Where to stay: Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Aire-sur-la-Lys - Chateau de Moulin le Comte (en route to Calais, Roubaix, Arras)

A lovingly renovated oasis of B&B calm in a magnificent setting

Château de Moulin le Comte is a stylish 19th century mansion (circa 1850), which was renovated with love and passion in the summer of 2012. It is ideally located for rides to/from Béthune, Saint-Omer, Lens, Louvre Lens, Arras and Lille. It is roughly halfway between Calais to Arras (60km from each), making it a great base if you are en route to cycling the Somme. Lille (60km) and Roubaix (70km) are to the east. This is a quiet and peaceful place to rest after a day on the bike – the river Leie still flows through the castle's garden. The owner, Monsieur Francis Van der Elst, offers a warm welcome in what is now his private home. He tells me he is particularly keen to see more cyclists. There are five B&B guestrooms – all are very spacious and have been updated with modern creature comforts, including luxurious beds and mattresses. Rooms can be double or twin, and each room has its own bathroom. Cycling families are very welcome, as are pets. Personal service, hospitality and flexibility are key words here. All rooms are offered B&B, and there is also an excellent table d’hôte evening meal service that attracts locals as well as tourists. I'm told all dishes are "highly refined and carefully prepared for a reasonable price." Dutch, French, English and German spoken. Aperitifs are also served in the lounge or on the cosy terrace.

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Arras - Hotel de l'Univers

Stylish and affordable mid-range hotel in the centre of Arras

The centrally located Hotel de l'Univers is a former 17th century Jesuit monastery that has been lovingly restored, with many of its original features remaining. Relax on the terrace, in the bar or enjoy a gourmet meal in the hotel's restaurant. All rooms are en suite with TV. Wifi (surcharge). There is a room for secure bike parking inside the hotel. A good base for exploring the area's war memorials and monuments. It's also ideal if you're cycling from Lille to Paris.
We stayed here – read our review.

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Arras - Maison d'Hôtes La Corne d'Or

Elegantly decorated family-run B&B in central Arras

A friendly, family-run bedroom B&B in an elegantly decorated 18th century mansion in central Arras. There are 5 bedroom, and one of them has a kitchenette for basic self-catered meals. All rooms have private bathrooms (one also has a spa). Continental breakfast including homemade jams and local products; free hot and cold drinks throughout your stay. Play the piano, relax in the lounge or admire the local art on the walls after a day on the bike. Great location for exploring Arras’ underground tunnels, the Louvre-Lens Museum and the area's many First World War Monuments. Free wifi. French and English spoken. Bike storage in a locked private garage.

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Bethune – Cit'Hotel B-Hôtel

Family run hotel just west of the Western Front Way bike route

The Cit'Hotel B-Hôtel is located in Bethune, just to the west of the official Western Front Way, one of France's most interesting war remembrance rides. It is right near the train station in Buthune, providing easy access to Lille and other major centres if you're arriving in the area by train. The hotel is part of the Logis group of hotels, which is a network of family run hotel-restaurants dedicated to local service and produce. The restaurant here is open Wednesday to Sunday, while there is also a bar area (pictured) for snacks like local cheeses and meats, plus beer and wine every day. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Buthane town centre. Bike storage. Doubles/twins, triples and family rooms available. French and English spoken.
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Boulogne-sur-Mer - Evancy La Marina Hotel and Apartments

Accueil Velo-rated aparthotel ideally located for the Vélomaritime bike route

The manager of La Marina complex is keen to welcome more cyclists to this modern and fresh apartment-style hotel situated between the marina, fishing port and town centre in the popular Boulogne-sur-Mer. La Marina is Accueil Velo-rated and offers a variety of apartments sleeping between 2 and 6 people, each with a fully-equipped kitchen and an outdoor area. You can cater in or eat out, or take breakfast in the hotel. Bikes can be stored in the underground car park without charge or in your apartment if you prefer. This is a great option for anyone riding the Euro Velo 4 bike route, or anyone arriving in France with their bikes on the back of a car and needing a good first (or last) stop in France. Photo supplied by the hotel

