Accommodation - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs: All France

Causses-et-Veyran - Clos du Magnolia

Cyclist-run B&B and apartment ideal for Orb River routes

Clos du Magnolia is a cyclist-run B&B that also has the option of a self-catered apartment. Run by Jane and Mervyn, who both ride locally, this is a versatile base for solo riders as well as groups. There are three stylish B&B rooms plus the apartment, which sleeps 4 in two bedrooms. Routes here are varied, offering gentler day river rides for holiday riders as well as more challenging routes for experienced riders – the Canal du Midi, the Haut-Languedoc Natural Parc and the Cevennes can all be explored from here, while the foothills of the Pyrenees and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean beaches are also within reach. There's a pool for post-ride dips and free wifi throughout the house and in the garden – the perfect place to plan your next day's routes (you can pick Merv and Jane's brains for ideas). Large garage for secure bike storage.
We’ve stayed here, you can read our review here.

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Cavaillon - Hotel Mercure

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

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Chambery - Aix-les-Bains Best Western Aquakub

Ride the shores of Lake Bourget and relax waterside afterwards

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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 2017 Tour de France route is 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 skiiing and, increasingly, a cycling hotspot – the 2017 Tour de France passed through here. 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 in the garden with the best seat 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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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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Charente/Dordogne border - Cycling Chez Nous at La Vieille Porcherie (Oradour-Sur-Vayres)

Cyclist-run accommodation in the Limoges-Angouleme-Thivers triangle

As the name suggests, Cycling Chez Nous is run by cyclists - in this case Sue and Phil, who are keen to share this lesser-explored area of France with the rest of us. They are in a perfect area for cycling – and they know it like the backs of their hands. They are just 2.5km from the lovely voie verte (greenway) that runs from Oradour-sur-Vayres to Chalus. It's perfect for a (flat) return trundle but also ideal for tourers linking to the Lawrence of Arabia route. The roads here are scenic and largely traffic-free. I asked Sue to choose a favourite but she said it was impossible – the routes are so varied. "We have short local routes routes we can suggest, plus longer routes from 50km to 160kms on gpx files with varying elevations," she said. "We live in an almost untouched cycling paradise, bordering the Dordogne and the Charente. I have to pinch myself each time I cycle." The village is also within reach of Oradour-sur-Glane, which holds a special place in French history and is one of the most remarkable places Freewheeling France has ever been (there is more on the area here). The house itself is a pretty French farmhouse in an ancient hamlet. It has a lovely garden and a chestnut orchard with pear, apple and cherry trees. There is room for 6 people – with four in a self-catered gite and two in main house. B&B or self-catering is available. English and French spoken. Good connections to Limoges, Angouleme, Thivers for trains and airports. Ask Sue and Phil if you need picking up.

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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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Chateauneuf du Faou - The Old Bakery (Nantes-Brest Canal)

Cyclist-friendly, character-filled B&B on the Nantes-Brest Canal

The Old Bakery is set above the Nantes-Brest Canal and provides an ideal halfway point between Chateaulin and Rostrenen. With many local sites of interest, it's also a great base in its own right – perfect for stopping for a day or two to explore farther afield from the canal and into Brittany's heartland. The more intrepid cyclist can reach here in a day from Mur de Bretagne or via the green route travelling from Huelgoat via Carhaix – both are steeped in history and worth exploring. On arrival you'll be greeted by Dorothy and Gary, the Old Bakery's new owners, who've put cyclists at the heart of their plans for the B&B. They offer light refreshments and safe bike storage, as well as lots of great local info on restaurants, routes and attractions. After a good night's sleep, there's a hearty continental breakfast, including fresh croissants, bread, cheese and ham to set you up for the day. Dorothy and Gary offer flexible accommodation for single riders through to groups of friends or families. Accommodation is provided on a B&B basis, and larger groups of up to 10 or 12 can request exclusive use of the facilities.

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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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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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Chinon - ibis Styles

Cyclist-friendly hotel south-east of Saumer on the banks of the river

Located on the banks of the Vienne, opposite the Royal Fortress. The hotel is a member of the Loire Valley's 'cyclists welcome' program, and has a secure bike storage room in the hotel. Rooms are modern and spacious. The hotel welcomes groups. Heated outdoor pool plus terrace overlooking the castle. Breakfast and wifi included in all prices. Restaurant onsire with traditional cuisine. Great base for exploring the Loire, or an ideal stop on a longer Loire Valley itinerary. Vineyards and other local attractions well within reach.

