Accommodation - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs: Paris-��le-de-France

Avenue Verte - Au Relais de Chaussy (London-Paris bike route)

A warm welcome on the Avenue Verte north-west of Paris

Au Relais de Chaussy is a highly regarded stop perfectly located for cyclists tackling the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route (the location is excellent as it's near the spot where the route heads in two directions en route to Paris). A warm welcome, tasty home cooking, lovely well-appointed rooms and secure bike store await – all at a great price. This is a really attractive option for anyone who finds themsleves in the area. The B&B is registered as an accueil vélo member via the Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin tourist board. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
** We stayed here – you can read our review here. **

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Avenue Verte London to Paris route + EuroVelo 3 - Le Castel Ecossais (Senlis)

Intimate B&B in Senlis with only two rooms

Le Castel Ecossais, on the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route and also the EuroVelo 3 route 11km east of Chantilly (and the Oise river), comes recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there with their 4 bikes. Run as a B&B, there are only two rooms – one double with a garden view and a king suite. There are lovely gardens, a terrace and even an ATM! There is secure bike parking as well as free private parking if you're arriving by car. Breakfast is à la carte or continental. The friendly staff can arrange local bike hire if you need it. Le Castel Ecossais is roughly 14km from Parc Asterix amusement park and 25km north(ish) of Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. English and French spoken.

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Avenue Verte London-Paris – Villa Castoria B&B (Saint-Germain-en-Laye/Paris)

15km from Paris, handy for Versailles and on Seine + London-Paris routes

Stan's welcoming bed and breakfast is just the if you're looking for a friendly base in the suburbs of Paris. Villa Castoria is 15km to the Bois de Boulogne on the edge of the city centre to the east and only 14km north of the beautiful Versailles. It's also handy for the RER local train (it's on the red RER A-line). Both the London to Paris Avenue Verte and the Seine à Velo bike route that traces the river up from Paris to Deauville and the port at Le Havre pass through the neighbouring suburb of Le Pecq, while you can also ride to Calais from nearby. Villa Castoria is a perfect starting point (or end point) for all these rides. It's an ideal place to find your feet and unbox your bike (or to have a hire bike delivered to). There are two gardens that are calm and safe, making it a nice launch pad for an adventure in France (or a super last stop to prepare for a flight home). Paris, the Loire Valley, Giverny and Versailles are all within reach of here. From Versailles, you can also join the Paris to Mont St Michel bike route. Stan says he's already welcomed numerous cyclists and he's keen to see more of us! There are 4 vast suites and 1 double room – all with private bathrooms - that in total can sleep 10 people, making it a nice stop for small groups of friends or family, as well as solo riders or couples. English and French spoken.

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Avignon - Grand Hotel

Comfortable four-star hotel near the train station and town walls

The Avignon Grand Hotel is a lovely hotel in a lovely location. It's right near the Avignon Centre train station, so a great spot for the start or end of a cycling trip. It's also just outside the city walls, so handy for exploring the old town. The staff are friendly, the wifi is fast and the breakfasts are hearty and healthy to keep cyclists happy. Doubles, twins, triples and family rooms. There also self-catered apartments. French and English spoken.
* We've stayed here – read our review *

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Avignon - Mercure Pont d'Avignon

Comfortable bike-friendly hotel in the heart of Avignon

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Ax-les-Thermes - Hotel Le Chalet

Recommended cycle friendly option close to Ax-3-Domaines

Situated in the town of Ax-les-Thermes Le Chalet is a good hotel option with clean rooms, a friendly welcome and super restaurant to ensure that you are properly refuelled after a day on the road. The hotel also has its own spa and comes recommended as cycle friendly, with secure space for bikes (it's used by local cycle tour companies). It would make a good base if you are in the area for climbing the Ax-3-Domaines or Plateau de Beille, or watching the Tour de France which regularly pass through. Free wifi. French and English spoken. 