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Bray-Dunes - Etoile des Dunes Hotel and Apartments

Bike-friendly seaside resort on the Vélomaritime bike route

Evancy Bray-Dunes Ètoile des Dunes offers Accueil Velo-rated apartments just a short stroll from the sea and dunes on France's northern coast. Each apartment sleeps between 4 and 6 people, with kitchens fully equipped with a dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine, kettle and fridge. Breakfast is also provided in the hotel if you don't want to cook yourself (or don't have supplies in). There are also lots of local bars ad restaurants within walking distance. This is an ideal base for a weekend away cycling, or a clean and self-sufficient overnight stay on the Euro Velo 4 as it snakes its way across the north of France. Great value for money for groups when split between 4 or 6 riders. Bikes can be locked on an indoor bike rack or safely stowed in your apartment or on your balcony overnight. The same hotel group has other apartment hotels along the north coast of France, plus one 20km from Nice in Provence). All are bike-friendly. Photo supplied by the hotel

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Bray-Dunes - Villa Les Peupliers Hotel and Apartments (Euro Velo 4)

Beach hotel on the Belgian border and the Vélomaritime route

Villa Les Peupliers is a flexible base for anyone cycling along the northern coast of France. Located There are self-catered hotel apartments for between 2 and 4 people just 30 metres from the beach at Bray-Dunes on the French-Belgian border. This is a perfect stop if you're cycling the EuroVelo 4 bike route. Apartments are fully self-contained with kitchens and living areas, plus the hotel offers a full breakfast service if you don't feel like self-catering. Cyclists are welcome – bikes can be kept in the apartments. In fact, the owners contacted up directly to let us know that they are actively encouraging cyclists to use their hotels (they have others along this coast, as well as a hotel in Provence). Bray-Dunes is a friendly seaside resort also handy for the ferry port at Dunkerque (Dunkirk), with its direct links to the UK.  Photo supplied by the hotel.

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Calais - Holiday Inn

Port hotel experienced at welcoming cyclists to Calais

Located in central Calais overlooking the boats in Port de Plaisance harbour, the Holiday Inn has a long tradition of welcoming cyclists. "We have been doing this for years," the general manager told me. "Especially with charity organisations like Pedal To Paris, the Royal British Legion, etc." He said the hotel has a space reserved to store bikes, and that hotel staff would love to see more cyclists arriving at the door. The hotel has free wifi, onsite restaurant, and full buffet breakfasts. Children eat free in the restaurant; lobby bar open til late; 24-hour reception. French and English spoken.

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Calais - Hotel Meurice

Historic Calais hotel in town centre and close to the ferry port

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Calais Ibis Styles Centre

Clean and modern chain hotel in Calais city centre

Calais city centre hotel handy for ferry port. Short ride from train station and 5km from ferry port. 24-hour reception. Free wifi. Buffet breakfast. A small number of bikes can be stored in a small luggage room that has a code (it is not suitable for groups).

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Calais Novotel Coquelles (Eurotunnel)

High-tech hotel just 200m from the Eurotunnel terminal at Calais

Located just 200 metres from the Channel Tunnel and a short ride from the Eurostar TGV station, this hotel has the latest in modern communications. Each suite has a multimedia system including wifi, free video games, movies and music. Free massages on Thursday nights. Range of 24-hour services including a food counter, bar, a business centre, and fitness area. Management advises there is a luggage store that can be used to lock bikes.

