Accommodation for cycling in the French Alps

ViaRhona bike route - Vélo Gîte Valence

Affordable dedicated biking lodge on the Via Rhona at Valence

This is the place to stay if you're looking for friendly, affordable accommodation on the Via Rhona bike route near the Valence city centre. Marianne and Bruno's cottage is a dedicated biking lodge (as the photo suggests!) with two bedrooms sleeping four people and a bedroom for two people. There's a fully equipped kitchen for self-caterers or you can take the house breakfast for €5. There's a large shady terrace for post-ride relaxation, plus direct access to green spaces in the nearby Trinitaires and Jouvet parks. Bruno and Marianne can help with local bike hire and luggage transport. Bike parking, washing machine and bike maintenance area all available. Close to local amenities, this is an ideal place for both a quick stopover or longer stay. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
*We've stayed here - read our review*

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Alpe d'Huez - Chalet La Folie (Oz-en-Oisans)

Large apartment for 10 people with Alpe d'Huez on your doorstep

Chalet La Folie is a spacious apartment within easy reach of Alpe d’Huez (and its gondolas for summer MTB or TDF access), and close to local shops, restaurants and bars. This is a great base for cycling many other the famous cols, too, including the Glandon, Croix de Fer and Galibier. Bourg d’Oisans is nearby and is something of a Mecca for road cyclists –the famous Marmottes race starts and finishes there as well as many other routes. Mountain bikers have a huge area to discover, and many ‘VTT’ events are held on the challenging terrain around of Oz. The famous Megavalanche takes place in July every year – starting at the top of Pic Blanc in snow and cycling a huge descent into Sarenne gorge. Walkers have Les Ecrins national park and wonderful, signposted walking from the door, or lovely ridge walks between the gondolas. Many wonderful mountain restaurants are also open in summer.  The chalet sleeps 10 people in four bedrooms and there's a swimming pool, hammam and sauna in the chalet development to rest weary legs. The owner Alison is flexible about check-in during summer months.

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Alpe d'Huez - Les Ecureuils (Oz-en-Oisans)

Mountains and water provide the playground for this chalet for 8

The Oz valley provides plenty of sporting and relaxing oppotunities. For the road cyclists you have a wide choice of cols underpinned by the fact that pro-team AG2R have chosen this area for a lot of of its mountain training. The big one is of course Alpe d'Huez to the south but there are lots more including Col d’Ornon, Col de Sarenne, the Glandon and the Croix de Fer – basically lots of beautiful climbs. For mountain bikers or anyone wanting to explore the beauty of the Alps off paved road, there is an abudance of tracks to tackle and plenty to suit every style. You're also just 60m from a high-speed ski-lift. This modern apartment is set in a chalet and sleeps up to 8. It's fully furnished to include everything you need to enjoy a retreat in the mountains. Bikes can be locked in a secure area under the lodge.

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Alpe d'Huez - Mountain Chalet

The famous hairpins are on your doorstep – literally

At the Mountain Chalet you couldn't be any closer to the famous 21 hairpins of Alpe d'Huez – you're on the road itself. The chalet can sleep up to 14 people and is available on a self-catered basis in summer. It's perfectly kitted out for cycling. There's even an outdoor hot tub that sits underneath a large south facing balcony, perfect for relaxing after a ride, complete with a beautiful view. The facilities don't stop there as you can also make full use of a sauna, large social space, UK Sky TV, plenty of bike storage room, wifi and as many famous cols to ride as your legs can withstand. Each bedroom is named after a famous cols in the region, such as Galibier, Croix de Fer, Glandon, Lauteret and more. The guys here promise that if you stay once as a ‘roadie’ at Mountain Chalet and you will be back.