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Azay-le-Rideau - Hotel de Biencourt

An 18th century hotel ideal if you are cycling the Loire valley

A cyclist who rode the Loire recommended Hotel de Biencourt in Azay-le-Rideau to us via our Facebook group. We're told the hotel has a secure bike garage and a fantastic breakfast. Azay-le-Rideau itself is a great base from which to explore the Loire chateaux, with great restaurants in town and a wonderful market on the square Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

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Bagnères-de-Bigorre – Les Dix Arches (Aspin/Tourmalet)

Cyclists' B&B with workshop and washdown facilities at foot of Tourmalet

In Bagnères-de-Bigorre, on the eastern approach to the Tourmalet, Aspin, Hourquette, Peyresourde and other classic Tour de France summits, you'll find the super bike-friendly, Les Dix Arches. Owners Caroline and Andy have kitted the B&B out with everything and anything a cyclist might need: there's a bike workshop, secure storage and washdown facilities, as well as spares and energy gels for sale; clothes washing service available for longer stays, there are local bike hire discounts for guests, plus free wifi and optional evening meals. Caroline and Andy know this area intimately and are on hand to offer advice on both road and mountain bike routes.
Read our review here

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Bagnères-de-Luchon - Free Range Chalet B&B (Portillon, Peyresourde, Ares, Port de Bales)

Super B&B catering for cyclists from the heart of Bagnères-de-Luchon

Victoria and Geoff have used their years of mountain chalet experience to lovingly refurbish The Free Range Chalet, making it an ideal base from which to explore the Pyrenees by bike. From their door, the Portillon, Peyresourde, Ares and the Port de Bales are all within reach. Close to the Bagnères-de-Luchon town centre. All rooms en-suite. B&B plus evening meals included in prices. "We're passionate about providing well-balanced, home-made meals, using as many locally sourced, seasonal ingredients as we can," says Victoria. "All dietary requirements are enthusiastically catered for, and we provide wholesome breakfasts to fuel long days on the bike." Free wifi. Airport/train station transfers, picnic lunches and laundry all available. French and English spoken.
** We've stayed here – read our review **

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Barr - Hôtel-Restaurant du Château d'Andlau

Hotel offering great value for money in peaceful surroundings

Located in a quiet spot outside a village, this hotel offes a peaceful based for cycling. Bar/lounge area, plus a roof-top terrace. The hotel conforms to the Logis hotel chain's cycling standards policy that guarantees safe and secure parking, and other assistance such as advice with routees and bike hire, and tools for basic maintenance and repair.

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Basel – Maison Jenny Hotel Restaurant & Spa (French-Swiss border)

Welcoming hotel in Hagenthal-le-Bas on the French side of the border

Maison Jenny Hotel Restaurant & Spa is a welcoming hotel on the French side of the border, just across from Basel in Switzerland (it's just 200m from the border). It has doubles and family rooms. Free wifi. Spa and swimming pool for post-ride relaxation. The hotel restaurant serves seasonal local cuisine and quality wines. There is also a lounge bar and a garden. Close to Mulhouse Airport. While the name may sound upmarket – and it's certainly a polished and slick operation – we're told that, at bottom, this is really a well-run local hotel and restaurant.

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Bastia - Best Western Bastia Centre

Reliable Bastia hotel offering lots of bells and whistles for cyclists

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Bastia - Hotel Cyrnea

Friendly, affordable accommodation on the coast

Just outside of Bastia, Hotel Cyrnea offers affordable accommodation that looks out over the water (there's also access to a small beach and a garden). This hotel was recommended to us by a cyclist, who described it as excellent value for money. He also said the staff were extremely friendly. Doubles and triples. Free wifi. Ideal for ferry port access. No restaurant but within walking distance of one. Management advises bikes can be safely stored.

