Where to stay: Aquitaine

Lacanau - Vitalparc

Peaceful apartments and rooms set among the pine forest

Apartments and studio rooms set among the pine forest on the edge of the town of Lacanau Ocean. Outdoor pool. Onsite spa with indoor pool, hot tub and hammam. Wifi. Bike rental onsite. Restaurant and bar. Accommodation ranges from single rooms up to villas that can house 9 people. Short stays possible.

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Langon - Hotel Tilleuls Medieval

Mid-range hotel with self-catering in Saint Macaire

Hotel Tilleuls Medieval has an enviable location being set in a medieval town close to the River Garonne and surrounded by some of the world's most famous vineyards. The hotel itself is a 16th century building with its own shady terrace and a choice of rooms or self-catering options, with an onsite restaurant with local cuisine and fresh breakfasts. The hotel is well used to hosting cyclists and has both hire and secure parking facilities. This location is just a great base for cycling with quiet rolling hills – it's not far from my patch, either, so drop me a line if you're staying there to organise a ride!

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Le Bugue - St Avit Loisirs

Campsite with on-site tents and self-catering cabins in the Dordogne

One of the best campgrounds in France, St Avit Loisirs holds 5 'red tents' from Michelin, and boasts not one, not two but SIX pools to choose from after a day out on the bike. There are also free 'learn-to-ride' lessons for kids aged 3-6. On-site tents and cabins sleeping up to 8 people, plus pitches for tents, caravans and campervans.

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Le Fleix - Le Manoir du Bois Mignon (Sainte-Foy-la-Grande)

Warm and luxurious stop on the banks of the Dordogne River

There can't be many better places to relax after a day on the bike than on the banks of the Dordogne near Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. This grand B&B oasis is set in a beautiful old manoir house built in 1791. The tiny hamlet is a wonderful stop on a ride along the river Dordogne (Freewheeling France rides this area often, winding along the river and back up through the vines). From the door, the UNESCO-listed St-Emilion is a 40km ride (en route to Bordeaux); in the other direction you'll find the sweet white vines of Monbazillac, the city of Bergerac and, further east, the ancient cobbles of Sarlat. This is a worthy stop on any Dordogne Valley bike route.

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Libourne - Mercure Saint-Emilion

Quality hotel at the gateway to the Pomerol/Saint-Emilion vines

Reliable 4-star hotel recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here (and good value for money given the quality). It's located right near the Dordogne River (some rooms have river views). The name is a little misleading as the town of Saint-Emilion is some 10km away, though it's a lovely ride from Libourne up through the vineyards of Pomerol and onto Saint-Emilion. (The vineyards of Fronsac are lesser explored and also make for beautiful cycling to Libourne's north-west). Libourne is a good stop if you're arriving in the area by train from Paris, if you're cycling from Bordeaux 35km away, or if you're heading from/to the Atlantic Coast route via Royan. Free wifi. Onsite bar. Management tell us they can find a room inside the hotel to safely store bikes. French, English and Spanish spoken.

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Lot Valley Bike Route – Lasclottes (Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot)

Spacious and tranquil farmhouse on the river Lot near Villeneuve-sur-Lot

Lasclottes is a wonderful base for anyone cycling the Lot Valley Bike route. The property is on the outskirts of Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot, a quaint riverside village with a selection of shops, a bar and riverside restaurant, and a market twice a week. It's just 10km east of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and 40km from Aiguillon, where the Lot route crosses with the Garonne bike route linking Bordeaux to Toulouse. Lasclottes, which comfortably sleeps 10 people, is a 19th-century rural farmhouse and granary which has been renovated and luxuriously furnished. It's nestled in 5 acres of land, with no near neighbours, and is sat on land that gently slopes down towards the river. There is a saltwater swimming pool, a games area that includes table tennis, a pool table and table football. There's even a rowing machine and an exercise bike. On the opposite side of the river is the picturesque village of Penne d'Agenais, renowned for its art, a basilica that's perched on the top of the hill and a port area at the bottom where boats can be hired. There are also frequent music evenings, with eating and dancing. English and French spoken. The owners can arrange pick-up and evening meals. They also have a very handy cycling page for the local area on their website here.

