In Japan, as a check-in, we “cycle-in”, without getting off the bike, in design hotels.
In France, bicycle rental is slowly starting to spread in establishments.
Will this service follow the evolution of Wi-Fi, a paid option in its infancy and then included in the price?
Perhaps.
Cyclists are demanding.
If they managed to arrange a stage without charm a little while ago, they are now becoming finicky about accommodation or even his… garage - the price of a bike that can reach four zeros!
For the past five years, Relais & Châteaux have thus adapted, with the “Routes of happiness”, to connect addresses by bike by pedaling, luggage transfer included.
Here are five "cyclo-friendly" addresses.
Read also: Cycle tourism: three new routes to explore France by bike this summer
Le Barn, rustic conviviality
Le Barn, in the Chevreuse valley, 1h40 by bike from Paris.
Le Barn / Photo press
“
More and more customers are pedaling from Paris to us.
The electric bike allows you to arrive fresh in 1 hour 40 minutes
, ”notes Édouard Daehn, co-founder of Le Barn, in the Chevreuse valley.
Soles snapping on the waxed concrete, penguin outfits and special jerseys… When the local cycling team dismounts, it is to display their record of the day and to treat themselves to a coffee tour after 55 km from Paris - Swimsuit holder.
A happy group of friends who reflect the conviviality of this dream family home for all ages, a playground around a lake and the forest of Rambouillet.
Bicycles designed by the Be-Pôles agency are available to amateurs.
For the more experienced: the Gravel, a versatile bicycle for the road and the countryside.
Brilliant pedal stroke: unique routes for cyclists (Gravel) and riders.
The Barn
.
Le Moulin de Brétigny, 78830 Bonnelles.
Phone.
: 01 86 38 00 00. From 150 € per night in a double room.
Read also: Le Barn, another way to live a weekend
The Nesk, new runner
Le Nesk, 3-star with 18 rooms and a guesthouse, runs a dream trail for cyclists in a nostalgic decoration.
Le Nesk / Photo press
The Tour de France caravan is far behind for this 1966 Michelin van converted to reception.
Perched at 760 meters in Sault en Provence in Ventoux, Le Nesk, 3-star with 18 rooms and a gîte, unrolls a dream trail for cyclists (and others) in a nostalgic decoration.
The bikes of the greatest champions (Eddy Merckx, Raymond Poulidor, Bernard Hinault…) are exhibited alongside other models retracing a hundred years of cycles since the grand-bi of 1888. Fantastic pieces from the Lino Lazzerini collection!
Repair workshop, secure garage (video and alarm) of 40 places, washing base, professional guides ... Everything has been thought out by Michel Navarro, owner and cyclist for 25 years, who inaugurates his establishment on May 7 and who has already been awarded: the Tour de France is going through Sault this year.
The Nesk
.
3 rue Belle Vue, 84390 Sault.
Phone.
: 06 29 94 66 73. From € 94 per night in a double room.
Read also: Cycling through France, the ordeal guaranteed?
Château de Saint-Martory, exclusive cycling
This 16th century castle welcomes cycling enthusiasts during stays hand-sewn by Chris Gutowski, former US rider and tour organizer.
Château de Saint-Martory / Press photo
Not far from the legendary passes of the Tour de France, 45 minutes from Blagnac by car, and bordered by the Garonne, this 16th century castle has been welcoming bike enthusiasts since 2017 during trips hand-stitched by Chris Gutowski, a former US rider. and tour organizer.
Rental of Pinarellos, race service, GPS route, physiotherapist, chef… Everything is set.
Neither hotel nor guest house, the castle is rented in its entirety.
"
Privatization is in tune with the times,
" remarks the owner, Jean-François Delort.
Once or twice a year, individual cyclists are also welcome.
The charming property has 10 rooms (without key or TV) mixing contemporary art and antique furniture.
Saint-Martory Castle
.
1 place de la Poste, 31360 Saint-Martory.
Phone.
: 05 61 87 68 59. From € 2,500 for 4 nights, all inclusive, based on 5 cyclists.
Crillon Le Brave Provence, experienced and leisure riders
The luxury hotel Crillon Le Brave has adapted its offer by offering guides for seasoned athletes.
Crillon le Brave Provence / Press photo
At the mere sight of Mont Ventoux, experienced cyclists feel ants in their calves.
Faced with this holy grail, the luxury hotel Crillon Le Brave has adapted its offer by offering accompanying guides for seasoned athletes.
“
The best go up in 2 hours to 2:30 am. I took 5 hours.
It's a very difficult effort, especially towards the end,
”emphasizes Guy Bertaud, Managing Director of the Maisons Pariente collection.
Other guided escapades at a slower pace are available.
"
It's an experience in the experience because we sometimes open private doors
", remarks the cyclist-manager of this unique hotel, scattered in nine houses in a village.
Hotel Crillon Le Brave
.
Place de l'Église, 84410 Crillon-le-Brave.
Phone.
: 04 90 65 61 61. From 430 € per night in a double room.
Read also: Cycling tourism, a growing market for professionals
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, the ultimate reference
A few pedal strokes from Mont Ventoux, the Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa, member of Relais & Châteaux.
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa / Press photo
If cyclists' paradise exists, it is there.
In the scents of the South, between lavender and vines, this hotel was born from the passion of a man, the late Andy Rihs.
Then at the head of the Swiss bicycle brand BMC, he created this enchanting place a few pedal strokes from Mont Ventoux.
The Cycling Center offers an incredible selection: top-of-the-range racing, mountain, road, electric bikes, not to mention small models for children… The whole universe of the little queen is there.
Once in the saddle, all you have to do is pedal, alone or during a guided outing accompanied by a stop to taste the vineyard of this member house of Relais & Châteaux.
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa
.
Le Perrotet, 84400 Gargas.
Phone.
: 04 90 74 71 71. From € 340 per night in a double room.