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Bastia - Hotel des Gouverneurs

Hotel with stunning views out over Bastia harbour

As you can tell from the picture, Hotel des Gouverneurs commands majestic views across Bastia harbour. The views are even more stunning by night when the lights are twinkling over the water. The hotel is used to welcoming cycling groups and has an indoor pool for your tired muscles after a day on the bike (there's also a sauna and hammam for guest use for a surcharge). The hotel itself is in a pedestrianised part of town, though car parking is available for nearby (email the hotel to reserve it after you've made your room booking). Onsite bar. Rooms also feature that all important kettle for teas/coffee (not always standard at French hotels). Free wifi. Choose from a buffet breakfast, or go continental. 24-hour reception for late arrivals. 

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Baud - Logis Auberge du Cheval Blanc

Family hotel in the Blavet valley between Lorient and Pontivy in Brittany

Logis Auberge du Cheval Blanc in Baud is just east of the Voie 8 bike route as it snakes its way between Saint-Brieuc and Lorient in Brittany. It's in the heart of the beautiful Blavet valley, roughly halfway between Lorient and Pontivy.  This is a small locally owned hotel with just 19 rooms. There is an in-house restaurant serving local cuisine based on fresh and local products. The hotel has a sauna, terrace and garden for post-ride chilling. Logis l'Auberge du Cheval Blanc is just a few kilometres from major tourist sites: the Gulf of Morbihan, the Broceliande forest, the Nantes-Brest canal. Dedicated bike room.
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Bayeux - Hotel Le Lion d'Or

Bike-friendly hotel ideal for a visit to the famous Bayeux Tapestry

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Bayeux - Novotel Hotel

Bayeux hotel that comes recommended by readers

The Novotel Bayeux has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. They say the hotel lived up to the hotel chain's usual standard of cleanliness and friendliness, and that there was ample space for bike storage (the hotel has since told me they can easily store up to 15 bikes at a time in their secure room). Located near Bayeux's ring road, it's a direct ride straight into the city centre along Rue Saint-Patrice (under 1km). Outdoor pool. Free wifi (plus computer for guest use). Onsite restaurant and bar. French and English spoken.

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Bayonne - Le Grand Hôtel

Comfortable four-star hotel for a relaxing stop on the Atlantic Coast

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Bazas - Hotel Le Rodin (EV3 + Tour de Gironde)

Hotel with a bike shop next door and access to Bordeaux's regional routes

Hotel Le Rodin is a perfect stop on both the EuroVelo 3 Pilgrims' route and the Gironde regional bike route. Stop over for a night or use it as a fixed base for local rides through the sweet white wine vineyards of Sauternes or along the Bazas-Bios bike path, which goes to the Atlantic Coast. Located next to a bike shop, Hotel Le Rodin couldn't be better placed to ensure you have everything you need for your cycle tour (hire bikes available). The hotel is set in a magnificent historical building in the heart of Bazas, a thriving town 70km south-east of Bordeaux or about 15km south of the Bordeaux-Toulouse Garonne bike path at Saint Macaire. Take in the lovely Gothic cathedral and history that pre-dates the Romans. The building itself has been completely renovated by new owners Fenella and Peter and offers charming and comfortable rooms. This is a truly local hotel run by a family that previously owned a vineyard in the area, so don't forget to ask about bike routes that take in some of their favourite tipples. Families and cycling groups welcome. French, English, German spoken.

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Beaujolais vineyards - Foudres du Chêne du Py

Unique cabin accommodation in the vineyards

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Beaumarches - Logis Le Relais du Bastidou (Gers)

Peaceful location with a pool north of Tarbes

The Relais du Bastidou is Beaumarchés, just a few kilometres from the medieval town of Marciac in the Gers area of France, around 45km north of Tarbes. This is one of the least-cycled parts of France – sparsely populated and peaceful. The hotel made a great cycling base. There's an onsite restaurant that serves local specialities. Daily buffet breakfasts. Hot tub and sauna. Terrace for post-ride drinks + an outdoor swimming pool. It provides a good base to explore this region in south-west France between the river Garonne and the Pyrénées. Free on-site parking if you're arriving by car. Secure bike storage. Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Beaumont-sur-Sarthe - Hotel de la Barque

Basic but clean hotel on the Sarthe à vélo bike network

An accueil velo label hotel in small medieval town of Beaumont-sur-Sarthe on the Sarthe à vélo network halfway between Alençon and Le Mans in Pays de la Loire. Onsite restaurant serving regional cuisine. Flexible accommodation with twins/doubles through to family rooms sleeping upto five people. Free wifi. Tea- and coffee-making facilities in the rooms. We've stayed here – read our review.

