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

Dordogne River Valley - Le Peyrail B&B

Artist's retreat and B&B in the vineyards east of Bordeaux

Peyrail B&B is a charming 19th century farmhouse in a picturesque and quiet corner of the Dordogne River Valley, east of Bordeaux. It's run by artist Jo. This area is perfect for cycling – mostly empty roads with a choice of undulating routes through the vineyards or flatter routes along the river valley (Freewheeling France lives not far away and cycles these roads regularly). Les Leves-et-Thoumeyragues is a small village within reach of both Bergerac and Bordeaux airports (plus the train line linking Bordeaux to the Sarlat/eastern Dordogne area). Within a 60km radius are Bergerac, Eymet, Monpazier, Beynac and, of course, the great wines of Saint-Émilion. The nearest 'big' town is the medieval bastide of Ste Foy La Grande, which has a wonderful Saturday morning market that had been voted the best market in France. Peyrail B&B is a short and worthy detour for anyone cycling the Dordogne River route from Bordeaux to Sarlat via Bergerac.

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Douville - Hotel-Restaurant Le Tropicana

Family-run hotel halfway between Bergerac and Périgueux

Family-run 3-star hotel and restaurant between Perigueux and Bergerac, the two largest cities in the Dordogne. Part of the Logis hotel network, it conforms to that company's cycle-friendly charter. Free wifi. Welcomes groups. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts and mini golf.

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Drome Valley – Hotel Golf d'Albon

3-star hotel midway between Lyon and Valence in the beautiful Drome

The Golf d'Albon hotel is on a 120-acre estate between Lyon and Valence, with lovely sweeping views of the Alps in the Drome valley. Set on a golf course, it's a relaxing place to take a breather, or to partake in outdoor activities. Family friendly. Outdoor swimming pool. Terrace, bar and restaurant. Twins, doubles and family rooms. Hotel staff tell us they have a secure (coded) storage room inside the hotel for bike storage, or clean bikes can be stored in bedrooms. Free wifi. French, Spanish and English spoken.

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Drome/Vercors - Velo Vercors Gites and B&B

Specialist cycling base in the stunning Vercors area of the French Alps

This is a specialist cycling holiday base located at the gateway to the stunning gorges, Alpine climbs and valleys of the Vercors National Park. As featured in Cyclist (April 2015), the Vercors offers spectacular scenery at every turn of the pedal, little traffic, superb road surfaces and no col-baggers to boot. It's a 'hidden gem' for those wanting an unforgettable cycling experience for all levels of fitness. Teresa has more than 10 years' experience riding in this area, and her and her team are passionate about the region. They can offer lots of local knowledge about routes that start directly from the door, and have maps and GPS files to share. Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux are within reach from here on day trips. This is a very personal service and relaxed atmosphere with 3 self-catering gites, B&B rooms and a large outside barn where guests socialise and relax. Based in a charming town with cafes, restaurants, shops, supermarket and weekly market. Excellent base for groups, couples, friends or families.

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Ducey – Hotel Le Moulin de Ducey

Pretty riverside hotel on the Veloscenic Paris to Mont St-Michel bike route

An unexpected gem of a hotel in Ducey. The historic stone mill's been cleverly and very tastefully converted into a modern boutique hotel, prettily located on the banks of the river Selune (famed for its salmon fishing). Bikes are locked safely behind a locked gate, though the area's not undercover. There's a laundry service for wet or smelly bike kit, plus wifi. An outstanding breakfast is available to fuel your day – varied and generous and just what every cyclist needs (there are even extras like bacon and French pancakes).
We stayed here when we cycled Paris to Mont St Michel – read our full review of here.

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Duras - Logis Hostellerie des Ducs

Local hotel for exploring off-the-beaten tracks in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Hostellerie des Ducs is a locally owned hotel recommended to us by cyclists. In the centre of Duras, it is close to local restaurants and the castle, and is on signposted bike trails (see the Dropt river route and this local cicruit). Free wifi. Private garage. Onsite restaurant during the summer months (check ahead for restaurant opening hours/days off-season if arriving late). Outdoor swimming pool.

