Accommodation for cycling in Pays de la Loire

Angers - Hotel d'Anjou

Elegant hotel in the heart of Angers - perfect for Loire à Vélo

Bike-friendly hotel well-placed for the popular Loire à Vélo route. Located in the centre of Angers, it has been elegantly restored and decorated to retain its neogothic charm. Well-known locally for its restaurant. Secure bike parking in a private, coded garage behind the hotel. Loire à Vélo information is available from reception, plus local bike hire contacts are also available. The staff is well-versed in local cycling routes and can help with other enquiries. Free wifi. French, Spanish, English, German spoken.

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Angers – Hotel de l'Europe

Affordable city hotel with enclosed bike parking and good breakfasts

We stayed here for two nights on our La Velo Francette ride. We found it to be a friendly city centre hotel with good bike facilities (it carries the Loire à Vélo stamp of approval). There is enclosed courtyard parking for bikes, and staff can help with buckets and sponges if you need to clean your bike. Breakfast was one of the better ones we had on the trip, with breads and cereals, plus fresh fruit and eggs available as an all-you-can-eat buffet. We had a room facing onto the road, though, so it was a little noisy (ask for a room at the back of the hotel). Good location and within walking distance of restaurants, cafes and bars. Also just a short ride from the train station. Free wifi. (You can read one of our reports frm Angers here).

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Atlantic Coast - Camping Village de la Guyonnière (La Roche-sur-Yon)

Cyclist-run 5-star campsite with tent pitches and self-catered chalets

Camping Village de la Guyonnière is 11 kilometres inland from the Atlantic Coast beaches at Bretignolles-sur-Mer. Run by cyclists, this is an ideal Vendée region base. Endless hours of sunshine combine with countless family friendly cycle paths to make this a great area for cyclists of all abilities. The campsite, located on the shores of the Jaunay lake (perfect for canoeing, jogging, fishing and biking), is spacious with a focus on families and nature. There are tent, caravan and motorhome pitches, as well as self-catering 'glamping tents' and chalets for all types of campers. This is a 5-star campsite with all the facilities you'd ever need to rest and relax after a day on the bike. When not cycling there's an indoor and heated waterpark with slides and countercurrent river, bar and restaurant, a wellness centre, and a shop, plus a games area for kids small and large (including adults...). You can also discover Ile d’Yeu and Ile-de-Noirmoutier (home to the 2018 Tour de France Grand Depart) – both within reach for a daytrip if you're arriving by car. Weekly mountain bike and road cycling rides run from the site, as well as bike hire available. French, English, Dutch, German spoken. Free wifi across the whole site.

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Atlantic Coast - Holiday Inn Express (Saint-Nazaire)

At the start of the Loire à Vélo with the 'cyclists welcome' label

Holiday Inn Express Saint-Nazaire is keen to welcome more cyclists passing through Pays de la Loire – either riders heading up or down the Atlantic Coast on La Vélodyssée or those cycling to or from the Loire Valley. The hotel conforms to the French standard 'accueil vélo' ('cyclists welcome') tourist label, and provides secure and dedicated parking (pictured), along with a wash down and repair area. The general manager, Laurence, says he is super keen to welcome more cyclists. French, English, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and German spoken. 24-hour reception, onsite bar, free wifi.

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Atlantic Coast - Mobile home at Les Amiaux campsite

Affordable self-catering holiday option near the ocean

This mobile home enjoys a quiet sunny aspect on a well-appointed campsite in the Vendée region. This is a great area well suited to cycling (and home to the 2018 Tour de France Grand Depart). It's also handy for the Atlantic Coast EuroVelo 1 bike path. It's a family holiday home that Patricia is keen to offer to cyclists for 2018. It's an easy cycle to the sandy beaches of the Atlantic, and close to bars, restaurants and amenities in St Jean de Monts. The campsite itself is fully kitted out with everything you'd need to enjoy your stay, including a pool. The mobile home sleeps six people and has an open plan lounge, dining table and chairs, plenty of seating. There's a well-equipped kitchen with full hob and oven, microwave, large fridge/freezer and plenty of cooking utensils, pots, pans and crockery. There is a shower room and the toilet. Duvets and pillows are provided but BYO own duvet covers, sheets, pillow cases, towels and tea towels. There's a paved patio area for outdoor dining plus a gas barbeque. All gas and electricity included in the price. We advise emailing or phoning direct for reservations.