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Beaune - Golf Hotel Colvert

Bike-friendly hotel outside the Beaune city centre

The Golf Hotel Colvert overlooks a golf course (hence the name) on the outskirts of Beaune, near the river Bouzaise. This is a nice alternative to a city centre hotel. The staff here are used to welcoming cyclists who are riding Burgundy's wine and canal routes. "You can rent bikes at the hotel," their director told me. "We can provide maps. We have a secure garage where our customers can put their bikes, and also a small room that can take several bikes. It is also possible to park the bikes on the terraces of the rooms (first and second floor), which are not accessible from outside." Buffet breakfast. Heated swimming pool. French and English spoken.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Beaune - Logis Carline Hôtel Restaurant

Handy stop-over on the Burgundy bike routes

Logis Carline Hôtel Restaurant is located in Beaune and it is an ideal base if you're exploring the Burgundy wine or canal trails by bike. Around 1.5km from the city centre, it has an outdoor swimming pool plus large garden areas. It's part of the bike-friendly Logis network of independent hotels. That means there's an onsite restaurant serving regional wine and cuisine. A buffet breakfast is also available. Free wifi in rooms. Play area for kids. Free car parking.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Beauvais - Hotel du Cygne

Centrally located Beauvais hotel at a keen price

Hotel du Cygne in Beauvais is at the crossroads of a number of good cycling routes. Firstly, it's on the official London to Paris Avenue Verte bike route. It's also well located if you're cycling south from Calais to Paris, as Richard Peace did here. It's a reasonably priced, accueil velo hotel with spacious bike storage (though it's on the first floor, the owner will help you if required). There's a full buffet breakfast available each morning and there are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby if you prefer to pop out. Free wifi.

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Beauvais - La Salamandre (Avenue Verte London-Paris)

Modern and charming combination on the Avenue Verte

La Salamandre sits pretty in Beauvais on the Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route and within easy reach of the Paris Beauvais airport, which is served by Ryanair. The five rooms are all individually decorated in this lovingly restored B&B, which also has a bar and free wifi. Breakfast is included in the price. There are also free house bikes available for guest use if you don't have your own. French and English are spoken.

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Belfort - Hotel Belfort

Stylish and contemproary hotel in the Belfort city centre

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Belgian border – La Brise des Dunes Apartment Hotel (Bray-Dunes)

Brand new apartment-hotel on the Vélomaritime bike route

These brand-new apartments in Bray-Dunes are fully equipped and elegantly finished. La Brise des Dunes is Accueil Velo-rated so cyclists can look forward to a warm welcome. There is a covered bike garage or you can keep your bike in your apartment or on your balcony overnight. Repair kit available on request at the reception.
Breakfast is available as an option if you don't feel like self-catering (and you can request it before 8am if you need to get away early). Bray-Dunes is an ideal first stop if you're crossing the border from France (or heading out) on the Euro Veo 4. The same hotel group has apartment hotels elsewhere along the north coast, plus a hotel in Provence). All are bike-friendly. Photo supplied by the hotel

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Belleville-sur-Loire - Hotel Terre de Loire