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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 - 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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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. 

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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.

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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 – Gite Belle Vie

Cyclist-run gite at the base of the Tourmalet and Aspin

Gite Belle Vie is an ideal choice for the more discerning cyclist looking to combine the most central of positions to access a wide range of cycling options from the door, the most peaceful of locations with accommodation that is out of the ordinary. Set in 10 acres of peaceful, stream-lined countryside, you’re in a different world but a mere few hundred metres off the main route that links the famous Cols of the Pyrenees. Gite Belle Vie is in a prime position for taking full advantage of the stunning cycling available – you can turn straight out of the lane and onto the legendary climbs of the Tour de France, including the Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourdes, Ancizan, Lac de Cap-de-Long, Hautacam, Aubisque and many more. Or, take a gentler route through stunning countryside and forests, alongside streams and around rolling hills. Gite Belle Vie provides flexible accommodation in their spacious 1, 2 or 3-bedroom gites or combined as 6 bedrooms. All of the gites are comprehensively equipped so you can self-cater and enjoy your own space. If you’d like to book as a group, you may like to take advantage of some of the support options for that ride like a pro experience which are provided by people that are passionate about cycling or maybe consider some tasty catered options. Various local bike hire options are available, we welcome guests from all over the world and speak cycling in either English, French or Portuguese. Garmin or Strava routes and loads of personal experience of the surrounding routes available. Free wifi is available and satellite TV.

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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 (run by a Franco-Australian couple). On-site restaurant; free tea and coffee in the lounge.

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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 (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. 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. 

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Corbigny - Hotel de L'Europe Restaurant Le Cepage

Affordable base on the Canal du Nivernais bike route

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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. 

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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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Croix de Fer - Chalet La Tuviere Bike Inn (Jarrier)

Bike B&B/hotel for Croix de Fer, Glandon, Madeleine and others

Chalet La Tuvière is in something of a paradise for cyclists. The village of Jarrier is on the road to La Toussuire and just a minor detour from the road to the Col de la Croix de Fer and the Col du Glandon. The Col de Mollard, the Col de La Madeleine, the Col de Chaussy and the Télégraphe and Galiber are all also within striking distance. L’Iséran, Le St Bernard, Le Cormet de Roselend, Le Mont Cenis, Le Grand Cucheron and all the rides around Les Bauges, Les Aravis and La Chartreuse are also accessible in a day’s cycling with an early start. An outside jacuzzi will help ease your tired muscles after a day on the bike as you enjoy views of the Aiguilles d’Arves, and guest can also use a large reception room for stretching, training or meetings. Dogs are accepted and sheets and towels provided. There are 7 rooms sleeping 20 people on a B&B or half-board accommodation, so it's a perfect fit for a groups, families and clubs. Airport and train station transfers available. Contact Jane and Fabrice for more information.

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D-Day Beaches - The Old Farm of Amfreville (Sainte-Mère-Église)

Stay where German soldiers bunked down prior to the liberation

It's hard now to imagine the Normandy coast in World War II. The beaches here are peaceful now, the fields full of farm produce and animals. Exporing the D-Day beaches by bike brings the juxtoposition of this serenity and the brutal history of the area into sharper focus. The Old Farm of Amfreville in Cauquigny is just 4km from Sainte-Mère-Église, central to the D-Day airborne invasion and where paratrooper John Steele was caught on the church spire (as depicted on The Longest Day). It was here, too, that Band of Brothers was based, bringing the landings to life in all their horror. But history is brought even closer to home when you stay at the Old Farm of Amfreville B&B, which was used by the German army throughout the occupation. It was from here that a field post office and communications centre was run. Later, it was used as a German field hospital during the battle of Normandy until its liberation by the 82nd Airborne Division. The present owners, David and Alyson, offer a warm welcome to cyclists. The B&B is ideal for signposted D-Day cycling routes, and is also near the D-Day to Mont St Michel route that takes you to the area's other high-profile attraction. Explore the Tour de Manche or cycle on to Paris. The Old Farm of Amfreville B&B sleeps upto 6 people. Secure, lockable storage area, plus stacks of local knowledge from David and Alyson.

