Published by Lyn on 11 June 2017
Published by Lyn on 11 June 2017
A friendly welcome for cyclists riding the Canal de Garonne
86 Rue De Barlete
47000
Agen
Lot-et-Garonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Price from: €75
Open: All year
Chambre d'Hôtes et Spa has been recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there while cycling the Canal de Garonne. They said the pool, garden and terrace were lovely for relaxing and that the owners had a wealth of knowledge about the local area. All rooms are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms with hot tubs and bathrobes. Towels for the pool can also be provided. Run as a B&B, it offers a continental or buffet breakfast. Evening meals are also available. There is also a paid airport shuttle service.
Bike facilities
In the heart of Agen on the Canal de Garonne bike route
105 Boulevard du Président Carnot
47000
Agen
Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
Price from: €66
Open: All year
The Stim'Otel is an accueil velo hotel in the centre of Agen and is easily reached from the Canal de Garonne bike path, as well as from the station if you are arriving from Toulouse or Bordeaux by rail. It has modern, clean rooms, plus an inhouse restaurant that also serves buffet breakfasts each morning. It's ideal, affordable base for an overnight stay, and well-placed for exploring the Old Town after you've parked your bike and had a shower. Free wifi. French, English and Spanish spoken.
Bike facilities
A typical Basque welcome on the Santiago de Compostela route
Place du Fronton,
64250
Aïnhoa
Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Aquitaine
Price from: €135
Open: All year
Hotel Ithurria is a family -owned and operated hotel-restaurant, now in the hands of its third generation. The hotel (and its restaurant) has stayed close to its Basque-Bearn origins, offering high-quality local hospitality and scrumptious food based on local ingredients (they also grow a lot of produce in their garden). As a mark of its quality, the hotel is now a member of the Chateaux et Hotels Collection of hotels, though still independently owned and operated. There are beautiful gardens and an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, plus a sauna and fitness room. Free wifi. The owners guarantee us there is plenty of safe and secure bike parking. French, English and Spanish spoken.
Bike facilities
Relaxed vibe with bike friendly welcome
20 Avenue Thiers
33510
Andernos-les-Bains
Gironde, Aquitaine (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
Price from: €78
Open: All year
If cycling and beaches are your thing then Hotel Villa Teranga could be ideal. This place was recommended to us by readers who stayed here. A bike-friendly stop on the Atlantic Coast bike path, it's ideal for exploring the Arcachon Bay area and the beaches of the Atlantic Coast. The rooms are decorated in beach chic and there is secure bike storage – and a cocktail bar! A continental breakfasts can be enjoyed on the terrace.
Bike facilities
Tent pitches, cabins and safari tents on the EuroVelo 1 Velodyssee route
5 allée de la Galaxie
33120
Arcachon
Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Price from: €30 per night for a tent/campervan pitch for 2 people. Prices for fixed tents and cabins vary with the season (minimum 2-night stay may be needed for these in peak periods).
Open: All year
The Huttopia Arcachon campsite is perfectly located near the bay of Arcachon – one of the highlights of cycling the EuroVelo 1 Velodyssee bike route. The bay's famous oyster shacks are a short ride away, as is the Dune du Pilat – Europe's largest sand dune and spectacular site (especially at sunset). Bring your own tent or choose more creature comforts with safari-style tents, cabins or wooden caravans that offer easy self-catering. Swimming pool. Shady terrace with cafe/car area. Summertime activities.
Bike facilities
Relax on the terrace at this 3-star hotel after a ride around the bay
10 Avenue Nelly Deganne
33120
Arcachon
Gironde, Aquitaine (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Price from: €95
Open: All year
Arcachon is a popular and thriving seaside town that echoes a bygone area in its architecture. The Hotel de la Plage is in the centre of town and close to the beach, so perfect for exploring by foot or cycle. It's close to the La Vélodyssée bike route and cycle tour companies use it as an overnight stop on the Atlantic Coast route. Onsite bar. 24-hour reception. Bikes can be hired through the the hotel. Free wifi. English and French spoken.
Bike facilities
Cycle friendly hotel on the Basin d'Arcachon bike routes
4 Rue du Professeur Jolyet
33120
Arcachon
Gironde, Aquitaine (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
Price from: €90
Open: All year
Bike facilities
Cottage for 6 on quiet backroads in beautiful SW France
Le Shedeaux
Saint Privat Des Pres
24410
Saint Privat En Perigord
Dordogne, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Price from: From €218 a night for the whole cottage (sleeps 6)
Open: All year
The area surrounding the market town of Aubeterre is an excellent base for cycling in south-west France. Around 100km north-east of Bordeaux, it is easy to access but far enough away from the tourist trail to enjoy peaceful countryside and quiet backroads. At the crossroads of the Dordogne and Charente departments and on the banks of the river Dronne, this is a true 'local' base for cycling. Le Shedeaux is a luxury French gite just south-east of Aubeterre. It sleeps 6 and is newly refurbished to a very high standard, with a large open-plan kitchen/family room and 3 twin/double bedrooms with their own ensuites. There's a pool for cooling off after rides and wonderful vistas from the patio overlooking open fields. Fresh bread and croissants are a short ride away each morning at the local boulangerie. Safe bike storage. Air-conditioned for the French summer and a log burner for the colder months. English and some French spoken.
