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

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

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

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

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Fouesnant - Logis Hotel de la Pointe du Cap Coz

Acceuil velo-rated hotel on the EuroVelo 1 bike route

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Fouras - Grand Hotel des Bains

Well-appointed and quiet hotel near beach and town centre

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

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Galeria - Hotel Le Filosorma

Sea views and a great location

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

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Gensac – Chateau de Sanse

Elegant country hotel retreat overlooking vineyards

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

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Gisors - Hotel Moderne (Avenue Verte)

Good value to be had in Gisors

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

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Giverny - B&B Aux Vieilles Pierres

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

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

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Giverny - Maison où Claude Monet vécut à Vétheuil

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

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

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Givet - Orchidee Rose B&B

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheap and friendly hotel on the London-Paris bike route

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

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Gournay-Loize - La Grange de Gournay

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

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Goutrens - Le Bouleau

Passionately run B&B on an organic Goutrens farm

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

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Grenade-sur-Garonne - Villa Léopoldine

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

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

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Grenoble - Adagio Access Aparthotel

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

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

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Grenoble - Ibis Grenoble Université

Budget accommodation east of Grenoble city centre

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

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Grenoble - Ibis Styles Grenoble Centre Gare

Modern city centre hotel in Grenoble

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

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Guenrouet - Chambre d'Hotes Exçarêve (EuroVelo 1)

Ecologically friendly B&B on the Nantes-Brest Canal

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

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

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

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

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Herault – B&B Villa Fontilha

Bike-friendly village B&B midway between Beziers and Montpellier

Yulia is keen to welcome more cyclists to Villa Fontilha, a character-filled B&B set in a large medieval stone village house. There are 3 double bedrooms and 1 twin, together with an exotic Moroccan-style bathroom. There is also a tranquil, landscaped terrace for breakfasts. 

Villa Fontilha is located in the heart of a typical southern French village on the banks of the Hérault River in Languedoc. Some of the south of France's most picturesque cycling can be found from the doorstep. 

The B&B is just 20km from the Mediterranean, while the Canal du Midi at Beziers is also within reach. Day bike rides from here take in history and beautiful vistas, ancient French stone villages, castles and abbeys, water mills and churches. 

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Honfleur – Les Coquillettes

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

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

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Huelgoat - Hotel-Restaurant du Lac

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

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

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Île d'Oléron - Novotel Thalassa Oléron Saint Trojan

Family friendly hotel on the beach on beautiful Oléron

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

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Ile de Ré - Hotel La Marée

Cycle-friendly hotel-restaurant on Ile de Ré

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

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

Excellent harbour hotel with its own fleet of bicycles

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

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Isigny-sur-Mer - Hotel de France

Simple place to rest your head and have a good meal

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

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L'Isle Adam - ibis budget

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

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

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

Elegant chateaux hotel with funky wallpaper

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

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

Quiet but elegant local hotel surrounded by bikes routes

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

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

Art Deco style hotel on La Sarthe à Vélo bike route

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

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La Grave – Auberge Edelweiss Bike & Ski Hotel

Specialist bike hotel with rooms and apartments, workshop and sauna

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

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La Rivière Thibouville – Le Soloro (Brionne)

Friendly hotel set in orchard and gardens with onsite restaurant

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

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La Roche-Sur-Yon - Kyriad

3-star hotel well-situated for cycling in the Vendée

Clean and efficient hotel with good access to Atlantic Coast and Vendée bike routes. Free wifi. Tea and coffee-making facilities and biscuits in each room. Night porter for late arrivals. Restaurant and lounge facilities. Family friendly with a playground on site. Cyclists report that bikes can be safely stored overnight in the hotel's locked conference room. Groups welcome.

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La Rochelle - Best Western Masqhotel

Bike-friendly hotel on La Vélodyssée EuroVelo 1 and La Velo Francette

Super bike-friendly hotel in the middle of lovely La Rochelle, gateway to Île de Ré, and on the Atlantic Coast EuroVelo 1 La Vélodyssée route, as well as La Velo Francette from La Rochelle to Caen. The Best Western Masqhotel is a member of the Accueil Vélo 'cyclists welcome' tourist initiative. Its bike services are too many to mention here, but they include: a hotel 'bike book' of rides and route suggestions; a 'cyclists' welcome tray' with mineral water, biscuits, tea and coffee; luggage transfer service; hotel bikes for guest use (with advance notice); lunch baskets; and cleaning kits. You can read the hotel's official bike policy on its website. It also meets official French standards for eco hotels. 24-hour room service. Generous buffet breakfasts plus onsite bar/lounge. Free wifi throughout the hotel as well as internet stations for guest use. Hotel manager, Christine, and her staff are bilingual and keen to welcome more English-speaking cyclists to the hotel. 
We've stayed here – read our review

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La Rochelle - Kyriad La Rochelle Centre

3-star hotel within easy reach of Ile de Ré

Centrally located hotel in La Rochelle, within easy reach of the bridge to Ile de Ré and to other cyclng routes in Charente-Maritime. Handy for cyclists riding Atlantic Coast routes. Free wifi and a secure, private car park (although cyclists also report bikes can be stored in a locked, dry boiler room at the back of the hotel). The hotel has 45 rooms (doubles, triples and quadruples), which makes it convenient for groups.