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Lot Valley Veloroute - Domaine Le Mathi B&B (Fumel)

Peaceful accueil vélo label B&B close to the river banks

Domaine Le Mathi offers B&B accommodation in double bedrooms in a relaxed and friendly environement. Belgian-owned and operated, it has bike hire in the summer months and is in a great spot if you're exploring the Lot Valley bike route. The gardens are wooded and picturesque and idea for realxing in after a day on the bike. Has pool. English and French spoken.

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Lot Valley Veloroute - Hotel La Residence (Villeneuve-sur-Lot)

Town centre hotel with 'accueil velo' status

Hotel La Residence is a town centre hotel in Villeneuve-sur-Lot that's been recommended to us by cyclists who rode the Lot Valley Véloroute. The hotel is an accredited 'accueil velo' and has a locked garage for bicycle storage. Breakfast can be enjoyed inside or out on the terrace (pictured) and we're told the staff here are very friendly and super helpful. Doubles, twins and triples. Villeneuve is an ideal stop on the Lot Valley bike route – roughly halfway along the route. 

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Loupiac - Camping Les Hirondelles

Shady campsite within reach of the Dordogne and Lot valleys

A family run campsite in the Dordogne Valley that's set in its own 2.2-hectare estate. The 3-star Hirondelles campsite is designed to blend into the natural environment of the Lot, with rivers and mountains. This campsite with indoor and heated swimming pool will please the whole family. 24 camping pitches and 39 onsite mobile home rentals. Explore the Quercy region by bicycle, walk the banks of the Lot or Célé rivers or take a dip in the Dordogne. Cycle local vineyards. Visit the medieval cities of Rocamadour or Sarlat. On site food and catering.

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Marmande - Hôtel Le Capricorne

Great value hotel with modern design and facilities

This is a well-designed and maintained hotel with cool rooms between Bordeaux and Toulouse, not far from the Canal de Garonne route. It is surrounded by gardens and has a nice pool area to relax in. Buffet breakfast also available at reasonable price. French and English spoken. This hotel is also used by local cycle touring companies, so they are well used to accommodating cyclists and safely storing their equipment.

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Medoc - Chateau Cordeillan-Bages (Pauillac)

Elegant chateau hotel just outside Pauillac on the Medoc wine route

A 'spoil yourself' option. Château Cordeillan-Bages is a grand 17th-century chateau in the heart of Bordeaux's Medoc wine region. Sat on 2 hectares of its own vines (yes, you can drink them here too), it's also home to a Michelin-star restaurant. Just 1km from the Garonne River, this is an ideal (if somewhat lavish) base from which to discover some of Bordeaux's most famous vineyards. Outdoor swimming pool plus sauna and a fitness room (you can also have massages). Bike rental can be arranged via reception.

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Medoc - Le Relais de Listrac (Margaux)

Affordable option in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards

This is an affordable family-run option just 11km by bike from the prestigious wine town of Margaux. Based in an old winery, it offers clean accommodation and a restaurant serving local food and wine. French and English spoken. The owners tell us they welcome cyclists and safe bike parking is a given. Terrace and garden. The hotel prides itself on good value for money in an area where more lavish hotel chateaux are in abundance.

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Mimizan - Hotel Restaurant Atlantique

Friendly hotel on Atlantic Coast seafront at Mimizan

Beachfront hotel with free wifi and an onsite restaurant serving local cuisine. Rooms sleep 2-4 people, making it an affordable option for groups. Cyclists report that there is secure bike storage in a rear basement laundry room that is locked from early evening. The hotel can help arrange activities, including cycle hire, canoeing, surfing, horse-riding, etc.