Handy stop between Sancerre and Briare on the Loire bike route

This hotel sits on the Canal latéral à la Loire on the Loire à Velo and Euro Velo 6 bike route as the Loire river heads south towards Nevers and Burgundy. It's about 26km north of Sancerre and 20km south of Briare. You can hire bikes if you stay here on Loire Valley cycling holiday and want to use the hotel as a base to explore the local area. Secure bike storage. A restaurant serves regional specialties and there's a terrace for relaxing and taking a drink, perhaps one of the fantastic wines from the area's renowned vineyards. Free wifi. Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Bénodet – Le Grand Hôtel Abbatiale Bénodet

Accueil-velo rated hotel with views of the bay

The 3-star Le Grand Hôtel Abbatiale Bénodet is 17km south of Quimper. It's located opposite the Saint Marine harbour and offers pretty water views. Sandy beaches are also nearby. Free high-speed wifi. Room service (including pizza) can be delivered to your room. Bike rental is available from reception. Diving, canoeing and golf also available nearby. Discounted entry to a spa, sauna and thalassotherapy centre in town is available at a reduced rate.

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Bergerac - Campanile Bergerac

Budget hotel option with restaurant on the city's outskirts

Campanile Bergerac is a clean and reliable option just over 1km from the Bergerac city centre and 4km from the airport, just off the road to Bordeaux. Terrace, small garden. Contemporary-style rooms you'd expect of a modern budget hotel. All rooms are en suite rooms. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided in all rooms. Onsite restaurant with regional cuisine and local wines plus an all-you-can eat cheese and dessert buffet. Room service option. Buffet breakfast. Dedicated bike shed (Tour de France teams stayed here for the Bergerac stage of the 2014 Tour, though they had a fancy bus and team cars for their bikes and kit!) French and English spoken. Free wifi.

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Bergerac - Hotel de France

Good-value city centre hotel with outdoor pool and private garage

Friendly 3-star hotel in the centre of Bergerac and close to all amenities. We have had good reports from cyclists who have stayed here. A short ride from the Dordogne River, it has 20 air-conditioned rooms. There is secure bike parking in the hotel's private garage. Rooms have views of the pool/courtyard area or of the city centre. Buffet breakfasts. Heated outdoor pool plus garden area. Free wifi. English, French, Spanish and Italian spoken.

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Besançon - Hôtel de Paris

A contemporary base in one of France's most beautiful historic centres

A former stage house for the well-heeled, this hotel is just 15 minutes from Besançon's Vauban citadel, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax and enjoy the cool decor and the terrace after a day on the bike exploring the nearby routes, including the EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley route, which passes through Besançon. Private and secure parking is provided, with bikes kept in shelters in the enclosed hotel yard. Free wifi. French, English and German spoken.

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Besançon - hotelF1 Micropolis

Super cheap budget hotel just outside the Besançon city centre

Basic but clean and cheap option for cyclists passing through Besançon. Wifi. 24-hour reception. Rooms include TV, hairdryer and cable/satellite TV. Rooms are doubles and triples with sinks. Bathrooms located a few metres down the hall. Management says there is a lockable room to store bikes overnight. The hotel's parent website has a best-price guarantee so it's always worth comparing prices.

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Besançon - Ibis Centre Ville

Reliable city hotel located in the Old Town of Besançon

Clean and friendly city centre hotel with 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. 24-hour snack bar. Within easy reach of the Viotte train station, the Vauban Citadel and the Museum of Fine Art. From spring 2014 there will be a dedicated bike room for secure parking. At the time of writing, there was space for 3 bikes in the equipment room.

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Bethune – Cit'Hotel B-Hôtel

Family run hotel just west of the Western Front Way bike route

The Cit'Hotel B-Hôtel is located in Bethune, just to the west of the official Western Front Way, one of France's most interesting war remembrance rides. It is right near the train station in Buthune, providing easy access to Lille and other major centres if you're arriving in the area by train. The hotel is part of the Logis group of hotels, which is a network of family run hotel-restaurants dedicated to local service and produce. The restaurant here is open Wednesday to Sunday, while there is also a bar area (pictured) for snacks like local cheeses and meats, plus beer and wine every day. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Buthane town centre. Bike storage. Doubles/twins, triples and family rooms available. French and English spoken.
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Béziers - L'Hôtel Particulier