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Épernay - ibis Épernay Centre Ville

Reliable city centre hotel with secure bike parking

City centre hotel within easy reach of Reims and the vineyard bike routes of the Champagne region. Épernay is just over 20km south of Reims, and is on the southern edge of the wonderful Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims. Management has confirmed this hotel has a dedicated area inside for secure bicycle parking; bikes can also be stored in rooms. Free wifi. Breakfast available. 65 rooms, making it suitable for groups.

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Épinal (Chavelot) - hotelF1 Épinal Nord

Budget hotel near the Moselle River 6km north of Épinal

Bargain basement budget chain hotel 6km north of Épinal. 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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Espalion - Hotel de France

Local hotel ideal for the Lot Valley river route and Camino de Santiago

Hotel de France in Espalion is a traditional hotel with 22 rooms in the town centre. It has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. It's on one of France's popular Camino de Santiago routes and is a popular base for hikers and cyclists, being on the Lot River and on the edge of the Parc naturel régional de l'Aubrac and also just west of the Parc national des Cévennes. Twins, doubles and triples. Continental breakfasts. Onsite restaurant. Free wifi. 30km north-east of Rodez.

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Essômes-sur-Marne - Chateau Thierry Hotel

Picturesque river views in the heart of the Champagne wine region

Located just 20 metres from the historic town of Château-Thierry, this mid-range Ibis hotel has a terrace with views of the River Marne, as well as relaxing gardens, a bar, and restaurant serving traditional local cuisine. The cellars doors of Champagne are just up the road. All rooms either have river views or vineyard views. Bikes can be securely locked in the meeting room or kept overnight in your room. Free wifi. English spoken.

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EuroVelo 1/Nantes-Brest Canal - La Maison du Canal

Rostrenen B&B perfect for cyclists riding the Nantes-Brest Canal

One of the best places to stay if you're cycling the Nantes-Brest Canal, and recommended to us by readers. La Maison du Canal is a high-quality B&B with 4 rooms that can accommodate up to 14 guests, making it ideal for families and small groups of riders. Bikes, canoes and fishing rods are all available to help guests fully enjoy their stay near the canal. Easy access to Rostrenen and Carhaix. Also close to some good off-road biking tracks. Owners John and Hilary are on hand to share their local advice and love of the area.
** We've stayed here - read our review! **

This B&B is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast
• Nantes-Brest Canal

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EuroVelo 3 - La Maison au Coin B&B (Le Vigeant)

Cyclist-run B&B that's a biker's dream on EV3

La Maison au Coin B&B is in a perfect spot for the EuroVelo 3, as well as the popular Saint-Malo to Nice route – and it's VERY bike-friendly accommodation. As keen cyclists, Bob and Karen are on hand to suggest the best local routes and shortcuts, plus provide a welcomng cup of tea, coffee or beer. They also don't mind if you arrive outside normal check-in hours – just call ahead with your ETA. Bike storage is super secure in a riverside cabin with an alarm and video surveillance. Breakfast is from 6.30 for cyclists needing a quick get away (there's even delicious bircher muesli – perfect cyclists' fuel – on the menu!) Packed lunches and evening 4-course meals are available on request, while there are also four local bar/restaurants within walk distance. In-house, an honesty bar operates for beer and wine (first glass is always free!) On departure, Bob and Karen will even fill your bidons with chilled water or energy drinks. They can also arrange luggage transfers to your next stop for petrol plus €20 (excellent value compared to French taxi services). Bike hire can be arranged, plus there are two folding bicycles available for guest use. The garage is equipped with spares, tyres and cables, lubricants and cleaning materials (plus ask Bob and Karen for bike repair help if you get stuck). They will even clean and service your bike for a small surcharge.

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Eymet – Vingt Huit B&B

Friendly B&B in the centre of Eymet

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Fécamp - Relais du Silence Le Grand Pavois

Contemporary hotel on key Normandy bike routes

This hotel offers large modern rooms in an ideal location located as it is in the seaside town of Fécamp overlooking the harbour, with the beach just a short ride away. The hotel is accueil velo-rated so they are well used to cyclists and have a secure garage for stowing your bikes. There is a piano bar to relax in after a day of riding and you can enjoy a good continental breakfast before setting off to explore the delights of Normandy. It's on Normandy's linen bike route as well as on the coastal EuroVelo 4 and Alabaster coast routes.