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Mimizan - La Mimona

Find some calm on the Vélodyssée route

La Mimona B&B is perfectly situated for anyone wanting to enjoy the Atlantic Coast La Vélodyssée cycle route as it passes through the south west, with the signposted path passing just 50m away. The B&B is just outside of Mimizan, with the town centre and the lake, which come alive in the holiday season, a further 7km to the south. This is a great one-night stopover or a good base for a longer holiday stay. A pool is available for guests plus the owners provide house bikes for guest use, so you can explore this flat area even if you don't arrive under your own steam. Free wifi in all rooms.

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Moliets et Maa - Pierre & Vacances Apart-hotel

Family friendly and with easy access to the beach

Under 2km from the beach and with its own pool, the Pierre & Vacances apart-hotel at Moliets et Maa is a nice option for combining a cycle with a beach holiday. The La Vélodyssée cycle route runs close by, and there's safe bike storage (as at all Pierre & Vacances properties in France). Each room has a kitchenette with all the pots and pans you'd need to cook up a storm, or you can have breakfast in the restaurant. There's free wifi. English and French spoken.

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Nontron - Camping Château Le Verdoyer

Camping in the Perigord Vert between Angoulême and Limoges

Set in the national park of the Perigord-Limousin, this campsite sits in the grounds of a chateau and lake. Some key renovations have taken place in 2015 to improve the facilities, including changes to pitches and to the terrace area used for eating and entertainment. A new chef has also been bought on board in the restaurant to give you a taste of local cuisine within the stone walls of the chateau (if you're late arriving you can take advantage of a special menu to fill you up on a fast but simple dinner). Water is a big part of experience here, and there are two lakes – one for fishing and one for swimming – plus three pools, complete with water slide. Cycling in the Dordogne area is always a pleasure due to the quiet roads and stunning scenery, but this site is also close to the voie verte (an old converted railway line) between Saint Pardoux la Riviere and Thiviers – a great 17km shaded trail that will take you off through the countryside.

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Oloron Sainte Marie – B&B Amphitryon

Friendly French B&B on the western Pyrenees

B&B Amphitryon was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed here. It was described as a friendly and welcoming local French experience. It's an ideal base for cycling in the western Pyrenees. The B&B is in an old 18th-century presbytery in Oloron Sainte Marie, 34km SW of Pau. It's on the Saint Jacques de Compostela route and also handy for Tour de France cols, including Col de la Pierre St Martin to the south. There are five nicely decorated rooms. There is a storage area for bikes (room for MTB and road bikes). Check-in is usually between 6pm and 8pm so call ahead if you are early or late.

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Pau - Hotel Continental

Elegant Pau city centre hotel close to the train station

An elegant three-star hotel in the historic centre of Pau, Best Western Hotel Continental is adorned with antique furniture and art. A short distance from the train station, it welcomes solo cyclists as well as groups. Management says bikes can be stored safely inside the hotel. Continental or full English breakfasts. Some rooms have baths as well as showers. Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Pau - Hotel Parc Beaumont

Elegant five-star hotel with views overlooking the Pyrenees

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Pau - Hotel Première Classe Pau Est

Budget accommodation on the outskirts of the city

Hotel Première Classe Pau Est offers budget chain hotel accommodation in the east of the city. Free wifi. Basic, buffet-style breakfast. This is a great budget option for anyone wanting basic, affordable accommodation without any bells and whistles. Management advises the hotel has a small, secure room for bike storage. We stayed in a Première Classe hotel in Le Mans – here's what to expect.

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Perigueux - Hotel des Barris

Family-run hotel in the capital of the Dordogne

Family run hotel in the Perigueux city centre. Located on the banks of the river Isle near the Cathédrale Saint-Front. Wifi. Onsite restaurant serving local cuisine. The manager has advised that bikes can be stored safely in the hotel overnight. Offers bed-only rates, plus tariffs for B&B and dinner included.

