Published by Lyn on 21 May 2017
Published by Lyn on 21 May 2017
Budget hotel option 16km south-west of Briancon
18 Avenue de Vallouise
05120
L'Argentière-la-Bessée
Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Price from: €22 a night or €140 a week
Open: All year
Predominantly a ski hotel in the winer, Icerock Hotel also opens in summer for cyclists and walkers. Rooms with dorm-style accommodation for a bargain basement price. Singles, doubles and quads. Onsite bar. Shared kitchen for self-caterers. The hotel has a cellar that doubles as a secure bike store. Free wifi. French and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Ride the shores of Lake Bourget and relax waterside afterwards
173 Avenue du Petit Port
73100
Aix-les-Bains
Savoie, Rhône-Alpes
Price from: €89
Open: All year
Located in Aix-les-Bains, just north of Chambery and only 200 metres from Lake Bourget, the Best Western Aquakub is a great base for cycling and active holidays in general. There's a indoor sports area with a pool, wellbeing area and fitness centre. Relax after your ride on the terrace overlooking the lake, or treat yourself to the French and international cuisine on offer at the hotel restaurant. All rooms and suites are air-conditioned (some with lake and mountain views). Free wifi. Tea and coffee making facilities available upon request. Buffet breakfast. Hotel bar. Management advises there is a secure area inside the hotel for 4-5 bikes.
Bike facilities
Stylish Chambery hotel set in a beautifully restored convent building
Beautifully presented hotel set in an old convent that dates back to 1471. Located in the heart of the old part of Chambery, it's handy to local restaurants and bars, plus it's only 800m from the train station. Great option for groups, with some suites comfortably sleeping up to 6 adults. Onsite spa, jacuzzi and sauna, plus massage service. Management welcomes cyclists and say bikes can be safely stored inside the hotel. Free wifi (plus there's a computer available for guest use). Full buffet breakfast. French and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Spacious chalet for 8 people near wonderful MTB and road routes
15 Chemin des Tissourds
74400
Chamonix
Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Phone: +44 (0)1483 579242
Email: sales@collineige.com
Price from: €2350 for up to 8 people
Open: All year
Chalet Les Tissourds is a wonderful Maison de Pays that has been beautifully restored and refurbished, a self-catered chalet in a class of its own. Built originally in 1924 the chalet is very well located, just a 5-10 minute stroll to the centre of Chamonix and near some fabulous restaurants. Situated in a quiet road it has wonderful views up to Mont Blanc, the Glacier des Bossons and across to Brévent on the other side of the valley. It's accueil velo-rated and the 2017 Tour de France route is on the doorstep. A modern design within a traditional setting, the chalet is a delicious mixture of old and new. On the ground floor there is an open-plan kitchen and living room with French windows that open out onto a pretty garden, plus a kit room and a cloakroom. On the lower ground floor there is a cosy snug with sofas, beanbags and a 130cm screen, where you can chill out with some DVDs. Next door is a laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer. Relax in the jacuzzi, which is in the garden and enjoys wonderful views of Mont Blanc. The chalet sleeps 8 people and is available on a catered basis with breakfasts and other meals, or self-catered.
Bike facilities
Light and luxurious chalet for 12-15 people overlooking Mont Blanc
97 Chemin du Taro
74400
Chamonix
Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Phone: +44 (0)1483 579242
Email: sales@collineige.com
Price from: €3500 a week for up to 15 people
Open: All year
Chalet Valhalla is an accueil velo-rated chalet in Chamonix, a French town famous for skiiing and, increasingly, a cycling hotspot – the 2017 Tour de France passed through here. The chalet is built with beautiful natural timbers and is a structure of grand proportions right in the heart of Chamonix. It is open and light with floor to ceiling windows giving you Titanic views of Mont Blanc. A minstrel’s gallery overlooks the sitting/dining room and from here you share the same breathtaking view that is enjoyed from below. Add to this contemporary look a touch of traditional Savoyarde style and there’s the WOW! factor. Ideal for large family groups or groups of cycling friends, the icing on the gateau is the hot tub in the garden with the best seat in the house, overlooking Mont Blanc. Valhalla's location hits the high notes, set in an idyllic spot beside the forest it is also only a short stroll to the centre. More importantly it is a mere two minutes staggering distance from the popular MBC bar and the Michelin-starred Albert 1er is just around the corner. Perfect! Available self-catered or fully catered with an inhouse chef.
