Published by Lyn on 21 February 2022
Published by Lyn on 21 February 2022
Self-catering option nestled at the bottom on the famous 21 bends
Hameau le Perrier
38114
Vaujany
Isere, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)6 70 62 32 76
Email: info@lamaitreya.fr
Price from: Low season: €350/night for the whole chalet (8 bedrooms); high season: € 600/night
Open: All year except November and the first week of May
La Maitreya is an 8-bedroom chalet with a sun-blessed terrace, hot tub and sauna. Add in bike storage and it's ideal for anyone looking to conquer the famous 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez. James and Whitney live just across the road, so they are always available to assist you if there are problems or if you just need some local advice. They can also arrange massages, bike rental, help with route planning, or cater for any other special requests you might have. Alpe d’Huez is on the doorstep, with the Glandon, Galibier, Lautaret, Croix de Fer and many more all within reach from here. For mountain bikers the Grand Domain Alpe d’Huez lift system runs throughout summer for downhill and cross country trails. French, English, Dutch and German spoken. Free wifi.
Bike facilities
Alpine farmhouse offering self-catered and camping options
Chemin Pierre Polycarpe
Les Sables
38520
Le Bourg d’Oisans
Isère, Rhône-Alpes
Price from: Camping from €10.50 per night, furnished tents from €450 per week, apartments from €65 per night, mobile homes €275-€850 per week
Open: All year, except for campsite which is open May to November
Surrounded by renowned Tour de France country, the Ferme Noemie is a British family-run farmhouse in a quiet rural location that provides a great base for relaxing and exploring the area. There is a nice mix of accommodation with something for everyone from the solo tourer to large groups: there are four apartments, two mobile homes, two furnished tents, and 16 tent places, all available for the majority of the year. For cyclists there are numerous rides on your doorstep, from the 4.5km flat ride to the town of Bourg d’Oisans, to the cols of Alpe d’Huez, Galibier, Sarenne, Croix de Fer and Glandon. There are also lots of mountain trails and loads of activities for non-cycling friends and family, including watersports at the nearby lake and river. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Conquer Alpe d-Huez, Galibier, Glandon and Croix de Fer
Le Village
38114
Oz en Oisans
Haute Savoie, Rhone-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)4 76 80 36 58
Email: info@lechateaudoz.com
Price from: Self-catering from €90/apartment/night; B&B €105€ for 2 people; Half-board €155 for 2 people. Book directly for best prices.
Open: Mid-May to end of September for cycling; open mid-December to the end of April for skiing
The mythical 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez are just around the corner from Le Château d’Oz. The Galibier, Glandon and Croix de Fer are just up the road with their dramatic landscapes and lung-busting gradients. The Oisans has more than 30 routes, including famous stages from the Tour de France. All routes start from the door. Transport is available in the chalet's minibus by arrangement. Free wifi. Secured garage for bikes and maintenance/washdown area. Accommodation is flexible, offering both self-catered and catered options, with the latter including hot and Continental breakfasts, three-course evening meals and post-cycling pasta.
Bike facilities
Renovated barn for 4 people near Alpe d’Huez and the Glandon
7 Impasse du Foyer Benoit
38520
Venosc
Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Phone: +44 (0)7799 387080
Email: jodie@chaletpituvenosc.com
Price from: €180 to €240 per night for the whole chalet
Open: All year
The cyclist-run Chalet Pitu is positioned right in the centre of the beautiful, traditional and quaint village of Venosc with its
restaurants, bars, boutiques and artisan shops. Venosc is 12km from Bourg-d'Oisans and is uniquely positioned for some of the best cycling in the Alps. It sits on one of the most picturesque and quiet climbs in the area including the ride up to the village of La Berarde on the very edge of the Ecrins national park. For those looking to emulate their heroes from the Tour de France, a number of famous climbs are within easy riding distance, including Alpe d’Huez, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon, the Galibier and Col du Lauteret. The gondola is a 5-minute stroll from the chalet and takes mountain bikers directly to Les Deux Alpes in 6 or 7 minutes, opening up lots of world class off-road runs. The run back down to Venosc from Les Deux Alpes in particular should not
be missed, according to cyclist owners Jodie and George. This page gives an excellent summary of local road cycling, whilst also providing lots of information for mountain bikers. Chalet Pitu itself has been recently lovingly restored to a high standard, and offers luxury accommodation for 4 adults with all the creature comforts you could expect for a memorable stay. We speak French, Dutch, English, German & Japanese.
