The best hotels for cycling, in France and elsewhere

3. Linder Cycling Hotel (Italie) | For handlebar freaks

Located in Selva di Val Gardena, the hotel in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Linder Cycling Hotel is a contemporary alpine refuge dedicated to active travelers… And more particularly to cyclists eager to tackle the big passes. This chalet with modernist architecture occupies a privileged location in the center from the village, lively in winter and summer, and benefits from immediate access to mountain roads – and the spectacular landscapes for which the region is renowned. In terms of comfort, the 42 keys feature modern decor punctuated with winks. to the story of the little queen.

The cycling position is precisely central: bikes (road, gravel, mountain bike) can be rented directly in the technical room of the Hôtel des Alpes and the ride can be accompanied by expert guides. It’s serious: the hotel has the Bike Hotel label, an award awarded by the South Tyrolean tourist office to establishments designed to welcome cyclists. It is of course possible to stay with your bike on site, without hassle.

After the ascent, a detour to the wellness area is appreciated: on the top floor of the chalet (with a superb view of the peaks that we have just climbed), we immerse ourselves in the heated swimming pool to relax the muscles, we extend the experience in the sauna or hammam, wrapped invigorating scents of herbs from the Dolomites… The Linder restaurant, Luis Eatery, also celebrates effort around generous South Tyrolean cuisine and well-chosen wines, the kind of gourmet stopover that nicely rewards a bike ride. Performance, relaxation and discreet chic move in the same direction here: a beautiful lifestyle hotel to take the turn of alpine cycling and dominate the peaks!

Linder Cycling Hôtel
Jungle of Val Gardena, Italy
42 clés, price from 303 euros per night

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4. The Sources of Cheverny |ÂThe Loire and the little queen

A castle hotel steeped in history, a pond bordered by reeds in the heart of wooded Sologne… Les Sources de Cheverny has the bucolic soul of a forest refuge and the comfort of a successful 5-star hotel. This luxury hotel near of the delicate and confidential Châteaux de la Loire (49 rooms and suites) was designed as a peaceful country house by Alice and Jérôme Tourbier, already at the origin of the Sources de Caudalie The keys are deployed in the castle and several. Very charming wooden lodges, scattered along the edge of the undergrowth. Each building reveals its own atmosphere: a cozy cocoon under the roofs, more contemporary lines in the cabins of the Hameau du Marais… But everywhere, the decor is immersive, punctuated. well-thought-out country details – right down to the rain boots ready to be put on in the room for foggy mornings!

Because it is the forest all around which punctuates your stay, especially by bike. The region being one of the French paradises for cycle tourism, the hotel lends electric or classic bikes and offers several carefully designed itineraries to explore the Loire Valley: its Emblematic castles, vineyards, Loire villages and the beautiful landscapes of Sologne are just a few pedal strokes away! From the estate, Cheverny can be reached in just a few minutes, while Chambord, Blois or the small forest roads offer so many getaways accessible to all levels. The very luxurious little extra: you can order and take on board a gourmet picnic basket, to enjoy on the course, while catching your breath. From May to September, the establishment also offers a Loire à Vélo package including accommodation for two nights (two people), breakfasts delivered to your room and one meal per day at the Auberge (price from 888 euros).

Back at Les Sources, the Caudalie spa is an unmissable stopover, as is, in the summer, the outdoor swimming pool opening onto the forest. For a hedonistic recovery, we then invite ourselves to the wine bar installed in the old cellar. And to nourish bellies hollowed out by the walk, the hotel has two complementary tables – L’Auberge, friendly, and Le Favori, a Michelin-starred restaurant, which celebrates local products with cuisine inspired by the forest and its nuances. We stay at the Sources de Cheverny to treat ourselves to the luxury of the Loire by bicycle and the simplicity of a deeply refreshing interlude.

The Springs of Cheverny
23 route de Fougère 41700 Cheverny
49 clés, price from 282 euros per night

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