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Alps - Camping Croque Loisirs (Puy Saint Vincent)

Charming Alpine campsite with views over a national park

We just love the sound of this place. This green and lush campsite is situated on the border of the Ecrins, one of only 10 national parks in France. The site is at an altitude of 1450 metres, meaning that you can literally ride stunning mountain routes from the door. This is mountain camping as it’s meant to be. From your pitch you’ll be able to see the rocks of the Ecrins, as well as beautiful valleys and the glacier of Pelvoux. A three-star campsite, Camping Croque Loisirs is clean, with hot showers and a good friendly service (speaking French, English, Dutch and German). Most of the 50 pitches have access to electricity and there are several water taps. Every morning you can also buy fresh bread, a great way to start your day. The campsite is part of a sports initiative run by an enthusiastic group of Dutch people wo are passionate about sharing the Southern Alps. They can help you plan your rides (GPS maps and stacks of local knowledge), or take on their own bucketlist cols challenge that includes Galibier, Izoard and a bunch of other Tour de France climbs. 

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Alps - Chalet Albatross (Morzine)

A beautiful blend of the old and the new

This beautiful, modern chalet is in a prime spot located as it's in the centre of Morzine, a popular base for cycling and host to a number of 2016 Tour de France stages. The Col de Joux Plane starts in the village and offers the chance to climb a Tour favourite. If you fancy going off-road, there are lots of mainly single track trails (there's heaps of inhouse knowledge from the owners Joe and Amelia to help find routes that suit you). Chalet Albatross features private wings so you can relax in your own room, or socialise in the large open plan living area as your mood suits. There is also a large spa and workout area, plus a lockable storage room for bikes. Oh, and there are stunning mountain vistas and sunny views down to the town, too. Free wifi. English spoken.

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Alps - Chalet Coeurs (Morzine)

Chalet with hot tub and sauna for tired cycling muscles

Mountain chalet for groups just off the Route de la Plagne – a flat, easy 20-minute walk to the centre of Morzine for non-cycling friends and family (there's also a navette/mini-bus stop just 50m away, giving great access into town). The chalet sleeps up to 12 people in two double en-suites that both have one twin and two triple rooms. There's a sauna, plus large terrace and an outdoor hot tub in the garden (pictured). Both the Col de Joux Plane and Col de Joux Verte are within easy reach. Free wifi. Large bike store in the locked basement. 5% discount when mentioning Freewheeling France

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Alps - Chalet Mathilde (Sainte Foy Tarentaise)

Relax in the Alps and hit the mountains from the doorstep

This is a great fixed base for cycling in the heart of the Alps. Chalet Mathilde is run by cyclists Ben and Maddison, who are keen for others to share their little slice of Alpine life. The chalet is available on a catered or self-catered basis for cyclists wanting a self-guided biking base. There are 5 bedrooms, which are available on a sole occupancy basis and ideal for groups of 4-10 people. From the door you can reach Col de l’Iseran, Col du Petit St Bernard, Col de la Madeleine and the Cormet de Roseland, among other classic Tour de France climbs. This part of the Alps is a real hot spot for road cycling, and this is an ideal base for exploring it. Ben will be on hand to share local routes and help you plan your days on the bike – for newer (or unfit!) riders there are gentler local roads with friendlier gradients as well (Ben also offers an emergency rescue service if you get stuck). Free wifi.

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Alps - Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier - Chalet Le 1000 Thabor (Valmenier)

Brand new Maurienne Valley chalet with views of the Col du Telegraphe

Denis the owner of Chalet Le 1000 Thabor knows a thing or two about the Maurienne Valley and its many attractions for cyclists. And he's just opened a brand new 4* chalet (sleeps up to 15 people) to share it all. Ride Col du Telegraphe (6 kilometres away) or Col du Galibier, Col du Glandon and Croix de Fer, then Lacets de Montvernier or Col de la Madeleine, Aussois and Col du Montcenis, Col de l’Iseran. Some guests have even done the Marmotte tour starting from Denis' place. Wherever you choose to ride, you can be rest assured that you will receive knowledgable and friendly support throughout your stay here. To help you recover from your cycling day you can enjoy a Finnish sauna before firing up the gas BBQ and enjoying a beer in your private garden, all while taking in the wonderful view of the Col du Telegraphe. There's free parking for cars and a secure garage for your bike. Denis speaks French, English and Italian.