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Camiers - Trésors d’Opale Hotel and Apartments (Le Touquet)

Beachside hotel just 60km from the ferry at Calais

Trésors d’Opale is a new holiday hotel development with apartments for 2 to 6 people set among landscaped gardens and with a beautiful heated pool. If you're riding along the EuroVelo 4 Vélomaritime bike route then this apartment-hotel could be for you. Located in Camiers, just to the north of seaside hotspot Le Touquet and just 60km from the ferry port at Calais, it's an ideal stop. There is a fully equipped kitchen or you can order a hotel breakfast if you prefer. Management at the hotel, which is part of the French hotel group Evancy, are keen to see more cyclists use their apartments as bases for tours, stopovers and daytrips. They're welcoming solo cyclists and groups arriving by car or those cycling in independently. They are guaranteeing that bikes can be stored overnight in the apartments or locked in the hotel's luggage room for safekeeping. There is also an outside bike rack for daytime use. There are other hotels in the group along the north coast, plus a hotel in Provence). Photo supplied by the hotel.

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Équihen-Plage - Le Domaine Sauvage Hotel and Apartments

Enjoy seaviews from your room on the EuroVelo 4 bike route

Équihen-Plage is a seaside town on the Opal Coast of northern France, just 7km from the holiday resort of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The apartments and villas here sleep up to 8 people and offer a quiet base amid natural surrounds – and just a few steps from the beach. Located on the Euro Velo 4 Vélomaritime bike route, it's an ideal stop for anyone cycling the beautiful Channel coast of France (or making their way between northern ferry ports). You can self-cater using the fully equipped kitchen in your apartment, or enjoy a hotel breakfast. The hotel is registered as an Accueil Velo hotel with the local tourist board and this is part of a long-term strategy to welcome more cyclists to the hotel (solo riders, cycling clubs, families and cyclists arriving with bikes on cars are all welcome). Bikes can be stored in apartments overnight. The same hotel group also owns other apartment-hotels along the north coast, plus a hotel in Provence) and they are all involved in cycle tourism. Photo supplied by the hotel.

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EuroVelo 4 - Villa Les Margats Hotel and Apartments (Bray-Dunes)

Aparthotel close handy for Dunkirk on the Vélomaritime bike route

Evancy Villa Les Margats is an Accueil Velo-rated hotel 400m from the beach of Bray-Dunes, effectively the last stop before you reach Belgium on the Euro Velo 4 bike route. Ideal for cyclists, the apartments sleep between 4 and 6 people, making them ideal for families and groups. Stop over as you ride the Vélomaritime bike route, which forms part of the Euro Velo 4, or make a long weekend of it from the UK (the hotel is just 12km from the ferry port at Dunkirk). Bikes can be stored in the apartments. All rooms have a fully equipped kitchen and you can order a hotel breakfast.  so an ideal stop-off for ferry travellers too. The same hotel group has other apartment hotels along the north coast, plus one 20km from Nice in Provence). Photo supplied by the hotel.

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Le Touquet - Residence Les Jardins de la Cote d'Opale

Apartments on the edge of a forest a 1.5km ride from the beach

Apartments catering for up to 7 people and set in a quiet residence on the edge of a forest and within reach of Calais. The seaside resort of Le Touquet, on the beautiful Opal Coast, is a 1.5km bike ride away. less than an hour from Calais. Facilities include bike hire, heated indoor pool, tennis court, and children's playground.

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Lens – Hotel Lensotel (Vendin-le-Vieil)

Clean and welcoming hotel on the outskirts of Lens

Hotel Lensotel is located in Vendin-le-Vieil, on the outskirts of Lens, just east of the Western Front Way bike route. The hotel's management say they can store bikes in a safe area of the hotel for you. Inhouse restaurant. The hotel is not far from the peaceful Parc des Faitelles. Lens itself is home to a branch of the Louvre, which is arguably a nicer experience than the tourist trap that the Paris museum has become. Take care in plotting your route so as to avoid some main roads that feed into Lens from the area surrounding the hotel. There is a Decathlon store just to the north of the hotel in case you need spare inner tubes or other supplies.
Photo: ©Logis Hotels

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Lille - Ibis Styles Lille Centre Gare Beffroi

Centrally located hotel in Lille with 140 rooms - good for groups

Centrally located hotel in Lille with 140 rooms. Close to Lille Flandres and Lille Europe tain stations. Prices include breakfast. On site bar. Free, unlimited wifi. Management says bikes can safely be stored inside the hotel, and guests can also take them to their rooms.