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La Rochelle - Vue sur Cour B&B

Elegant and welcoming family-run B&B oasis in La Rochelle

This was a real treat at the start of our La Velo Francette ride. Located right in the heart of La Rochelle's Old Port area, it's run by Marika, against whose stash of house bikes in her secure forecourt we parked our own. Marika is super-friendly and her B&B is full or atmosphere and original flair. Each room is individually and beautifully decorated, art combining tastefully with furnishings and antiques. There's also a lovely little courtyard garden. Breakfast saw the arrival of fresh criossants with freshly made jams and fruits. Doubles, triples and family rooms available (5 rooms in total, all with their own en suites). This really is a lovely place to stay.

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La Tranche-sur-Mer - Hotel de l'Atlantique

Nicely located and affordable hotel on the coast in Vendèe

Hotel de l'Atlantique in La Tranche-sur-Mer is seaside hotel that was recommended to us by a reader who was cycling the Atlantic coast. It is close to the beach and centre of town and has good bike storage. The rooms are clean with a seaside vibe to get you in the mood.

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La Velo Francette - Hotel De Paris (Laval)

Mayenne river hotel handy for towpath access

This place may not live up to its illustrious Monopoly address (Rue de la Paix is Mayfair on the French version), but it's still a handy base for anyone passing through Laval on La Velo Francette. It's right in the centre of town, close to the river towpath, it has a garage for bike parking and offers a good spread for breakfast (see picture). Family friendly with cots and adjoining rooms available to provide extra beds and space. Good hotel for sharers as there is a range of room combinations – doubles, triples and quads. In-room tea and coffee-making. French and English spoken. Free wifi. Disabled access facilities. 

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La Velo Francette - L'Ancien Pressoir

Cozy B&B in the heart of wonderful Suisse-Normandie

Just a 10km (mostly) river ride from the La Velo Francette route at Pont-d'Ouilly, this B&B is a lovely stop in one of the most beautiful (and lesser discovered) corners of Normandy. Suisse-Normandie is a beautiful region of rolling hills and river routes for road riders (with easy access to the ferry port at Caen for cross-Channel riders or to Paris in nearby Domfront, where La Veloscenie passes), but there are also some 800km of mountain bike tracks here, making it one of France's MTB hotspots for fun off-road trails without the sharp peaks of the Pyrenees or Alps. The owner speaks French, English, German and Dutch and we are told she offers a cozy B&B welcome in her 200-year-old village house. Free wifi.

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La Vélo Francette – La Maison 1833

Stylish and friendly family run B&B south of Domfront

We stayed at Maison 1833 when we cycled La Vélo Francette. At the time it had just opened and its potential was clear. It's run by Katherine and Christophe, a well-travelled French couple who have opted for a quieter life after years of international travel and living. The B&B is a short detour from the actual Francette route but it's worth the ride if you're after a spot of homely luxury on your cycling holiday. There are only two rooms, making this is a 'proper' B&B experience (you'll leave half-believing you've known Katherine and Christophe for much longer than the length of your stay). Katherine is a wonderful cook – say 'yes' to her offer of table d'hôtes for a lavish feast to fuel you for a week (though save room for the exceptional breakfast she'll serve up the next day). Free wifi. Katherine and Christophe will also go out of their way to help you plan the next stage of your journey if you need some local advice or support. French and English spoken.   

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Lac d'Annecy - Hotel du Lac

Comfortable hotel in a great lakeside spot near Annecy

Hotel du Lac in Annecy was recommended to us by readers who stayed there while cycling. It is in a stunning location nestled between the lake and the mountains. You can rest the legs in the pool or plan your route in the shady garden and, this being Lac d'Annecy, there is plenty to do, including golf at a course a short walk from the hotel. There is a lockable garage for your bikes.

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Lacanau - Vitalparc

Peaceful apartments and rooms set among the pine forest

Apartments and studio rooms set among the pine forest on the edge of the town of Lacanau Ocean. Outdoor pool. Onsite spa with indoor pool, hot tub and hammam. Wifi. Bike rental onsite. Restaurant and bar. Accommodation ranges from single rooms up to villas that can house 9 people. Short stays possible.