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Alps - Colbaggers Apartment (Galibier/Telegraphe)

Modern apartment available for nightly visits on famous TDF cols

This modern apartment, situated in the beautiful hamlet of Orelle in the Maurienne Valley (“le Plus Grand Domaine Cyclable du Monde”), is just two hours from Geneva by car. Many of the classic cols featuring regularly in the Tour de France are within easy reach – the start of the stunning Telegraphe / Galibier is only 6km away. It can sleep upto 4 – double bedroom, double sofa bed in the living area, kitchen, bathroom, toilet and large south facing balcony – and there's a swimming pool, shop, laundry and free wifi on site. For larger groups, additional apartments sleeping 2-6 people can be arranged. The Hameau des Eaux d’Orelle is only a few kilometres from the A43 motorway, linking Chambery to northern Italy, but the local area is really peaceful, thanks to the tunnels, which allow the motorway and the trains to bypass the village completely.

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Alps - Mountain Hotel Saint Roch (Puy Saint Vincent)

Friendly cycle friendly base for making the most of the Alps

Hotel Mountain Roch is part of a sports initiative run by an enthusiastic group of Dutch people in the Southern French Alps. Nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alps, there are 12 Tour de France cols and many more smaller bumps to get up and over within easy reach of the hotel (including the Izoard, Bonette and Galibier). Lots of local advice on hand to help plan road cycling routes – use the local maps and GPS guidance – or take on the hotel's own bucketlist cols challenge. The guys can also help you combine your road cycling with MTB or trailruning. There's a sun terrace on which to relax and enjoy homemade three-course meals to ensure you're fuelled for the next day. Oh and there's also orand enjoy special bike beers, pasta meals and post-cycling snacks. You can even have a shower the day of your departure so you can sneak in a ride before you go.

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Annecy - Hotel International

3-star hotel with hot tub, hammam and onsite massage facilities

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Annecy - Résidence les Gentianes

Individually designed apartment near beautiful Lac d'Annecy

Located in Doussard, this self-catering apartment (sleeping 6-8) has a garage for bikes and is perfect for exploring the Annecy area. Of all the locations in the Alps, Annecy is the one perhaps best suited to all ages and abilities when it comes to cycling. There is a rich Tour de France heritage here, with a time trial route around the lake; Col de la Forclaz via Montmin and Doussard; and Les Semnoz, which was the finish of the centenary tour’s penultimate stage. But for smaller or less-experienced riders, there's also a dedicated 35km cycle route that runs from Annecy, along the lake and then through countryside to Ugine, towards Albertville. It's a converted railway route that's been extended recently so that the lake is almost completely circumnavigable from Doussard. Alan, the owner of Residence-les-Gentianes, is keen to help cyclists explore this (and other) great routes. With the micro-climate around the lake, you can ride here even during winter. Alan can provide lots of helpful information about the exciting possibilities the area has to offer – just drop him a line.

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Aravis - Chalet La Giettaz

Col des Aravis bike base good for Colombiere, Cormet de Roselend

Chalet La Giettaz offers versatile cycling accommodation in the heart of the northern French Alps. There are 10 spacious, self-contained 1-4 bedroom apartments, making Chalet Le Giettaz ideal for individuals or groups of up to 50 riders. Flexible catering options – do it all yourself, take advantage of the optional packed lunches and evening meals, or opt for a half-board package with airport transfers. The chalet sits just 4km from the summit of Col des Aravis, while the Colombiere, Cormet de Roselend, Croix-Fry and Saisies are all within reach. There are also many beautiful, less well-known roads in the area, extending across to Annecy and a wonderful flat 'piste cyclable' along the lake's edge. Chris knows these roads well and can help with route planning and itineraries. After a day in the saddle, treat your muscles to a session in the sauna and Jacuzzi. Dedicated storage and maintenance area. French and English spoken, plus basic Spanish and Italian.
** We've stayed here - read our review! **

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Bourg d’Oisans - Aparthotel Le Milan

Cyclist-run self-catering hotel base for Alpe d'Huez

As you can tell by the photo, the Hotel Le Milan Aparthotel is used to welcoming cycists! It offers brand new apartments of various sizes for groups ranging from 2 to 12 people. Each apartment is fully equipped with a kitchen, living room, TV, bathroom and bonus view of Alpe d’Huez, the base of which is just 2km away. From here, the Croix de Fer, Glandon, Lautaret/Galibier, Ornon, Les Deux Alpes can all also be ridden. The team at the aparthotel are cyclist and have stacks of local knowledge to share. French, English, Dutch and Spanish spoken. Free wifi. Lockable bike storage (pictured), plus there are ebike recharging points if your legs need a little help up the climbs.