Bike facilities
Small-scale cyclist-run chalets near Meribel for 2 or 6 people
8 Chemin Sainte Appolinnie
73550
Les Allues, Meribel
Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)6 23447666
Email: chaletvachebleuemeribel@gmail.com
Price from: Summer prices: 2-person chalet: €55 per night or €350 per week; 6-person chalet: €160 per night or €1010 per week (please ask about winter prices)
Open: All year
Chalet Vache Bleue is a super find for small groups. It offers tidy, affordable self-catered accommodation for 2 people – something of a rarity in the Alps – as well as having a larger option for 6 people. Ride TDF routes from the village of Les Allues (6km north of Meribel) – in particular, cycle the Col de la Loze, which featured in the 2020 Tour de France and the 2019 Tour de l’Avenir. Les Allues is home to year-round locals – it's not a purpose-built ski resort, making a cycling holidays here an authentic French Alpine experience. There's is a small supermarket open every day, plus a couple of bars and restaurants. Chalet B is a unique space for 2 people across 4 levels. It has its own private entrance, 2 small balconies, a full-size kitchen and dining space, plus a comfortable lounge with double bed. The larger Chalet A sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms (1 twin, 2 doubles) each with en-suite bathroom. Each chalet has a private locked garage for bikes; all linen and towels provided, plus washing machine available. The friendly owners, Elaine and Andrew, can also help with airport transfers for riders and bikes. Don't feel like cooking? Ask about their chef service! English and French spoken.
Bike facilities
3-star hotel with hot tub, hammam and onsite massage facilities
Stylish hotel 2km from Lake Annecy and 500m from the train station, and just a few minutes to the Old Town, Annecy Cathedral and Château d'Annecy. Hotel restaurant and bar. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. Fitness centre with hammam and hot tub. Massage also available. 24-hour reception. Locked room inside the hotel for bikes, maps and rental advice available at reception. French and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Bike-friendly campsites on the Via Rhona between Lyon and Valence
50 Route de Font-Flacher
26140
Anneyron
Drôme, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Price from: €21, prices vary for cabins and other self-catered onsite accommodation
Open: April 17 to November 1
Camping La Châtaigneraie at Anneyron is a cool and shady campsite between Lyon and Valence and ideal for the Via Rhona bike route. It's got camping pitches, as well as self-catered chalets and mobile homes for longer stays or a few more creature comforts. Family friendly with kids' club. Swimming pool + spa/wellness centre. Accueil Velo-rated campsite. Onsite shop.
Bike facilities
Mountain hotel with good access to road and MTB routes
Village de Charmettoger
73700
Arc 1800, Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Savoie, Rhône-Alpes
Price from: €75
In winter, this hotel high up in the Paradiski ski area offers the convenience of ski in-ski, in summer it's an ideal base for exploring the hundreds of kilometres of road and mountain bike routes in the area around Bourg Saint Maurice. Restaurant and terrace with mountain views. Heated outdoor swimming pool. Management has confirmed they have secure bike parking available. Free wifi. A shuttle service can be requested to and from Lyon-St Exupéry Airport or Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station.
Bike facilities
Year-round mountain camping at the gateway to the Alps
La Vachette
05100
Val-des-Prés
Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (near Rhone-Alpes border)
Price from: €12 for basic pitch; prices vary for self-catered cabins and fixed base tents
Open: December 20 through until September 28 of the following year
Camping Le Montana is a 3-star campsite ideal for bike routes around Briançon and Serre Chevalier in Hautes-Alpes. Nestled between in the Clarée valley between Les Ecrins National Park and Le Queyras Regional Nature Park, this is pristine cycling country. Open both summer and winter. Heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Tent pitches plus self-catered mobile homes, chalets and fixed base tents. High mountain passes are accessible from the campsite. Bar, small shop, wifi.
Bike facilities
Comfortable hotel close to amenities
32 avenue de la République
05100
Briançon
Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Price from: €54
Open: All year
Traditional French guesthouse close to local MTB and road routes and near a quiet park. Onsite restaurant. Flexible accommodation with singles, doubles, triples and quads - ideal for families and sharers. Management advises that bikes can be safely stored in the hotel. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Apartment hotel in the centre of town
3 Place du Temple
05100
Briançon
Haute- Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Price from: €93
Open: All year
Résidence du Temple has self-catering apartments with a locked private parking area for bikes. Located in Briançon’s old town, it's handy to amenities and the train station. Apartments have washing machines, kitchens and other mod-cons. Onsite bar. Meals also available. The owners are outdoor enthusiasts who are happy to share their local knowledge.