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Périgueux - Hotel Ibis Périgueux Centre

Perfect for cyclists arriving into Perigueux by bike

If you're riding into Perigueux by bike, this hotel is spot on. Hotel Ibis Périgueux Centre is located across the river from the wonderful Voie Verte des Berges de l'Isle, which delivers you in to the city centre (we rode in from Thiviers) and also links with the V90 l'Isle veloroute that heads west. You are right in the middle of town and just 1km from the train station (for links to Bordeaux and Paris). The hotel has free wifi, a bar and restaurant and a continental breakfast (as with most French hotels, breakfast is offered for a surcharge). The hotel also has a locked cellar that was perfect for our bikes (access is only via reception).

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Périgueux - Le Sorbier

Friendly hotel-restaurant 11km west of Périgueux

Small and friendly family-run hotel-restaurant (there are only 14 rooms). Buffet breakfast, plus full and half-board options also possible. Free wifi. Pool and terrace. The owner, Philippe, says there is an area in the hotel set aside for bike storage. They can also advise on local bike rental.

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Riberac - Moulin de Larcy

Self-catering apartments overlooking the beautiful river Dronne

This is a lovely base from which to explore the borders of the Dordogne and the Charente. Moulin de Larcy has three self-contained apartments, with communal gardens and an outdoor pool. Each apartment has beautifully outfitted kitchen and dining areas, plus private bathrooms (with bath robes!) Barbecue area. Free wifi. Moulin de Larcy has its own fleet of bikes which are free for guest use. There's also great walking and canoeing nearby. Close to Dordogne bike routes and also within reach of the Tour of Charente. The owners can prepare packed lunches for your pannier.

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Saint-Émilion - Auberge de la Commanderie

Ancient Templar house-turned-hotel in the heart of Saint-Émilion

Clean and stylish 2-star hotel in the heart of UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion. The hotel itself is part of the ancient fabric of the town, being set in an old Templar house. It's within walking distance of local restaurants and wine shops (which can arrange shipment home, just in case you were wondering...). From the door you can ride almost straight out into the vines. Doubles, twins and family rooms. This hotel is a real bargain off-season, though the price (as with everything in this tourist hotspot) tends to skyrocket in summer. The hotel has a private car parking area that's locked (it's often used by cycle tour groups). Free wifi. French and English spoken.

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Saint-Émilion - Hôtel Au Logis de Remparts à Saint-Émilion

Bike-friendly hotel in beautiful, historic Saint-Émilion

This is a lovely hotel right near the historic UNESCO-listed centre of Saint-Émilion. (Some of the hotel's own buildings are actually listed as historically significant). The accommodation is flexible, with single rooms through to family rooms. A group of cyclists who stayed here recommended the hotel to us. The full buffet breakfast (including scrambled eggs – something of a treat in rural France) filled them up. The hotel's beautiful gardens (with pool) overlook the vines and are secure, providing safe bike parking (the hotel regularly welcomes cyclists). French and English spoken. Free wifi. Late deals possible (see our link) but prices do vary across the seasons, especially in summer when Saint-Émilion is hugely popular with visitors.

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Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Camping de la Ferme Erromardie

Campsite right on the EuroVelo 1 on the sandy coastline of SW France

Camping de la Ferme Erromardie is on the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast route. This is a popular campsite in a great location close to the Atlantic Ocean. It's just 50 metres from Erromardie beach, 3km north of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Family friendly. Ideal for exploring the Basque country. Pool. Library and reading area. Petanque. Summer activities for kids. Tent pitches plus self-catered cabins.

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Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa

Elegance and fine food by the beach

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Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Hotel Bel Air

Beach-side hotel recommended to us by cyclists

Hotel Bel Air couldn't get any closer to the beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz without falling in. This family owned and operated hotel was recommended to us by a cyclist who was riding the Atlantic Coast bike path. The hotel has its own dedicated bicycle garage and it sees a lot of cyclists on this popular route. Terrace with ocean views (some rooms also have ocean views). English, French and Spanish spoken. Free wifi. 