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Laguiole - Hotel Le Relais de Laguiole

Hotel in the far northern Midi-Pyrénées close to the St James' Way

A comfortable hotel with fully-equipped rooms including free wifi. Option to book your own private balcony or a lounge or family room. Visitors can relax at the spa by the heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna after a day on the bike. The restaurant serves local Aubrac cuisine. A garage is available for storage and the staff can provide local road knowledge, while the St James' Way (Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle) is just 15km away. French, English and Spanish spoken.

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Landaville - Domaine du Feyel (Neufchateau)

An oasis of calm on the Meuse Valley bike route

Surrounded by a peaceful park, Domaine du Feyel is a bike-friendly hotel set in a 19th century country house 10km south of the town of Neufchateau, a popular stop on the Meuse cycle route. You can have a breakfast tailored to your needs and order packed lunches too for your rides. Part of the charm here is the green surounds. There is no onsite restaurant but ask about a table at the local bistro. French and English spoken. Velo label through the tourist board.

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Langon - Hotel Tilleuls Medieval

Mid-range hotel with self-catering in Saint Macaire

Hotel Tilleuls Medieval has an enviable location being set in a medieval town close to the River Garonne and surrounded by some of the world's most famous vineyards. The hotel itself is a 16th century building with its own shady terrace and a choice of rooms or self-catering options, with an onsite restaurant with local cuisine and fresh breakfasts. The hotel is well used to hosting cyclists and has both hire and secure parking facilities. This location is just a great base for cycling with quiet rolling hills – it's not far from my patch, either, so drop me a line if you're staying there to organise a ride!

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Langres - Le Chapitre Guesthouse

Small and elegant B&B on the Meuse River cycle route

Langres is stunning small town. Everything is walkable and encircled by ramparts dotted with artillery towers and punctured by fortified gates. This small B&B in the centre of Langres is a family-run affair. Régine, Etienne and their dog – a Basset Artésien Normand – greeted us with a wagging tail (the hound) and bottles of cold water. The water was particularly welcome after pedalling – and finally pushing – our loaded bikes up the steep hill between the station and Langres. The following morning we were packed off onto the Meuse Cycle Route with a picnic. 
**Read our full review here**

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Larmor-Plage – Hotel Les Rives du Ter

A 4-star hotel with lake views near to the beach resort of Larmor-Plage

With water to both the south and east this hotel has a great location for combining a cycling trip with a beach holiday. The hotel itself is rated at four stars and allows clean bikes to be stored in rooms and there is also a private garage. Free wi-fi. Nearby attractions include the sandy beaches of Larmor-Plage, the harbour of Lorient and the protected ocean area of Kerguelen, with many differing types of natural habitats including coves, marshes, dunes and grasslands. French and English spoken.

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Le Beny Bocage - La Maison De La Fontaine (EuroVelo 4 Tour du Manche bike route)

Accueil Velo-rated B&B near the fun of the Viaduc de la Souleuvre

La Maison de la Fontaine is at Le Beny Bocage, near the EuroVelo 4 Tour de Manche bike route. The B&B is just 3km from the excellent Souleuvre Viaduct at Carville, an outdoor adventure centre with an AJ Hackett bungy jumping site, as well as an zipwire course and family luge. EuroVelo 4 is signposted straight through the viaduc, which is well worth a stop for lunch (restaurant and picnic area onsite). Le Beny Bocage also links to the D-Day Beaches, Bayeux and Mont St Michel on the EV4. La Maison de la Fontaine has 5 rooms, including a family room. There is a terrace and guests can make use of free wifi. Picnics are also available for your panniers (usually featuring a mixed salad, a sandwich, seasonal fruit, a drink and a cereal bar). Gourmet evening meals available – the owners, Christophe and Sandrine, used to work for Lenôtre, the famous French confectioner. Accueil Velo-rated. Continental breakfast available. From Le Beny Bocage you can also cross to join the Velo Francette to the east at Saint-Remy or Thury-Harcourt. 

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Le Cheylard – Hotel des Voyageurs

Friendly hotel and restaurant in the heart of the Ardeche region

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Le Fleix - Le Manoir du Bois Mignon (Sainte-Foy-la-Grande)

Warm and luxurious stop on the banks of the Dordogne River

There can't be many better places to relax after a day on the bike than on the banks of the Dordogne near Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. This grand B&B oasis is set in a beautiful old manoir house built in 1791. The tiny hamlet is a wonderful stop on a ride along the river Dordogne (Freewheeling France rides this area often, winding along the river and back up through the vines). From the door, the UNESCO-listed St-Emilion is a 40km ride (en route to Bordeaux); in the other direction you'll find the sweet white vines of Monbazillac, the city of Bergerac and, further east, the ancient cobbles of Sarlat. This is a worthy stop on any Dordogne Valley bike route.

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