Bike facilities
Budget hotel option 16km south-west of Briancon
18 Avenue de Vallouise
05120
L'Argentière-la-Bessée
Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Price from: €22 a night or €140 a week
Open: All year
Predominantly a ski hotel in the winer, Icerock Hotel also opens in summer for cyclists and walkers. Rooms with dorm-style accommodation for a bargain basement price. Singles, doubles and quads. Onsite bar. Shared kitchen for self-caterers. The hotel has a cellar that doubles as a secure bike store. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Ride the shores of Lake Bourget and relax waterside afterwards
173 Avenue du Petit Port
73100
Aix-les-Bains
Savoie, Rhône-Alpes
Price from: €89
Open: All year
Located in Aix-les-Bains, just north of Chambery and only 200 metres from Lake Bourget, the Best Western Aquakub is a great base for cycling and active holidays in general. There's a indoor sports area with a pool, wellbeing area and fitness centre. Relax after your ride on the terrace overlooking the lake, or treat yourself to the French and international cuisine on offer at the hotel restaurant. All rooms and suites are air-conditioned (some with lake and mountain views). Free wifi. Tea and coffee making facilities available upon request. Buffet breakfast. Hotel bar. Management advises there is a secure area inside the hotel for 4-5 bikes.
Bike facilities
Stylish Chambery hotel set in a beautifully restored convent building
4 Rue de Boigne
73000
Chambéry
Savoie, Rhône-Alpes (Rhône-Alpes)
Price from: €88
Open: All year
Hotel des Princes is a beautifully presented hotel set in an old convent that dates back to 1471. It's been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. Located in the heart of the old part of Chambery, it's handy to local restaurants and bars, plus it's only 800m from the train station. Great option for groups, with some suites comfortably sleeping up to 6 adults. Onsite spa, jacuzzi and sauna, plus massage service. Management welcomes cyclists and says bikes can be safely stored inside the hotel. Free wifi (plus there's a computer available for guest use). Full buffet breakfast. French and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Bike B&B/hotel for Croix de Fer, Glandon, Madeleine and others
La Tuvière
73300
Jarrier
Savoie, Rhône-Alpes (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Phone: +33(0)6 98 36 91 86
Email: latuviere.bikeinn@gmail.com
Price from: B&B from €40 per person; Half-board (B&B + evening meals) from €60 per person, with discounts for groups of 10 or more.
Open: All year
Chalet La Tuvière is in something of a paradise for cyclists. The village of Jarrier is on the road to La Toussuire and just a minor detour from the road to the Col de la Croix de Fer and the Col du Glandon. The Col de Mollard, the Col de La Madeleine, the Col de Chaussy and the Télégraphe and Galiber are all also within striking distance. L’Iséran, Le St Bernard, Le Cormet de Roselend, Le Mont Cenis, Le Grand Cucheron and all the rides around Les Bauges, Les Aravis and La Chartreuse are also accessible in a day’s cycling with an early start. An outside jacuzzi will help ease your tired muscles after a day on the bike as you enjoy views of the Aiguilles d’Arves, and guest can also use a large reception room for stretching, training or meetings. Dogs are accepted and sheets and towels provided. There are 7 rooms sleeping 20 people on a B&B or half-board accommodation, so it's a perfect fit for a groups, families and clubs. Airport and train station transfers available. Contact Jane and Fabrice for more information.
Bike facilities
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.
Bike facilities
Specialist cycling base in the stunning Vercors area of the French Alps
Montee des Usines
26190
St Jean-en-Royans
Drome, Rhone-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)6 71 88 86 72
Email: velovercors@gmail.com
Price from: Self-catering gites £780; B&B is £90 per room
Open: May to October
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.
Bike facilities
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.
Bike facilities
Budget accommodation east of Grenoble city centre
Rue de la Condamine
ZI de Mayencin
38610
Gières
Isère, Rhône-Alpes
Price from: €44
Open: All year
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.
Bike facilities
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.
Bike facilities
The Official Tour de France 2022 program and race guide includes stage times and maps. Here is where to buy it.
Posted: 2 May 2022
Guidebook: Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way and Western Ireland
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