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Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Hotel Itzalpea

Lovely village option on the Santiago de Compostela route

With just seven bedrooms, this is more of a guesthouse than a hotel. It's a cosy refuge in the foothills of the Pyrenees, deep in Basque country and on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela. The hotel has its own salon de thé, where breakfast is also served. They get many walkers and cyclists through here, so breakfast is a nice mix of pastries, yoghurts, breads, cereals and cakes. Secure bike store. Free wifi. Bar/lounge area for relaxing, or take a stroll out through the picturesque village or by the river. This is a good value-for-money option.

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Saint-Laurent - Moulin de Saint Laurent (Canal de Garonne)

Accommodation with a pool between Buzet-sur-Baise and Agen

Recommended to us by a reader, this B&B also has self-catering gites (see here for B&B and gite) and a small camping area (see here for more on the camping area). It's ideal if you are travelling solo or with a group, and regardless of of style of travel. You can also enjoy a table d'hotes (home cooked meal with wine) if you fancy a relaxing evening, and a continental breakfast is served each morning. There is a pool and wifi and it is situated on the Canal de Garonne on the stretch between Buzet-sur-Baise and Agen.

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Saint-Léger - Chateau de Grenier

Chateau B&B on the Bordeaux and Toulouse Canal de Garonne bike route

Chateau de Grenier is an elegant chateau that's been converted to a B&B. It's ideally located just east of Damazan on the Bordeaux to Toulouse bike route and not far from where the Garonne river meets the Lot River bike route. Chateau de Grenier has been suggested to us by cyclists who stayed there. It offers bike-friendly accommodation for individuals as well as groups, and also as family rooms.

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Saint-Macaire - Les Feuilles d'Acanthe

Modern facilities on the banks of the river Garonne

This is considered one of the best places to stay around the medieval town of Saint-Macaire. It's part of the Logis hotel group of independently run hotels, and it meets their bike-friendly cycling criteria. If your legs are feeling tired after exploring the rolling vineyards or the Canal de Garonne towpath (which starts just east of Saint-Macaire), then the hot tub could be exactly what you need. There's also a continental breakfast-in-bed option. Rooms have all of the mod cons, there is free wifi in public areas and a restaurant/bar.

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Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne - Relais de la Renaissance

Rural B&B off the beaten track between Bordeaux and Bergerac

Small and traditional French hotel/B&B with just 4 rooms. It's located roughly midway between Bordeaux and Bergerac and well-placed for rides into the Saint-Emilion vineyards. Great stop on the Lawrence Arabia bike route, which starts in nearby Castillon-la-Bataille. Relais de la Renaissance is a welcoming place for cyclists and is Accueil Velo-rated through the local tourist board. This promises a real 'local' stay in the heart of rural France – and among some very special backroads routes. 

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Saint-Michel-Escalus - Camping Huttopia Landes Sud (Euro Velo 1 La Velodyssee)

Campsite with pitches, safari tents and cabins surrounded by forest

Situated just a few miles from the ocean near the town of Saint-Michel-Escalus, the Huttopia Landes Sud campsite is near Lake Léon and the Huchet Nature Reserve. It's in a perfect location for anyone cycling the Euro Velo 1 La Velodyssee route. It's a forest/woodland site that comes with lots of bells and whistles like a heated swimming pool, a bar/cafe area, and a summer activity program for children. Mini fridge hire. Small grocery store. Laundry room.

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Saint-Paul-en-Born - Camping La Clairière

Campsite between Mimizan and Biscarrosse on the Atlantic Coast

Camping La Clairière is a 4-star campsite at Saint-Paul-en-Born, between Mimizan and Biscarrosse and handy for the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast bike route. Camping pitches, mobile homes and all-canvas bungalows to rent. It offers a haven of calm beneath the pine trees of the Landes on the banks of a small river. Comfortable self-catered accommodation and shady pitches. Take a bike ride into the old town of Mimizan for a pastis or head out into the forest. Horse riding, walking, fishing and canoeing also nearby. Snack bar with pizzas plus fresh bread deliveries each day.