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D-Day Beaches - Hotel Kyriad (Carentan)

Ideal for exploring the D-Day beaches and the Airborne Museum

This welcoming hotel is an accredited accueil velo hotel within easy reach of the D-Day beaches (16km to Utah Beach, 32km to Omaha Beach and 14km to the Airborne Museum at Sainte-Mère-Église). The Battle of Carentan is one of the key World War II battles recreated for TV in Band of Brothers. The town – which is on a bike-friendly TER train link – is also just 30km from the beaches at Lessay on the western side of the Manche department of Normandy (and the EuroVelo 4 route). The hotel has just been completely refurbished, so it provides a clean and comfortable base to explore or relax – there are gardens to chill out in, plus an on-site restaurant, bar, a children's playground, plus a pool and terrace. Safe bike storage provided. Free wifi.

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Damazan - Inter-Hotel de la Confluence

Ideal for the Canal de Garonne and Lot Valley bikes routes

This clean and friendly chain hotel comes recommended to us by cyclists who rode the Canal de Garonne bike route between Bordeaux and Toulouse. It is also close to where the Garonne River meets the Lot River (and its bike route) at Aiguillon (hence the 'confluence' in the title). The hotel is registered as an accueil velo place to stay and regularly sees cyclists through. Modern and friendly, it has crisp and interesting interior design that sets it apart from regular chain hotels. This is a good option if you're looking for a clean and reliable base for a night. On site restaurant and bar but may not be open at weekends during the low season.
We've stayed here – check our review.

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Dieppe - Hotel Windsor

Bike-friendly hotel on the Dieppe seafront

The seaside Hotel Windsor is a welcoming base for cyclists – it hosts the after-event festivities for the annual Dieppe Raid, so it's well-versed in welcoming riders. There is a lovely onsite restaurant that looks out over the water and serves fresh produce, with an emphasis on regional dishes and seafood. Singles, doubles, triples and family rooms, making this a flexible option for groups. Kettle + tea and coffee in the room. Ideal for the train station or ferry port. French, English, Dutch, Italian and German spoken. Free wifi. 

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Dieppe - Ibis Val Druel

Recommended to us by several cyclists passing through Dieppe

We have had this hotel recommended to us by several cyclists who have arrived in or departed from the ferry port in Dieppe. The hotel, part of the Ibis chain, is located just south of the port and city centre. Management has confirmed they have a room set aside for bike storage. Free wifi. Bar and restaurant serving food and snacks 24/7. French and English spoken.

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Dieppe – Hotel Aguado

Hotel with views to the sea and accueil vélo status

In a perfect location for hopping on and off the Dieppe-Newhaven ferry, Hotel Aguado sits in the centre of Dieppe with water on both sides, so the rooms look out over the sea or the harbour. The hotel has accueil vélo status via the local tourist board, meaning it has safe and secure bike parking and other cyclist support. Dieppe is on the Avenue Verte, the official London to Paris bike route, as well as on the EV4 Central European route. French and English spoken. Free wifi.
** We've stayed here – read our review **

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Dijon - Grand Hotel La Cloche

A stylish base from which to explore one of France's finest cycling areas

The elegant Grand Hotel La Cloche de Dijon is located in the heart of Burgundy's capital, Dijon, close to the old town. It is an ideal base for exploring the vineyards routes and châteaux. Built in 1884, the historic hotel is set in a listed heritage building, and its original features have been carefully blended with modern technology and decor. Enjoy one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, both offering sophisticated French cuisine created from local products, or relax on the garden terrace with a glass or two or fine Burgundy wine. Management advises that reception can help with a secure, lockable room for bike storage. Fitness centre with sauna and massage area. Free wifi. French and English spoken. The hotel's parent website has a best-price guarantee so it's always worth comparing prices.

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Dijon - Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge

Modern hotel that's been recommended to us by cyclists

This really is a nice place to stay (checkout that bathroom above!) It was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here at the end of their Burgundy cycling holiday. This is a private house that's been converted into a small, modern hotel that's very welcoming to cyclists. When I contacted the management, they said they could store some bikes in the hotel; if they have groups in, they use a locked room in a secure public parking complex near the hotel. They also provide maps ("with pleasure!" they said) and can help with bike hire.  The onsite restaurant is also a treat with Michelin stars and a wine list with a who's who of local winemakers.  Free wifi. Spa and wellness centre (free for guest use with hamman).