Bike facilities
Perfect accueil velo B&B base in the western Pyrenees
27 avenue Pasteur
64260
Louvie Juzon
Pyrenees Atlantique (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
Phone: +33 (0)6 11 67 93 45
Email: mgourbin@aol.com
Price from: 2 people: €64 per room off season or €66 July/Aug; €60 per room for solo riders off season or €62 in July/Aug. All include Continental breakfast and 2 nights minimum stay. Weekly B&B rates from €420 for singles and €448 for 2 sharing.
Open: All year
We wished we'd known about this place when we went to the Vuelta in 2016 when we were looking for cycling accommodation in Laruns. The Green Bike Pyrenees chalet is – as the name suggests – a dedicated biking base. Located in the Ossau Valley, it has three mythical cols from the Tour de France on the door step: the Col d’Aubisque, Soulor, and Marie Blanque. Other cols like Tourmalet, Pourtalet and La Pierre St Martin are within reach. The owners Mireille and Nick are involved in cycling at different levels, so they understand your needs and can cater for them. You just cycle and they will handle the rest (including booking you a sauna or sports massage at the local spa for when you get in!) Bikes can be safely stored in a lockable garage, plus there are cleaning facilities, a workshop with work stand, and spares. English, French, Spanish spoken.
Bike facilities
Comfortable four-star hotel for a relaxing stop on the Atlantic Coast
Le Grand Hotel is located in the centre of Bayonne, just a ride away from the Atlantic Coast. The hotel has been elegantly restored and decorated, and ranks as a four-star hotel with comfortable, modern facilities. Air-con in all rooms, plus free wifi. Lounge and bar, restaurants close by. French, Spanish and English spoken. Doubles, triples and quads available, making it ideal for groups and families. Management advises there is a storeroom on the ground floor for bikes.
Bike facilities
Hotel with a bike shop next door and access to Bordeaux's regional routes
1 Allee Saint-Sauveur
33430
Bazas
Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Phone: +33 (0)5 56 25 57 88
Email: contact@lerodinbazas.fr
Price from: €90
Open: All year
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.
Bike facilities
Budget hotel option with restaurant on the city's outskirts
La Cavaille Sud
Route de Bordeaux
24100
Bergerac
Dordogne, Aquitaine
Price from: €51
Open: All year
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.
Bike facilities
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.
Bike facilities
Bike-friendly hotel on the La Vélodyssée Atlantic Coast bike route
35 Avenue du Maréchal Joffre
64200
Biarritz
Pyrénées Atlantiques, Aquitaine
Price from: €66
Open: All year
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.
Bike facilities
Clean apartment hotel in a central location on the EuroVelo 1
17 Avenue Reine Victoria
64200
Biarritz
Landes, Aquitaine (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Price from: €170 for a 2-night stay
Open: All year
A cool surf vibe awaits at this centrally located apartment hotel, close enough to the Grand Plage to be sat on the sand in 5 minutes whilst still being surrounded by local restaurants. Freewheeling France has stayed here, using it as the launch pad for a gentle 80km spin around this wonderful coastal resort. There is a dedicated bike storage room, though the staff didn't blink an eye when we decided to take our bike up the lift and to our room. Perfect for families with comfy sofa beds, a small playground in the garden and a kids' toy and book corner in reception. All the kitchen equipment you'll need for a stay, including fridge, small oven, coffee machine, toaster and kettle. Free and fast wifi. ** We've stayed here – read our review **
Photo: ©Eric Bergoend/Pierre & Vacances
Bike facilities
Popular 4-star Atlantic Coast campsite on EuroVelo 1
176 Chemin de Bimbo
40600
Biscarrosse
Landes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Price from: €21 per night (may be min 2-night stay, depending on the season); prices for cabins and other self-catered accommodation vary
Open: April 2 to October 1
If you can get past the name – which I don't think has any origins in English! – Camping Bimbo in Biscarosse is well placed on the Atlantic Coast for rides down the EuroVelo 1 La Vélodyssée bike route. It's a 4-star campsite with both covered pool and outdoor pools + paddling pool, water games and slides for the young at heart. Situated 600m from the lake, it provides a refreshing and comfortable stop. Tent pitches, as well as mobile homes, chalets and wooden cabins for hire. Gets busy in summer – may be minimum night stay, depending on the season. Part of a network of independently run sites.
Bike facilities
Small, good value 3-star hotel with its own pool
1300 Avenue du Pyla
40600
Biscarrosse-Plage
Landes, Aquitaine (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Price from: €70
Open: All year
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
Bike facilities
Holiday vibes on the Euro Velo 1 Vélodyssée bike route
99, rue des Iris
40600
Biscarrosse
Landes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Price from: €68
Open: All year
Biscarrosse is a great ocean-side stopover on the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast route – perfect for a night for a few days to linger near the beach. Logis Les Vagues in a residential area surrounded by pine forests. It's close to the beach, which is around 300 metres away. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the forest. There is an onsite restaurant serving local cuisine (you can eat outdoors on the terrace). There is also a nice bar area. Onsite playground for mini-cyclists, plus a mini golf area and a ping pong table. Free parking for cars + electric vehicle charging station. The hotel is on the Logis group's bike-friendly list.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels
Bike facilities
Renovated hotel in the centre of Blaye on the Canal des Deux Mers bike route
5 rue Ernest Régnier
33390
Blaye
Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Price from: €120
Open: All year
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
Bike facilities
A friendly welcome awaits among the vineyards of Blaye
Le Bourg 36
33390
La Valade, Blaye
`Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Price from: €60
Open: All year
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.
Bike facilities
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Guidebook: Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way and Western Ireland
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