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Sainte-Foy-la-Grande – Château des Vigiers

Quality 4-star hotel tucked away in the countryside

A touch of luxury hidden away in the Dordogne countryside, around 24km from Bergerac. A golf country club with an onsite restaurant, it aso has bike hire for guests. Accommodation is in the main chateau or there's (more affordable) space in the adjoining 'relais' section, including family rooms. Riding around here is just lovely, with some nice vineyard rides on super quiet roads. There are some hilly routes, but it's also possible to get in some flat kilometres east towards Monbazillac (though beware the climb up into the village). This is an ideal stop on a Bordeaux to Dordogne ride. For something a bit more personal in the same area, see here.    

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Sarlat - Camping Huttopia Sarlat

Tent pitches, fixed tents and cabins in the Dordogne Valley

As the name suggests, Huttopia Sarlat is near the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne river valley. There are pitches for tents and camping cars, as well as self-catering fixed safari tents and cabins. There are also a few old-style wooden caravans for self-caterers. Ideal for an overnight stay or an extended cycling base to explore the area. Close to the famous Lascaux caves and other key tourist sites. Lots of added extras with two swimming pools (one heated), a tennis court, and cafe/restaurant facilities. There's also a summer activity programme for children and adults.

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Sarlat - Hotel Ibis

Reliable Dordogne Valley hotel in the medieval city of Sarlat

Hotel located in the city centre within walking distance of Sarlat's famous medieval city and fine cuisine. Management advises that bikes can be stored in a locked room in the hotel. Luggage storage. 24-hour snack bar. Buffet breakfast. Wifi. English spoken.

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Sarlat-la-Caneda - Hotel La Couleuvrine

Impressive building home to a hotel-restaurant in the heart of Sarlat

Sarlat is a large medieval town in the heart of the Dordogne Valley. It's a handy stop if you are cycling in the Dordogne and an ideal base if you are wanting to explore the area's prehistoric treasures. Hotel La Couleuvrine is right in the middle of town. We're told by cyclists who stayed there that it is very bike-friendly and has a lock-up bike storage room. It also has a very good restaurant.

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Sauveterre-de-Guyenne - Le Refuge de Guyenne

Cycle friendly stone house on the Bordeaux-Toulouse bike route

Le Refuge de Guyenne is a two-bedroom self-catering house that's available to cyclists on a nightly basis. It was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. Sauveterre is a natural stopping point on the Canal de Garonne Bordeaux to Toulouse bike route, being as it is at the end of the excellent Roger Lapebie bike route. Le Refuge de Guyenne welcomes couples as well as small groups or families. It has a room with a double bed, plus another with bunk beds; there is also a sofa bed. Free wifi. 

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Seignosse - Les 2 Étangs

Fixed base tents and cabins in the woods on the Euro Velo 1 bike route

Les 2 Etangs in Seignosse offers an upmarket 'camping' experience in fixed base bungalow tents, self-catered cabins and apartments. With a lake 500m away and the beach a 5km ride through forest trails, it has a relaxed holiday vibe. The site itself is a 4-star campground so it has creature comforts including a heated outdoor pool and spa, plus kids' entertainment. It's ideal for a fixed base self-catered cycling holiday if you are looking for a base on the Atlantic Coast Eurovelo 1 bike route. It is Accueil Velo-rated by the tourist board. 

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Souillac - Auberge du Puits

Friendly hotel-restaurant on the Dordogne-Lot border

Auberge du Puits was recommended to us by cyclists who stayed there. Located in the centre of the Souillac old town and near the river routes of the Dordogne, it has its own restaurant (ideal for late arrivals who just want to shower, eat and relax!) and a dedicated bicycle storage area. There is a private garden and terrace, while some rooms have a private balcony. It's also close to Souillac railway station, which is on the line to Paris, Cahors and Toulouse. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
See here for a bike route that goes through town.