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Fleuray - Hotel le Fleuray

Cycle-friendly hotel in Loire, close to Amboise and Blois

This restored country house has been converted into a hotel that's perfectly situated for cycling holidays in the Loire. It gives great access to the chateaux country, including Amboise (17km away), Blois (27km) and Tours (38km). Onsite restaurant. The hotel is part of the Logis hotel network and complies with its strict cycling standards policy – free bikes are available for guest use, along with tools and secure bike parking. Staff can help with route advice and maps.

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Fontainebleau - Hotel Victoria Fontainebleau

Accueil velo hotel positioned nicely for the Fontainebleau forest and EV3

Hotel Victoria is an accueil velo-rated hotel with its own fleet of hire bikes for day rides (for longer term rentals or one-way hire on the EuroVelo 3 or around Paris, use our bespoke service). Hotel Victoria is set in a manor house with a tree-lined park, located just 1km from the forest and and 650m from te fabulous Chateau de Fontainebleau (Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte – modelled on Versailles – is 25km away for a longer day ride. You can relax on the shaded terrace or browse the free wifi to plan your routes. The guest rooms are all decorated in a modern style with antique furniture. Meals can be delivered to your room upon prior reservation if you're arriving late. 

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Forges-les-Eaux - Domaine de Forges Continental Hotel

Hotel complex on the London to Paris bike route

The Continental hotel features a bistro, restaurant and casino as part of a complex with comfortable rooms. This is a great stop for anyone riding the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route. The hotel itself is used by bike tour companies cycling from London to Paris, so the staff are used to dealing with cyclists. A number of restaurants are within easy reach if you fancy a change of scenery. Free wifi. Onsite pool and spa.

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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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Francette/Véloscénie/Tour de Manche - Maison Voie Verte (Mortain)

Cosy B&B between Domfront and Mont Saint Michel

Just a few metres from the door of Maison Voie Verte lies the Véloscénie cycle route which links the Tour de Manche route (around 3km away) with Mont St Michel 53km away; which makes Lois and Ian's cosy B&B the perfect stopping off point if you're passing through on your bike. The link to La Vélo Francette (La Rochelle to Caen) is also nearby so you are really spoilt for choice. They have secure storage for bicycles and luggage, with drying facilities for wet clothes. House bicycles are available for guests to use as well. Maison Voie Verte is a small B&B with 2 double ensuite rooms and a tranquil seating area in the garden. Help yourself to hot drinks in the communal breakfast area, or use the microwave and fridge. There is also a town just 3km away with restaurants (Lois and Ian can give you a lift if you arrive with tired legs or don't want to cycle at night). Wake up the next day to a hearty continental breakfast to get you started on the next leg of your journey. Free wifi. English and French spoken.

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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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Gorges de la Méouge - Serre Des Ormes (Alps/Provence border)

Beautiful B&B run for cyclists by cyclists between the Alps and Ventoux

Le Serre des Ormes is a beautiful 18th century house in the spectacular Gorges de la Méouge, midway between the peaks of the Alps and the grandeur of Ventoux, just 67km away. With its quiet roads, stunning views and great climbs, the Méouge valley is a relatively undiscovered gem for cyclists of all levels. The B&B is run by cyclists Kate and Paul. Each day starts with a healthy, nutritious breakfast and, at the end of your day, relax by the pool with tea and cakes, or a glass of wine. Each evening a delicious home cooked two-course meal is served with French wine. Kate and Paul will be on hand to share their favourite routes and thei passion for the area. Airport transfers and bike hire available. Free wifi. English and French spoken.

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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'Alpe d'Huez - Alpe d'Huez Bike Hotel

Specialist biking hotel with everything you need to ride Alpe d'Huez

This is a specialist cycling hotel with super views out over the valley. In the heart of such a cycling hotspot, the hotel prides itself on being an affordable summer biking base for cyclists. The hotel is perfectly set up for cyclists riding Alpe d'Huez and neighbouring cols, with its own bike cleaning station, onsite tools and rack, plus training equipment. It also has discount deals with local bike shops and can help with bike hire. Mountain bikers should ask about the discounted ski lift passes for accessing higher offroad routes. Special menu for cyclists (plus pasta packs and unlimited coffee). Loads of local route advice, plus free wifi. Sauna for post-ride muscles. 

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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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