotel in the heart of Coulon – an ideal base for exploring the Marais Poitevin marshes by bike and by boat. Coulon is also on the Velo Francette route. Onsite restaurant serving high-quality local cuisine. The hotel's manager tells us that there is a bike storage area in the hotel's locked, private garage. Free wifi. Lovely garden terrace area for relaxing. There are just 13 rooms here, some of them overlooking the garden. 
Photo: Freewheeling France

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Courchevel - Camping Huttopia Bozel en Vanoise

Tent pitches, safari tents and cabins near the Three Valleys

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Coustaussa - Maison Palmeral

South of Carcassonne and ideal for exploring the Cathar region

Nafisa and Luciano offer a friendly welcome to cyclists in the self-catered Maison Palmeral in the village of Coustaussa in the foothills of the Pyrenees, 43km south of Carcassonne (19km from Limoux). In the heart of the beautifully diverse Languedoc, Maison Palmeral has everything you need to enjoy a French cycling holiday. The house sleeps 4 people in 2 bedrooms (please enquire if you need to sleep extra guests). "Come and experience the real France of ancient villages, Cathar castles and rural life as it used to be," says Luciano. There is secure bike parking, including a lockable garage, plus a workshop with tools. We're told Luciano is a skilled handyman who can help with emergency repairs. There is also a spare bike available for guest use. French, English and some Spanish spoken.

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Creon - Chateau Camiac

A 'treat yourself' option near the Bordeaux-Toulouse bike route

Who doesn't want to stay in a Bordeaux chateau just once in their life? Just 30km from Bordeaux – 4km from the Roger Lapebie bike path that links to the Canal de Garonne and Toulouse – Chateau Camiac is set amid 20 acres of parks and ponds, and within easy reach of vineyard bike routes. Relax by the pool after your ride or use the free wifi to send photos to your friends to make them jealous of your stately surrounds. Hotel dining is also possible (complete with fine Bordeaux wines). This is an expensive option compared to many hotels but it's a memorable one. 

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Creon - Hotel Atena (Bordeaux-Toulouse bike path)

Budget accommodation on the Canal de Garonne bike route

Hotel Atena is an affordable option at Creon, near the Roger Lapebie bike path on the Bordeaux-Toulouse bike route. It offers basic two-star accommodation that cyclists tell us is clean and friendly. There's an in-house restaurant plus bike storage. All rooms are en suite. There are twins, doubles, triples and family rooms (sleeping 5), making this a good, budget option for groups or couples/friends cycling together. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Creuse - Chateau de Poinsouze

Calm and zen in the grounds of an old chateau

With large lakeside pitches covered by oaks and adjacent to a 15th century chateau, Camping Chateau de Poinsouze makes a great cycling base, especially for families. There's plenty on offer for the kids including pool, slides and trampoline, while for the adults there are numerous watersports and two local golf courses. For cyclists and walkers, the GR41 route runs very close to here, allowing a signposted hike or ride in the lovely surrounding countryside. On site there's a restaurant, plus a shop offers eat-in or takeaway options. A real taste of rural France. Part of the Le French time network of independently run sites.

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Creuse/Haute-Vienne - Les Abeilles Sauvages (Rempnat)

Great value cycling base in off-the-beaten track rural France

Paul and Liz at Les Abeilles Sauvages offer self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Haute-Vienne and Creuse, two hugely under-cycled areas of central/south-western France that are steeped in cycling tradition. This area was home to the French TDF icon Raymond 'Pou-Pou' Poulidor – he lived and cycled in this area his whole life, and a lake-side route now bears his name. There are clusters of cycle routes from the door of Les Abeilles Sauvages, and Nedde – a designated cyclotourisme “velo tout terrain” (MTB) area – is just 3km away. The accommodation is a two-storey stone farmhouse that's been converted into a bunkhouse-style accommodation that's perfect for cycling clubs, groups and families. On the ground floor, it has a kitchen, dining room and a lounge with DVD/TV. On the first floor, there's a double bedroom next to a shower room and WC. The corridor leads to a large dormitory-style bedroom with three single beds, a bunk bed, a double bed and a shower room. On the second floor, there is a separate double bedroom with an ensuite shower room and WC. Outside there are two terraces: the 'upper’ is ideal for outdoor meals with a table and chairs, the 'lower' one for a relaxing evening apero. There's a child-safe plunge pool on the upper terrace. The gite has its own lock-up garage plus off-road parking for cars. It has a set of bike racks, repair bench with basic tools, a small drying room, WC and water supply for the K5 Karcher power hose (grease removing detergent containers supplied free).

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