Bike facilities
Flexible accommodation support for cycling in a traditional Alpine village
Tignes Les Boisses
73320
Tignes
Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Phone: +44 (0)7807 722740
Email: joanne@mountainsunfrance.com
Price from: £30/€35 per person per night (B&B), £275 per person per week (catered)
Open: All year
There are numerous road cycling routes on the doorstep of Les Melezes, including the Col de Petit St Bernard, the Col de l'Iseran and the Cormet de Roselend. Shorter rides to acclimatise to the altitude are also in abundance, with Tignes Le Lac only 3km away and the beautiful cycle to Sassiere 11km away. Many of the mountain passes are signposted with kilometre markers to keep you motivated. There is vast number of cols and stunning routes. Road cycling is a big part of the local culture here. Sleeps upto 50 in 21 rooms.
Bike facilities
Self-catering chalet for Croix de Fer, Glandon, the Madeleine and others
La Tuvière
73300
Jarrier
Savoie, Rhône-Alpes (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Phone: +33(0)6 98 36 91 86
Email: latuviere.bikeinn@gmail.com
Price from: Half-board (B&B + evening meals) starts at €60 per person, with 10% reduction for groups of 10 or more.
Open: All year
Chalet La Tuvière is in something of a paradise for cyclists. The village of Jarrier is on the road to La Toussuire and just a minor detour from the road to the Col de la Croix de Fer and the Col du Glandon. The Col de Mollard, the Col de La Madeleine, the Col de Chaussy and the Télégraphe and Galiber are all also within striking distance. L’Iséran, Le St Bernard, Le Cormet de Roselend, Le Mont Cenis, Le Grand Cucheron and all the rides around Les Bauges, Les Aravis and La Chartreuse are also accessible in a day’s cycling with an early start. An outside jacuzzi will help ease your tired muscles after a day on the bike as you enjoy views of the Aiguilles d’Arves, and guest can also use a large reception room for stretching, training or meetings. Dogs are accepted and sheets and towels provided. The chalet sleeps up to 22, so a perfect fit for a groups, families and clubs. Rooms are offered on a catered half-board basis with breakfasts and evening meals included. Airport and train station transfers available. Contact Jane and Fabrice for more information.
Bike facilities
B&B ideal for solo riders or small groups in the Maurienne Valley
L’Etraz
73140
Saint Michel de Maurienne
Savoie, Rhône-Alpes (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Phone: +44 (0)79 56 80 82 34
Email: bikebasebnb@gmail.com
Price from: €45 per room/night, €280 per week
Open: June to September
As the name suggests, this is a great bike base for exploring the Maurienne Valley. The village is just north of St Michel de Maurienne and the foot of the Col du Télégraphe. Other famous cycling cols nearby include the Galibier, Croix de Fer, the Glandon, the Madeleine and the Iseran. The house has four rooms available on a B&B basis, each room with its own bathroom. There's a locked double garage with plenty of space for bike storage and maintenance. The owner, Ed, serves up a hearty breakfast of tea, coffee, fresh fruit, yoghurt, fresh breads, croissants and homemade jams. There's also a garden in front of a south-facing terrace ideal for relaxing with a glass of beer or wine after a day on the bike. Ideal for groups or solo riders. Free wifi. English, French and German spoken.
Bike facilities
3-star hotel midway between Lyon and Valence in the beautiful Drome
The Golf d'Albon hotel is on a 120-acre estate between Lyon and Valence, with lovely sweeping views of the Alps in the Drome valley. Set on a golf course, it's a relaxing place to take a breather, or to partake in outdoor activities. Family friendly. Outdoor swimming pool. Terrace, bar and restaurant. Twins, doubles and family rooms. Hotel staff tell us they have a secure (coded) storage room inside the hotel for bike storage, or clean bikes can be stored in bedrooms. Free wifi. French, Spanish and English spoken.