Stylish and intimate hotel offering a touch of luxury in Béziers

L'Hôtel Particulier Beziers offers a touch of luxury near the Canal du Midi. Set in a lovely old, restored chateau in the town centre, there are 9 rooms, each individually decorated and furnished (complete with coffee machines). B&B only plus evening meals/room service also available. Outdoor pool. Free wifi. City and garden views from the bedrooms. Terrace. Onsite bar. Luggage store. The staff can help arrange local bike hire (there is secure parking inside the hotel). Italian, French, Spanish, English and German spoken.

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Béziers - Hôtel Confort

Local hotel used to welcoming cyclists near the Canal du Midi

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Béziers – Appart'City

Hotel with self-catering apartments (and breakfast) in town centre

Three-star studios and apartments sleeping between 2 and 6 people. Each apartment has a kitchenette (including a kettle or coffee machine), living space, and terrace or balcony. There is no dedicated bike storage but bikes can be stored in apartments, either inside or on the balcony, or they can be locked in the private garage for €3. Wifi available for a surcharge. Breakfast is an optional extra if you don't want to self-cater. French, Spanish and English spoken.

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Béziers – Hôtel des Poètes

Bike-friendly two-star hotel opposite garden oasis in Béziers centre

Hotel des Poètes is located in the heart of Béziers and overlooks the beautiful Parc des Poètes, a little oasis with lakes, swans and statues. The hotel is a short 200m ride from the train station. A two-star hotel, the rooms are basic but comfortable, decorated in a contemporary style. Singles, doubles, triples and quads available – good for groups and families. Continental breakfast. Free bikes for guest use around town, plus the hotel works with a local bike rental firm for longer trips. Good base for the Canal du Midi. Secure bike garage. French, Spanish and English spoken. Free wifi.

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Biarritz - Hotel Kemaris

Bike-friendly hotel on the La Vélodyssée Atlantic Coast bike route

Hotel Kemaris was recommended to me by a cyclist who was riding the Atlantic Coast bike path, La Vélodyssée. "It is very central," he wrote, "and hotel staff put our cycles in a locked storeroom inside the hotel."  The hotel is only 200m from the beach (some rooms have terrrace balconies). Buffet breakfast with local produce served daily (there's the option to have the full buffet or an 'express' version). Free wifi. Hotel combines local Basque architecture with modern touches. Groups welcome (discounts available). English, French and Spanish spoken. Good local knowledge and advice on off here.

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Biscarrosse - Hôtel la Forestière

Small, good value 3-star hotel with its own pool

Hôtel la Forestière is used by small cycle tour companies on La Vélodyssée Atlantic Coast cycle route and was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here. We are told the staff are used to welcoming riders. 800m from the beach. There is a heated swimming pool and free wifi. French and English spoken. Onsite restaurant. It's part of the Logis network of independent hotels. There are also a couple of golf courses nearby if you fancy a break from the sand. It's a hard life!
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Biscarrosse-Plage - Logis Les Vagues

Holiday vibes on the Euro Velo 1 Vélodyssée bike route

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Blaye - Auberge du Porche

Renovated hotel in the centre of Blaye on the Canal des Deux Mers bike route

Auberge du Porche, an Accueil Vélo-rated hotel, was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here. We're told it's a cycle-friendly stop on both the Atlantic Coast to the Med bike route and the fabulous Tour de Gironde regional route. The route at the coast links with the EuroVelo 1. To the south, near Libourne, it also links to the Euro Velo 3. Auberge du Porche offers free wifi, a shared lounge and a bar area. There is also a terrace area. Blaye is on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary and it is surrounded by the vineyards of the wider Bordeaux area. There is a little local ferry linking Blaye to the Medoc vineyards. Photo: Auberge du Porche