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Atlantic Coast - Votre Vacances Mobile Home Chalets (Vendèe)

Modern chalets 13km from the ocean between Nantes and La Rochelle

These are not your average mobile home chalets. They are set in the grounds of an 18th century chateau which is also home to a modern and well-equipped campsite. There are 2 or 3-bedroom chalets and each is supplied with bedding and towels along with nice touches like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, hand lotion, and the all important tea and coffee supplies. The park itself has indoor and outdoor pools, plus a fishing lake, bar, restaurant and takeaway. There's a wide range of activities such as yoga, cooking and playgroups for kids – so plenty to do for the whole family when you're not on your bikes. The Vendèe region's beaches are just a 13km ride away - the perfect daytrip. Free wifi in reception or in your chalet for a €5 surcharge. French and English spoken. Bikes can be stored in the chalets.

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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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Château-Gontier - Le Parc Hotel & Spa

19th century manor on Velo Francette route with 'accueil velo' label

We stayed here on our La Velo Francette ride and it took us about 30 seconds after arrival to regret not bringing our swimmers. After several days on the bike, a relax in the spa would have been a real treat. We made do instead with an Italian shower to ease the muscles followed by a glass of wine in the expansive gardens, chilling out in the afternoon sun and wishing we could stay longer. The hotel is family run and has accueil velo status, so you can request prices for baggage transfers and other bikey services. The house itself is a 19th century manor, with the bedrooms – each unique – housed in the adjoining restored and beautifully decorated stables. It's a unique and really pleasant place to stay. Free wifi. Pool and gym. 

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Guenrouet - Chambre d'Hotes Exçarêve (EuroVelo 1)

Ecologically friendly B&B on the Nantes-Brest Canal

Rustic and eco-friendly, this is a budget option just outside of Guenrouet near the Nantes-Brest Canal. Set on more than 5000 square metres of gardens and woodland, it's a little countryside retreat where the Canal runs concurrently with the EuroVelo 1 La Vélodyssée bike route. Family friendly (there are chickens, rabbits, dogs and cats to pat and feed). Organic breakfasts. All water is filtered and solar-heated. Restaurant nearby. Packed lunches can be made for your pannier on request.

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La Chapelle Hermier - Le Pin Parasol

Cabins and on-site tents with good access to Lake Jaunay cycle paths

First-class parc near woodlands and Lake Jaunay, with good access to dedicated cycle paths around the lake. Other activities incude tennis, kayaking and fishing. Family-friendly with kids' pool area. Bar, take-away and pizzeria on site.

Click below for information on mobile homes/cabins and onsite tents that sleep up to 8 people, or click here if you have your own tent or campervan.

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La Chartre-sur-le-Loir - Hotel de France

Art Deco style hotel on La Sarthe à Vélo bike route

Bike-friendly hotel that's well-used to welcoming cyclists (and motorcyclists as well as fans of the Le Mans 24-hour car race). You could say it ticks all the sporting boxes. There are 22 rooms which fall into 'standard and 'deluxe' categories, so something for all budgets. There is also an onsite bar and restaurant/brasserie, which Jacqui and Adrian ate at when they cycled La Sarthe à Vélo for us. (They say they ate like kings). Terrace, swimming pool plus gardens that back on to the river Loir. The hotel has been independently owned for more than a century, and previous guests have included French presidents, members of the Kennedy family, racing legend Stirling Moss and none other than Hollywood star Steve McQueen. 

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La Roche-Sur-Yon - Kyriad

3-star hotel well-situated for cycling in the Vendée

Clean and efficient hotel with good access to Atlantic Coast and Vendée bike routes. Free wifi. Tea and coffee-making facilities and biscuits in each room. Night porter for late arrivals. Restaurant and lounge facilities. Family friendly with a playground on site. Cyclists report that bikes can be safely stored overnight in the hotel's locked conference room. Groups welcome.

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La Tranche-sur-Mer - Camping Bel

Cabins and on-site tents 500m from the beach in Vendée

Cool off after your ride at La Tranche is the longest south-facing beach in the Vendée. Mobile homes and on-site tents suited to solo cyclists, families and groups alike. Active supporters of cycling, with cycle tours of the surrounding region are offered onsite.

Click below to find out more about self-catering mobile homes and fixed tents, or click here if you have your own tent or campervan.

