Abbeys and Vineyards Cycling

Highlights

An easy 6-night cycling holiday, perfect for people looking for a short break. World-famous wines (lots of tasting opportunities!), forgotten country villages, superb local cuisine.

Hotel Normandie , Auxerre

This hotel was originally a maison bourgeoise until it was converted into a hotel by an ex-patissier! It has now been in Mme Ramise's family for over 45 years.

The hotel only provides breakfast, although a la carte room service is possible (very reasonably priced and a good selection of hot and cold dishes). However, it's fun to explore the lovely town of Auxerre and there are plenty of good restaurants in all price ranges within 5-15 minutes walk.

There's a public swimming pool in the town and a sauna at the hotel (approx 7€). There is a secure closed garage behind the hotel (5€ per day) or free parking in front (ask at reception).

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

Relais St Vincent , Ligny-le-chatel

The Relais St Vincent offers 15 stylish, comfortable rooms, with en suite bathrooms, television and telephone.

Meals are a real treat; the dining room has thick wooden beams and chandeliers

15 Place Voltaire, Vermenton

15 Place Voltaire is a charming chambre d'hotes run by Mark and Alison Walters. The rooms here are all individually and stylishly decorated and all have ensuite bathroom equipped with hairdryers and bathrobes.

Meals are taken in two local restaurants that are within walking distance. There is also a kitchen available for your use for preparing and storing those all important picnics and bottles of water!

Further details on the hotel website.

Hotel St Louis, St Omer

A traditional hotel recently modernised in the town centre-Very convenient for the channel ports and also for exploring St Omer itself- an aristocratic town that boasts the finest Cathedral in Northern France.

The hotel has two restaurants. One of these has an airy modern feel, the other is more intimate with low lighting and a brick 'cellar' feel. There is also a residents' bar- le Flo.

The rooms are furnished in a simple but appealing style and all have an en suite bathrooms.

The hotel also has private parking for its guests.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor

Les Trois Mousquetaires, Aire-sur-la-Lys

The Hostellerie Les Trois Mousquetaires is just over a 30 minute from the Eurotunnel terminal and port at Calais as well as the port of Dunkerque. Named after the three musketeers, its appearance and setting are just as romantic as its name. The hotel is a 19C chateau, which was built on the foundations of a Vauban fortress.

Lovingly converted into a hotel, its 31 rooms and 2 suites are decorated in period furniture throughout with chandeliers and even four-poster beds in some. The chateau is full of cosy corners; intimate lounges with open fires, and a comfortable bar where you can linger over an aperitif before dinner.

The chateau's restaurant is a gastronome's delight and a stay here can be no better introduction to the culinary pleasures, which will no doubt await you as you travel through France. The chateau is surrounded by over 3 hectares of parkland in which you can walk off that dinner, and also has its own golf course, gymnasium and boules pitch.

Nearby is the historical town Aire-sur-La-Lys. Not be missed is its Renaissance Baillage or barracks which was once under the command of d'Artagnan himself. Good for children is the Nausicaa sea centre at Boulogne - an exciting futuristic aquarium.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor

Hotel Le Senat , Paris

Le Senat is a 3 star hotel but with a 4 star feel! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, 5 minutes walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor