Cycling accommodation in Bordeaux, the Dordogne and Aquitaine

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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Bordeaux – Ibis Bordeaux Aéroport

A short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac international airport

Clean and reliable hotel located a 5-minute ride from Merignac international airport, 9km west of Bordeaux city centre. 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast available from 4.30am for early flights. Onsite bar and restaurant serving traditional French food and local Bordeaux wines. Management advises bikes can be stored in rooms overnight. French, English, Spanish and German spoken. 

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Bordeaux – Le Boutique Hotel

Classy city centre hotel with friendly staff and secure bike parking

Treat yourself to a touch of class in one of France's most elegant cities. Le Boutique Hotel is a converted 18th-century townhouse located in the UNESCO-listed centre of Bordeaux. Its modern, stylish rooms and self-catering apartments are surrounded by a peaceful green courtyard, and there's even a lovely terrace shaded by a 100-year-old chestnut tree. Rooms are air-conditioned, each with an iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine. Continental breakfast. Wine bar. Massage and hot tub available. Luggage room for bike store. Staff can help you plan local bike routes, including through the vineyards. Free wifi. French, Spanish, English, Romanian and Bulgarian spoken.

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Bordeaux – Novotel Aéroport Hotel

Reliable chain hotel a short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac airport

Hotel located a short ride from Bordeaux's Merignac airport, west of the city centre. Onsite restaurant and bar. Lounge area. Free wifi. Kids' play area. Pool and terrace. Management advises bikes can be securely locked overnight in the hotel's conference room, or kept in bedrooms. Good for groups.

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Bordeaux Gare Saint Jean (train station) – Ibis Styles

Affordable, cheerful hotel close to the Bordeaux railway station

We stayed here at the end of our La Velo Francette trip after we'd caught a late train back from Caen via Paris. It had been a long day and we arrived very late. The hotel is a very short ride from the station and it's close to restaurants and cafes that are open late. The staff at the 24-hour reception were really friendly, and welcomed two weary cyclists by checking us in efficiently and locking our bikes safely in the conference room just off the reception area. The Ibis Styles brand is one notch up from the chain's 'Budget' brand. The room was clean, the shower was hot, the beds comfortable, and breakfast was from an all-you-can eat buffet with cereals, toast, fruits and fresh juices. Our room was quiet despite the proximity to the station and a tram line out the front.

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Bordeaux to Sauveterre bike path - l'îlot Vignes B&B

A warm welcome awaits in the vineyards east of Bordeaux

If you're riding the Roger Lapebie bike path, which runs from Bordeaux to Sauveterre before joining the Canal de Garonne route to Toulouse, then the beautiful stone l'îlot Vignes B&B is a small (approx 4km) diversion. Pierre-Yves and Laure's place is also perfect for exploring the peaceful vineyard routes to the east and south-east of the Bordeaux city centre. It's in Rauzan, a pretty town surrounded by vineyards and its own chateau, and within easy reach of Saint-Emilion, and the riverside Ste-Foy-la-Grande (with one of France's best Saturday markets). There are five lovely rooms, with the B&B able to sleep up to 15 guests in total. So it's perfect for solo riders through to families and small club or touring groups. Pierre-Yves has many years' experience in French restaurants, so the optional table d'hotes (evening meal) is something to look forward to after a day's riding (or relaxing by the pool!) Pierre-Yves also works with a local bike company and can have bikes delivered to the door for you – perfect for families. French and English spoken.

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Brantome - Hostellerie du Perigord Vert

Bike-friendly hotel-restaurant in the north of the Dordogne

Situated in Brantôme, a pretty village on the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle route in the River Dronne area in the north of the Dordogne region, the Hostellerie du Perigord Vert is a welcoming hotel and restaurant. After exploring the area, you can take a dip in the heated pool or take a meal on the shady terrace. Hotels bikes available for guest use. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Canal de Garonne - Bazens Gites (Bazens)

Converted barn in a peaceful cycling haven near the canal

Liz at Bazens Gites offers a perfect base for exploring the section of the Canal de Garonne between Aiguillon and Agen. Her lovely converted barn makes an ideal getaway for a couple of nights or a longer stay – there's even a hot tub and a pool. There are two beautiful self-contained gites sleeping between 2 and 4 people, depending on the season. The lovely, homely converted building has an open-plan kitchen and lounge area. A spiral staircase leads to a double bedroom. Secure car parking and secure bike storage areas. Guests get a welcome hamper to get you started – enjoy a cold drink while listening to the water falling on the garden ponds. Airport pick-ups and returns possible with or without bikes. Breakfasts and evening meals can also be arranged. English and French spoken.

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Canal de Garonne - Chateau Saint Marcel

17th century chateau a short detour from the Garonne river route

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Canal de Garonne - Le Clos d'Any

Modern take on an ancient mill on the Garonne towpath

This is a wonderful stop on the Canal de Garonne ride. Le Clos d’Any is a 12th century farmhouse and mill that has been brought into the 21st century. It's now run as a modern B&B with three guestrooms (sleeping 3-4 people each), plus a Gypsy caravan for two (with bonus private jacuzzi). It's just south of the La Reole and east of Castets-en-Dorthe where the canal splits off from the river Garonne. Within easy reach of the vineyards of Graves and the sweet white wines of Sauternes. Outdoor pool. Free wifi. Secure bike parking in the barn. Families welcome.

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Cap Ferret - Le Saint-Eloi

Bike-friendly hotel on Arcachon Bay near Cap Ferret

Friendly hotel just 100m from the Bay of Arcachon. With great access to Cap Ferret and to routes around the bay, it's ideally located for anyone cycling this section of the Atlantic Coast. Onsite restaurant serving local food. Free wifi. Some rooms have balcanies with view of the bay.

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Capbreton - Baya Hotel & Spa

Ocean views from hotel and spa on Atlantic Coast bike route

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Carcans – Camping Huttopia

Lake-side camping with pitches, fixed tents and cabins for hire west of Bordeaux

This is a favourite holiday haunt for Freewheeling France. We've camped here at the start of seasons when we've – literally – been the only ones camping, in the middle of summers when it's been busy with Dutch and German number plates in the car park, and on quieter weekends as summers have drawn to a close. We've been for single-night stays and week-long adventures and we've loved them all. Backing onto the shores of the lake at Carcans, it's a wonderful base if you're cycling along the Atlantic Coast. Nestled under the pine trees of Bombannes national forest in Carcans-Maubuisson, it has pitches for tents and campervans, as well as fixed tent options for people wanting a little more luxury. Toilet blocks are well-maintained. Bike available on site to hire. Outdoor pool. Yes, it's pricier than your standard municipal campsite, but it really is a nice set-up with an on-site food van, kids' playground and other little luxuries that provide a bit more than your usual 'pull-up and pitch' site. The local villages and school holiday camps often put concerts around the lake on Friday or Saturday nights on long weekends – these can be fun but just also a warning that the music can go on late.

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Casteljaloux - Camping Moulin de Campech

Peaceful lakeside campsite close to the Garonne river south of Marmande

With a focus on peace and quiet, Camping Moulin de Campech is located in a wooded valley complete with 16th century watermill. The mill is located on the river Ourbise which provides delightful background sounds of running water, and a home for local flora and fauna. The site itself has a heated pool set away from the large pitches to maintain the sense of tranquility. The mill is home to a popular restaurant, bar and terrace. The area is rich in cycling and walking opportunities and the English-speaking owners can supply further details about paths and trails. There's also a trout fishing lake and unspoit local towns waiting to be explored.

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Chadenne - Rural Gites Chadenne (Montpon-Menesterol)

Cyclist-run self-catered cottages for 4 or 6 people east of Bordeaux

If you're looking for a cyclist-run base for biking in a lesser-explored area of France, than this could be it. The Marshall family are cyclists who have spent two years creating comfortable and modern self-catered gites nestled in the ancient Foret de La Double halfway between Bordeaux and Perigueux. The nearest town is Montpon-Menesterol, which is on 5 designated local cycling circles. It's also on the Lawrence of Arabia bike route and the new Velo-route Voie verte de la Vallee de L'Isle, which goes all the way through to Perigueux. It's a safe car-free route along the river valley. The area also has lots to offer mountain bikers and families. The national park of La Jemaye is 20 minutes away and has beautiful cycling routes around the lake with places to swim and picnic. The gites themselves have modern creature comforts plus a safe storage area for bikes (there's a reliable repair shop in Montpon and hire bikes can be delivered to the door). The gites provide a beautiful-urban-meets rural space for cyclists of all levels. There's even a heated swimming pool for post-ride relaxation. 

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Creon - Chateau Camiac

A 'treat yourself' option near the Bordeaux-Toulouse bike route

Who doesn't want to stay in a Bordeaux chateau just once in their life? Just 30km from Bordeaux – 4km from the Roger Lapebie bike path that links to the Canal de Garonne and Toulouse – Chateau Camiac is set amid 20 acres of parks and ponds, and within easy reach of vineyard bike routes. Relax by the pool after your ride or use the free wifi to send photos to your friends to make them jealous of your stately surrounds. Hotel dining is also possible (complete with fine Bordeaux wines). This is an expensive option compared to many hotels but it's a memorable one. 

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Creon - Hotel Atena (Bordeaux-Toulouse bike path)

Budget accommodation on the Canal de Garonne bike route

Hotel Atena is an affordable option at Creon, near the Roger Lapebie bike path on the Bordeaux-Toulouse bike route. It offers basic two-star accommodation that cyclists tell us is clean and friendly. There's an in-house restaurant plus bike storage. All rooms are en suite. There are twins, doubles, triples and family rooms (sleeping 5), making this a good, budget option for groups or couples/friends cycling together. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Creysse - Logis Auberge de l'Ile (Dordogne)

On the banks of the Dordogne river north of Rocamadour

The Auberge de l’ile in the medieval village of Creysse is a lovely stopover deep in the heart of the Dordogne, just under 30km north of Rocamadour and east of the popular ancient sites of La Roque-Gageac, Domme and Sarlat. Part of the bike-friendly Logis network of independent hotels, it offers a great base in tranquil surrounds. Garden and terrace (some rooms have views of the garden). There is an onsite restaurant serving traditional French food and local wine. Breakfast also available each morning. There is also a bar for guests. Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Damazan - Inter-Hotel de la Confluence

Ideal for the Canal de Garonne and Lot Valley bikes routes

This clean and friendly chain hotel comes recommended to us by cyclists who rode the Canal de Garonne bike route between Bordeaux and Toulouse. It is also close to where the Garonne River meets the Lot River (and its bike route) at Aiguillon (hence the 'confluence' in the title). The hotel is registered as an accueil velo place to stay and regularly sees cyclists through. Modern and friendly, it has crisp and interesting interior design that sets it apart from regular chain hotels. This is a good option if you're looking for a clean and reliable base for a night. On site restaurant and bar but may not be open at weekends during the low season.
We've stayed here – check our review.

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