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La Velo Francette - Hotel De Paris (Laval)

Mayenne river hotel handy for towpath access

This place may not live up to its illustrious Monopoly address (Rue de la Paix is Mayfair on the French version), but it's still a handy base for anyone passing through Laval on La Velo Francette. It's right in the centre of town, close to the river towpath, it has a garage for bike parking and offers a good spread for breakfast (see picture). Family friendly with cots and adjoining rooms available to provide extra beds and space. Good hotel for sharers as there is a range of room combinations – doubles, triples and quads. In-room tea and coffee-making. French and English spoken. Free wifi. Disabled access facilities. 

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Le Lude - Domaine de la Courbe

Riverside hotel that's a popular stopping point for cyclists

Domaine de la Courbe is a popular riverside stop for cyclists riding the south portion of the Sarthe à Vélo bike network around the Vallée du Loir: a voie verte greenway route goes directly from Le Lude westwards to La Flèche, while to the east there's a (mostly) riverside shared route head towards Chateau-du-Loir. The hotel carries the accueil velo label, so it's well used to welcoming riders. This really is an idyllic location, with hotel set among the trees. It's a little pricier than your standard hotel, but the pool, spa and onsite restaurant may all combine to make it a little bit hard to leave once you do park up here. We've stayed here – read our review!

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Le Mans - Hotel Le Charleston

City centre hotel close to train station and all major sights

Convenient city centre hotel with massive, secure bike parking underground. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Bike-friendly (the hotel has Accueil Velo status and also has its own fleet of hire bikes). Free wifi (though coverage was patchy when we were there). Great showers. Onsite restaurant for evening meals. Super cyclists' breakfasts. No air-con but fans in every room. Courtyard garden. Within walking distance of all major attractions; short bike ride from the train station. French and English spoken.
We stayed here before the Le Mans 24-Hour Cyclosportive – read our full review here

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Le Mans - Les Cabanes de Do

Quirky B&B cabins in the heart of Le Mans

These are fun! Les Cabanes de Do are located in the heart of Le Mans near the river Sarthe. They offer a unique twist on the B&B concept. Each cabin has its own terrace, plus all the usual mod-cons (kettle, TV, little fridge and a fan). Each has an en suite bathroom with shower. Breakfast is delivered daily to your door in a basket. All cabins are doubles or twins. They are accueil velo accredited, so bikes are a common sight here. Free wifi. French and English spoken. 
We've stayed here - read our reivew.

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Le Mans - Première Classe Le Mans Centre Palais des Congrès

Ultra budget option close to the city centre

Make no mistake: this is an budget option. I paid €39 for a room, though this can be as cheap as €29 depending on the night of the week and the season. And you get what you pay for: a bed, a bedside table, a clean but dated shower / toilet room. But, quite frankly, that was all I needed. I'd just ridden the Le Mans 24-hour Sportive and this was perfect. All I wanted to do was sleep and this fitted the bill perfectly. The lady on reception didn't look twice when, smelling and not having slept or showered in almost 36 hours, I wheeled my bike into reception. Fully laden with panniers and a tent that I was consciously refusing to use again that night, the bike fitted nicely in the elevator and I took it up to my room and parked it against the wall. I then collapsed for 12 hours of slumber in my super basic 6th floor room. For €39, it was something akin to heaven. Breakfast not included.
You can read my full review here.

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Le Pouliguen - Le Domaine de Cramphore

Coastal apartments for up to 6 people in the Loire-Atlantique department

A recently refurbished luxury residence set in the middle of a garden surrounded by 100-year-old pine trees. The residence has a relaxation area and an outdoor pool with solarium to rest your muscles after a day in the saddle. Located 200m from the sea and 400m from the beach, it has apartments catering for between 3 and 6 people.

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Mayenne - Hotel La Marjolaine

Mayenne River hotel with fantastic restaurant and super bike room

We stayed at Hotel La Marjolaine on our La Velo Francette bike ride (see here for our Angers to Mayenne report). Hotel La Marjolaine really is an excellent base for cycling. The hotel has its own fleet of bikes (see photo above) in a massive bike storage room (plenty of room for repairs and maintenance). The restaurant is excellent, serving fine local cuisine, and the breakfasts are fit for any cyclist. The hotel has lovely gardens, and rooms either overlook these or the Mayenne River itself. This is a super place from which to explore the wonderful Mayenne River bike path south towards Laval (and the Loire) or north towards Domfront. French and English spoken. Free wifi.

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