Bike facilities
Specialist cycling base in the stunning Vercors area of the French Alps
Montee des Usines
26190
St Jean-en-Royans
Drome, Rhone-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)6 71 88 86 72
Email: velovercors@gmail.com
Price from: Self-catering gites £780; B&B is £90 per room
Open: May to October
This is a specialist cycling holiday base located at the gateway to the stunning gorges, Alpine climbs and valleys of the Vercors National Park. As featured in Cyclist (April 2015), the Vercors offers spectacular scenery at every turn of the pedal, little traffic, superb road surfaces and no col-baggers to boot. It's a 'hidden gem' for those wanting an unforgettable cycling experience for all levels of fitness. Teresa has more than 10 years' experience riding in this area, and her and her team are passionate about the region. They can offer lots of local knowledge about routes that start directly from the door, and have maps and GPS files to share. Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux are within reach from here on day trips. This is a very personal service and relaxed atmosphere with 3 self-catering gites, B&B rooms and a large outside barn where guests socialise and relax. Based in a charming town with cafes, restaurants, shops, supermarket and weekly market. Excellent base for groups, couples, friends or families.
Bike facilities
Catered chalets and self-catered apartments in top mountain spot
Les Prés
05290
Puy St Vincent
Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 23 08 36
Email: info@alpelune.com
Price from: €399 per week per person for a double room
Open: Chalet: December-April, then end of May until end of August. Apartment open all year
Bike facilities
Beautiful B&B run for cyclists by cyclists between the Alps and Ventoux
Le Serre Des Ormes
05300
Salerans
Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 58 04 55 or +33 (0)6 59 27 16 43
Email: info@serredesormes.co.uk
Price from: €570 per week, including B&B and evening meals
Open: Cycling season runs from mid-April to mid-October
Le Serre des Ormes is a beautiful 18th century house in the spectacular Gorges de la Méouge, midway between the peaks of the Alps and the grandeur of Ventoux, just 67km away. With its quiet roads, stunning views and great climbs, the Méouge valley is a relatively undiscovered gem for cyclists of all levels. The B&B is run by cyclists Kate and Paul. Each day starts with a healthy, nutritious breakfast and, at the end of your day, relax by the pool with tea and cakes, or a glass of wine. Each evening a delicious home cooked two-course meal is served with French wine. Kate and Paul will be on hand to share their favourite routes and thei passion for the area. Airport transfers and bike hire available. Free wifi. English and French spoken.
Bike facilities
Hotel with self-catering apartments close to the Grenoble city centre
Self-catering studio and apartment rooms sleeping up to 4 people. Each room has a kitchenette with microwave, stove and fridge. Buffet breakfast also available for a surcharge. Free wifi. Management advises us that they have room for two bikes in a special storage area, plus clean bikes can be stored overnight in the apartments. Advice also available at reception on bike hire and local routes.
Bike facilities
Budget accommodation east of Grenoble city centre
Rue de la Condamine
ZI de Mayencin
38610
Gières
Isère, Rhône-Alpes
Price from: €44
Open: All year
Budget accommodation on the eastern outskirts of Grenoble near the university. Free wifi. Restaurant and bar. 81 rooms. Bikes can be locked in bedrooms overnight. The official website has a best-price guarantee.
Bike facilities
Modern city centre hotel in Grenoble
Centrally located hotel in the Grenoble city centre, and close to the train station. 54 air-conditioned rooms. Free, unlimited wifi. On site bar. There is a private car park available for bike storage (bring your own lock), or bikes can be locked in rooms. Rates are for bed and breakfast. The official website offers a best-price guarantee.
Bike facilities
Apartments and houses in the Ardèche countryside
Le Domaine du Rouret
07120
Grospierre
Ardèche, Rhone-Alpes
Price from: €133
Open: Year-round
Le Rouret Holiday Village is situated in the Rhone-Alps, within reach of both Cévennes and Provence. The village is spread across 197 acres, with the Ardèche gorges within cycling distance, along with prehistoric caves and the UNESCO-listed listed Vallon Pont d'Arc. Accommodation includes studio apartments for two people through to houses sleeping up to 8 people.