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Bourg d’Oisans - Chalet Saskia

Perfect for Col de Croix de Fer, the Galibier and Alpe d’Huez

Chalet Saskia is an award-winning chalet in Vaujany, an alpine village resort near Bourg d’Oisans – a hub for cyclists climbing Col de Croix de Fer and riding the Marmotte circuit, which features the Galibier and Alpe d’Huez. There are 10 bedrooms, all with an en-suite bath or shower rooms, and balconies. There are three large reception rooms, including a games room with table tennis and bar football. Offering half-board accommodation with meals, the chalet has an excellent reputation for its cuisine and standard of care. Very large, lockable garage with wall brackets and stands. The owners, Nigel and Jamie, are super-keen to see more cyclists use the chalet – they have a minibus with bike trailer for transfers, plus they can help with transport up/down the valley, or to ride start/end points.

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Bourg d’Oisans - Hotel de Milan

Base for riding Alpe d'Huez and the other cols in the area

Hotel Le Milan is the largest hotel in Bourg d’Oisans and is perfectly situated at the end of the pedestrian street with views of the Alpe d’Huez (the start is only 2km away). If that is not enough then the Croix de Fer, Glandon, Lautaret/Galibier, Ornon, Les Deux Alpes are also within reach. The hotel was renovated in 2017 and is run by cyclists for cyclists, with French, English, Dutch and Spanish spoken. Free wifi, plus lockable bike storage in the basement of the hotel. It is also possible to recharge electric bikes inside the storage room. If you have any specialist cycling requirements, just ask th team!

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Bourg d’Oisans - Maison de France

Explore Alpe d'Huez and the other giant cols to be found in this area

The gîte Maison de France is actually the old doctor’s house in the centre of Bourg d’Oisan. It has been completely renovated to provide visitors with a large living/dining area downstairs, a fully equipped kitchen, and 5 bedrooms spread out over different floors. It can sleep upto 12 people comfortably. The house has a large yard, with barbecue and garden furniture. The shops and bakeries are at your doorstep. Everything is with walking distance, so your car can remain parked while you take to the roads on two wheels. We don't need to even mention that the Alpe d'Huez climbs starts just down the road ... 

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Bourg d’Oisans - Maison Joséphine

Self-catering base for tackling Alpe d'Huez

La maison de Joséphine is an old farmhouse that has been recently renovated by its cyclist-owners. With lots of space, it's ideal for family groups and clubs. It sleeps up to 12 people, with the downstairs area is split in two, with a large kitchen, dining area and living room (with pool/billards) in one open, vaulted, space, and then a separate cosy area with table football, a card table, small bar, darts board in te other. The house has lots of land around it, with private parking space for 3 or 4 cars. There is also an electric sauna and hammam. A barbecue is also available. The area is rich in cycling with Alpe d’Huez just a few kilometres away, as well as the Croix de Fer, Glandon, Lautaret/Galibier, Ornon, and Les Deux Alpes.

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Bourg d’Oisans – Cycle Oisans (Alpe d'Huez)

Bourg d’Oisans house with fabulous views of Alpe d'Huez

Maison de la Republique is a fully equipped house centrally located in the Bourg d'Oisans town centre – at the bottom of the climb to Alpe d'Huez. (In fact, there are great views of the famous col from the house). It can comfortably house 12 people in 6 bedrooms (2 doubles and 8 single beds), making it perfect for families or groups of cyclists looking for an Alps cycling holiday. Close to local shops, bars, cafes and the supermarket. Wifi free. Satellite TV. Off street parking for people arriving by car. Bike storage in lockable garage/workshop. Very large, fully enclosed private garden. Within easy reach of other climbs, including Col de la Croix de Fer, Galibier, Glandon, Lautaret, Madeleine, d’Ornon, Sarenne and the Télégraphe.

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