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Souillac - Camping Les Ondines

Riverside camping on the banks of the Dordogne

Camping Les Ondines is a 3-star campsite just across the Lot border at Souillac-sur-Dordogne, close to the river Dordogne and an ideal base from which to explore the Dordogne and Lot valleys, including the towns of Collonges La Rouge, Rocamadour and Sarlat. Camping pitches as well as self-catered rentals, fixed base canvas tents and mobile homes. Heated outdoor pool + a short walk from a water park. Family friendly with kids' entertainment. Bar/restaurant. Wifi.

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Soulac-sur-Mer - Camping Paradis des Pins

Accueil-velo rated campsite between Bordeaux and La Rochelle

Camping des Pins is a 4-star ideally located between at Soulac sur Mer. Pitched for tents and campingn cars + mobile homes and wood cabins for self-caterers. Ideal for the vineyards of the Medoc, it's just across the Gironde Estruary (connected by ferry from Royan). It's 1.5km from the beach and also has a heated outdoor pool. Kids' club, restaurant. Set amid a pine forest that shelters it from the waves and wind of the Atlantic Coast, where surfboards mix with sand castles on the long, sandy beach. The famous chateaux of Margaux and Lafite Rotschild are also within reach. Part of a network of independently owned campsites in France.

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St-Jean-de-Luz - La Villa Maldagora

Self-contained apartments a short ride from the Atlantic Coast

Self-contained studios and apartments for up to 7 adults 3km from the Atlantic Coast and overlooking a golf course and St-Jean-de-Luz Bay. Rooms finished to a high standard. Heated swimming pool, children's playground, breakfast available. As with all Pierre & Vacances properties, it's possible for you to lock your bike in your apartment overnight. Bike hire available via a partnership with a local firm. Wifi available for a surcharge.

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Thiviers - Hôtel de France et de Russie

Old coaching inn recommended to us by cyclists

Situated on the route to Compostella, this unique hotel is set in an 18th-century coaching inn and is used to welcoming cyclists and walkers. Handy to the centre of Thiviers, Hôtel de France et de Russie has a relaxing garden and terrace, plus an on-site gourmet restaurant, L'Escapade des Sens. At the end of the Flow Velo and on a route to Perigueux, this place is ideal for cyclists. Free wifi. Twins, doubles and family rooms. French and English spoken.

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Uzeste - Sous la Tonelle

Funky and friendly hotel near to Langon and Sauveterre

Stylish rooms and a warm welcome await at the Sous La Tonelle, part of the Logis hotel group (the hotel meets the group's cycling policy standards). The hotel is within easy reach of the beautiful Sauveterre and Sauternes vineyards. The rooms all come with free wifi and flat screen TVs, plus there's a self-catering gite/cottage with a fully equipped kitchen and dishwasher if you need something more than a hotel room. Continental breakfast served daily, plus there are local dishes served in the pretty, secluded terrace of an evening.

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Villandraut - Logis Auberge La Crémaillère

A friendly welcome awaits near the vines of Sauternes

Located 60km south of Bordeaux, this small town hotel is right near the famous Sauternes vineyards and the wonderful cycling that can be had around there. Also within easy reach is the voie verte that runs from Sauveterre to Bordeaux, as well as the Canal de Garonne towpath which starts near La Reole, about 40km away. The hotel itself has a restuarant with good reviews and the bar stocks local wine to wash it all down. Bike hire can be arranged via the friendly hotel staff. Free wifi.
Photo: ©Logis Hôtels

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Villeneuve-sur-Lot - Hotel Mercure Moulin de Madame

Nice base from which to explore the cycling haven of the Lot Valley

The Moulin de Madame is part of the higher end Mercure chain and it was recommended to us by Freewheeling France readers wo stayed here. It's ideal for exploring the quiet and relatively unknown Lot Valley, which you can read all about here. The Moulin de Madame is set by the river Lot and has lovely rooms (complete with Nespresso machines if that's your thing). Breakfast is served in either the grand dining room or large terrace. You can also take advantgae of the spa. 

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