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Lille – Ibis Centre Gares

Reliabel chain hotel close to Lille Eurostar terminal

Reliable chain hotel with comfortable rooms located at Lille Flandres train station and close to Lille Europe train station. Ideal for Eurostar access, plus close to all  Lille's key attractions. The hotel underwent part-renovation in 2013. On-site restaurant and bar. French and English spoken.

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Platier d'Oye Nature Reserve - Evancy Oye-Plage Hotel and Apartments

Apartments in a nature reserve between Calais and Dunkirk

Oye-Plage is located roughly halfway between the ferry ports at Calais and Dunkirk, making it an ideal stop if you're riding the Euro Velo 4 on a weekend break from the UK or as part of a longer one-way ride. The Evancy Oye-Plage has studios and self-catered apartment hotel rooms for between 2 and 6 people. It's located at the entrance to the beautiful Platier d'Oye nature reserve on the north coast of France, where you'll find calmness and serenity – the perfect combination for cycling. Explore the beautiful roads along Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez, or just relax in the seaside villages or on the beach. All apartments have fully equipped kitchens, or take advantage of the hotel breakfast if you prefer not to self-cater. There are also picnic tables, plus a playground and an area to master petanque. Spend a day off the bike walking on local trails to the tune of birdsong. Management at the hotel are actively encouraging cyclists to use their apartments as bases for tours, stopovers and daytrips. Solo cyclists, families, riders with bikes on cars – all are welcome. Bikes can be stored overnight in the apartments. There are other hotels in the group along the north coast, plus a hotel in Provence). Photo supplied by the hotel.

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Roubaix - Lille Roubaix Grand Hotel

Stylish Art Deco hotel right in the centre of Roubaix

Situated in the very heart of Roubaix, the Lille Roubaix Grand Hôtel is an Art Deco style building with archetypal mouldings, columns and glass work. Both stylish and charming, it's just 500m from the TGV station but also an easy ride from Lille and the Eurostar terminal. There's a sauna for tired muscles, a restaurant serving local cuisine and a bar area. Free wifi. Management advises there is a lockable garage for bike store. The official booking website has a best-price guarantee. Book early for Easter weekend and the Paris-Roubaix race.

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Solre-le-Chateau - La Ferme aux Charmes B&B (Euro Velo 3)

Family run B&B on the Euro Velo 3 section between Belgium and Paris

La Ferme aux Charmes is an accueil velo-rated B&B in Solre-le-Chateau, just off the Euro Velo 3 bike route not far from the Belgian border. It's located in the Regional Natural Park of Avesnois, making it a lovely stopover on a cycling holiday. There are just 4 rooms sleeping 8 people. François is a local farmer who produces organic milk (you can visit the dairy), while Sandrine prepares breakfasts using his milk and other local organic products. Even meals can also be arranged. House bikes can be borrowed.

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Vélomaritime bike route - Etoile de Mer Hotel and Apartments (Bray-Dunes)

Sea views on the Vélomaritime bike route

Located in the heart of the seaside resort of Bray-Dunes, the Etoile de Mer offers Accueil Velo-rated hotel apartment accommodation for up to 6 people. The management is keen for cyclists to stop over while riding Vélomaritime bike route, the French section of the Euro Velo 4. Alternatively, make it a weekend cross-border break to explore the area surrounding France's border with Belgium. This is an ideal base for cycling groups and families, as well as solo riders and couples. Apartments are self-catering, but hotel breakfasts are also available if you prefer someone else to collect the baguettes and do the cooking for you. Each apartment has wonderful sea views and the beach and dunes are within walking distance. Bikes can be kept safely in the apartments overnight. The same hotel group has other apartment hotels along the north coast of France, plus one 20km from Nice in Provence). All are bike-friendly. Photo supplied by the hotel

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