Bike facilities
Specialist biking hotel with everything you need to ride Alpe d'Huez
Rue du Siou Coulet
38750
Alpe d'Huez
Isère, Rhône-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)4 79 10 41 89
Email: delphine.roulet@skibound.co.uk
Price from: €82 per twin room B&B
Open: June 6-August 31
This is a specialist cycling hotel with super views out over the valley. In the heart of such a cycling hotspot, the hotel prides itself on being an affordable summer biking base for cyclists. The hotel is perfectly set up for cyclists riding Alpe d'Huez and neighbouring cols, with its own bike cleaning station, onsite tools and rack, plus training equipment. It also has discount deals with local bike shops and can help with bike hire. Mountain bikers should ask about the discounted ski lift passes for accessing higher offroad routes. Special menu for cyclists (plus pasta packs and unlimited coffee). Loads of local route advice, plus free wifi. Sauna for post-ride muscles.
Bike facilities
B&B with half-board option nestled at the bottom on the famous 21 bends
Hameau le Perrier
38114
Vaujany
Isere, Rhone-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)6 70 62 32 76
Email: info@lamaitreya.fr
Price from: €89 per room including breakfast; groups should ask about sole occupancy prices
Open: All year except November and the first week of May
La Maitreya is a 8-bedroom B&B and self-catered chalet with a sun-blessed terrace, hot tub and sauna facilities. Add in bike storage and the delicious, healthy food on offer (3-couse evening meals are available on request), and it's ideal for anyone looking to conquer the famous 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez. James and Whitney can cater for individual riders and couples on a B&B basis, or groups of up to 20 who are interested in booking the whole chalet, making this a flexible and affordable option for everyone. They can also arrange massages, bike rental, help with route planning, or cater for any other special requests you might have. Alpe d’Huez is on the doorstep, with the Glandon, Galibier, Lautaret, Croix de Fer and many more all within reach from here. For mountain bikers the Grand Domain Alpe d’Huez lift system runs throughout summer for downhill and cross country trails. French, English, Dutch and German spoken. Free wifi.
Bike facilities
Conquer Alpe d-Huez, Galibier, Glandon and Croix de Fer
Le Village
38114
Oz en Oisans
Haute Savoie, Rhone-Alpes
Phone: +33 (0)4 76 80 36 58
Email: info@lechateaudoz.com
Price from: Self-catering from €90/apartment/night; B&B €105€ for 2 people; Half-board €155 for 2 people. Book directly for best prices.
Open: Mid-May to end of September for cycling; open mid-December to the end of April for skiing
The mythical 21 bends of Alpe d'Huez are just around the corner from Le Château d’Oz. The Galibier, Glandon and Croix de Fer are just up the road with their dramatic landscapes and lung-busting gradients. The Oisans has more than 30 routes, including famous stages from the Tour de France. All routes start from the door. Transport is available in the chalet's minibus by arrangement. Free wifi. Secured garage for bikes and maintenance/washdown area. Accommodation is flexible, offering both self-catered and catered options, with the latter including hot and Continental breakfasts, three-course evening meals and post-cycling pasta.
Bike facilities
Specialist bike hotel with rooms and apartments, workshop and sauna
Le Village
05320
La Grave
Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (near Rhône-Alpes border)
Price from: €60 per person B&B based on double occupancy, or €85 per person for B&B and dinner (variety of room types and sizes available)
Open: End of May until the end of September for cycling; December to April for skiiing
Auberge Edelweiss is a specialist bike hotel in the heart of the Alps; Robin and Marlon are keen to welcome more English-speaking riders to enjoy the Galibier, Col d'Izoard, Alpe d'Huez and Col du Lautaret – all within easy reach. The hotel has information folders with profiles of all key climbs, plus cycling itineraries for both road and mountain bike routes (see their cycling page). The hotel is geared up for individual riders as well as groups, and can cater for big events like La Marmotte, Alpe d'Huzes, the Tour de France and Etape du Tour. Well-equiped workshop, plus Marlon and Robin work with a local bike shop that can deliver spares. Bike wash and sauna onsite; massages available on request. Oh, and plenty of wine and cold beer to help you relax on the terrace or in the restaurant. Then wake up to a generous breakfast of cereals, yoghurts, fruit juices, hot drinks, local jams and breads, meat, cheese and fruit salad. Bonne route!
Bike facilities
Information on a website for French, Dutch and German cycling guidebooks and maps.
Posted: 4 Sep 2019
Guidebook: Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way and Western Ireland
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