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Dijon – hotelF1 Dijon Nord

Ultra cheap and basic hotel on the outskirts of Dijon

Ultra budget hotel offerng hostel-style accommodation on the northern fringes of Dijon, 6km from the city proper. Free wifi. Accessible 24/7. Communal bathroom and shower facilities. Café and all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. 80 rooms, making it suitable for groups looking for a budget place to stay. Management says bikes can be securely stored in bedrooms overnight. The hotel's parent website has a best-price guarantee so it's always worth comparing prices.

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Dinan - Au Refuge

Ideal location opposite the train station

Recommended by Hilde and Heather, who stayed here during their cycling trip from Dinan to St-Malo, the Hotel Au Refuge is situated in the centre of the old town of Dinan. In no particular order there's a bar, secure parking for bikes, and you can load up on breakfast for an extra €6.50. The hotel is situated about 30km from Saint-Malo, so it's a good stop en-route to ferries, and about 60km from Mont Saint Michel.

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Dinan - Hotel Dinan Port Le Jerzual

Lovely riverside hotel that makes a great base for exploring Dinan

Friendly 4-star hotel overlooking the River Rance in the picturesque town of Dinan. Onsite restaurant with regional cuisine and port views, or have a glass or wine or a beer on the terrrace on the river bank. Heated outdoor pool, spa, fitness room. Hotel management emailed to say they can find a safe place for your bike inside the hotel. Free wifi. Some  rooms have a terrace. Italian, French, Spanish, English and German spoken. Dinan in a popular thoroughfare for cyclists in Brittany – see here for more.

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Domfront - Le Bois Ellier Garden Cottage Holiday Gite (Lonlay L'Abbaye)

Self-catering or B&B near the Veloscenie and Velo Francette routes

Le Bois Ellier is a one-bedroom garden cottage that can sleep up to 4 people. This is a bike-friendly place that's really worth supporting. It's owned by Tina and Martin, who live on site and are keen to rent the cottage to cyclists on either a self-catering or a B&B basis. They are very flexible and happily offer just one-night bookings on your route through, or extended stays for fixed-base cycling. The cottage is set in the beautiful Normandy countryside in Lonlay L’Abbaye, which a commune in the Orne department in north-western France. It's roughly 10km north(ish) of Domfront and 18km south(ish) of Flers – perfect for the Velo Francette La Rochelle to Caen and the Veloscenie Paris to Mont St Michel bike routes. The D-Day landing beaches at Arromanches are just under 100km to the north. As the name suggests, Lonlay L’Abbaye has a beautiful abbey and town square and is surrounded by walks and countryside, including the local viewpoint Fosse Arthur. Secure bike parking in the barn + free wifi. Picnic hampers are also available for your panniers. English and some French spoken. 

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Domfront – Hotel de France

Family run hotel at the crossroads of the Veloscenic and La Velo Francette

Situated in the historic old town of Domfront, the Hotel de France is a perfect base for both the Veloscenic and La Velo Francette. Don't let its bright red signage and strip motel appearance put you off. Hotel de France's rather banal facade hides a multitude of delights. Not least, the welcoming family-run vibe with everyone – from the grandchild to the dog – featuring in the picture. There's safe and secure bike storage in a curtained off section of the dining hall. There's a laundry service for bike clothes, free wifi and the owners are only too ready to help prepare food for your onward journey.
We stayed here when we cycled the Veloscenic to Mont St Michel – read our full review

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Dordogne - La Chataigne et La Grange des Les Taloches

Stone farmhouse surrounded by the majestic Perigord Vert

A former Dordogne farm, Les Taloches sits on the edge of the pretty riverside village of Tourtoirac in the Périgueux-Brive-Thiviers triangle. Suzie and Gary are super keen to welcome more cyclists – there are more than 120km of on-road and MTB routes from the door (including the Lawrence of Arabia route, which goes through the village). They have a large barn with bike racks for storage, plus plenty of space for maintenance, repairs and cleaning. They also work with a local bike delivery service, which has hybrids, tandems and MTB bikes. There are two self-catering gites that are great for families and groups, sleeping between 8 and 20 people (they can be hired individually or together). They are also available for B&B (with home-cooked meals) on request, usually in spring and autumn when it's cooler for point-to-point cycling and ideal for shorter stays. Each gite has its own free wifi, private pool, outdoor eating area and BBQ, all set in 19 acres of peaceful woodland. Tourtoirac village has a boulangerie, bar and restaurant just a 500m ride or stroll away. 

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