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Blaye - Chai Crann Piorra 1

A friendly welcome awaits among the vineyards of Blaye

This is an ideal base if you're riding the Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo, which links the Atlantic Coast Euro Velo 1 route to the Mediterranean. A cyclist who stayed here described Chai Crann Piorra 1 as a "hidden gem". We're told the owner is very friendly and that the location is quiet and has lovely views of Blaye's vineyards (part of the Bordeaux vineyards, on the eastern bank of the Garonne River). Chai Crann Piorra 1 has free wifi, BBQ facilities, a garden and free private parking if you're arriving by car. There's a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with shower. A fridge, an oven and stovetop are also offered, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. A sun terrace and bicycle rental service complete the package.

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Bléré - Hotel Le Cheval Blanc

Loire Valley hotel that's been recommended to us by cyclists

Hotel Le Cheval Blanc has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. It's a small hotel with just eight rooms, all of them en suite. The hotel has a lovely garden/courtyard setting. Near the banks of Le Cher river in Bléré, Hotel Le Cheval Blanc is a great base from which to explore the Loire's chateaux. It's around 7km from Château de Chenonceau and about 11km to Amboise. Outdoor swimming pool for summer. Free wifi throughout. Onsite restaurant serving local cuisine and continental breakfasts. Doubles/twins plus family rooms. Secure bike storage.

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Blois - Best Western Blois Chateau

Comfortable Loire Valley hotel experienced at welcoming cyclists in Blois

Hotel on the Loire Euro Velo 6 route with lockable, dedicated bike shed. Staff here see lots of cyclists and can advise on local routes and provide maps. There is even a bike hire outlet next door. Close to the city centre less than a kilometre from the river and just 150m from the train station. Free wifi. Rooms have tea and coffee making facilities. 24-hour reception. French and English spoken. You're guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome when you ride up to the door.

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Blois - Hotel Mercure Blois Centre

Comfortable Blois hotel recommmended to us by cyclists

This hotel is often used by cycle tour companies and touring cyclists passing through Blois, and provides safe and secure bike storage to meet this demand. It faces the Loire river and is handy to all Blois' famous attractions, including the chateau. Indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Family rooms available. Free wifi. Onsite restaurant and bar. French, English, Spanish and German spoken.

This hotel is on or near these routes:

• EuroVelo 6 Loire Valley

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Bordeaux - Le Saint James Bouliac

Magical bike-friendly retreat in the hills overlooking Bordeaux

If you're after a truly magical vineyard stay in Bordeaux, then this could be the place for you. Granted, it's not cheap, but Le Saint James offers a wonderful Bordeaux food and wine experience. The hotel is set in the lovely village of Bouilac, a short detour from the towpath that leads to the Roger Lapebie bike path and the Canal de Garonne bike route. It comes with its own boutique vineyard, proudly overseen by Richard Bernard, a former winner of the French Sommelier of the Year competition. There's a Michelin-star restaurant, a courtyard that's ideal for sundowners, and a pool with table service. House bikes are available for bimbles down into Bordeaux. This is an ideal base for a start/end-of-trip celebration or to mark a special occasion during your cycling holiday in France. We've stayed here - read our review!
Photo: Freewheeling France

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Bordeaux – Grand Hotel Francais

Bike-friendly hotel staffed by cyclists in central Bordeaux

Elegant city centre hotel that has been lovingly restored. It has a luggage room for bikes and cyclists on staff who are keen to share their local bike knowledge with guests. The Grand Hotel Francais, set in a quiet but central street, was bought by the Frenchman Jean Auriacombe back in 1987. He spent a year restoring it and returning the building to its pre-war glory. The hotel is now run by Jean's son, Frederic, and his wife, Sandrine. It has been listed in the Michelin guide since its re-opening. Close to cafes, bars and restaurants in the UNESCO-listed city centre. Free wifi and complimentary breakfasts. The hotel also carries the French eco label for environementally friendly hotels. French, English and Spanish spoken. 

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