Renting a bike
To make the very most of your cycling adventure, renting a bike and useful accessories may offer the perfect solution for you. Renting a bike in the French regions covered by La Vélidéale provides valuable flexibility. Bike rental companies dotted along La Vélidéale can propose a whole range of services, for example if you’re looking to top up on the equipment needed by your group, or to guarantee having a bike in excellent condition. These companies can provide useful accessories as well as bikes, including panniers, trailers or even trailer bikes.
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Hiring a bike on the spot, from an Accueil Vélo accredited bike rental company
Bike rental companies awarded Accueil Vélo accreditation will go above and beyond for cyclists tackling La Vélidéale. On the stage maps (under the section ℹ️), you’ll find details on companies dedicated to making the required commitments. They stand out along the way thanks to signs carrying the Accueil Vélo logo.
- Proximity: accredited bike rental companies must lie within 5km of La Vélidéale.
- A variety of types of bike: offering hybrid bikes as well as touring bikes for men, women and children.
- Accessories available, depending on facilities on offer: bike locks; bicycle repair kits; helmets; high-viz jackets… Plus, the possibility of hiring: luggage holders; smartphone holders; panniers; trailers; baby seats; tandems; and more.
Hiring an e-bike (VAE in French)
Hiring an electric bike (un vélo à Assistance Électrique, or VAE, in French) that conforms to EU regulations (max 250W; the cyclist must have to pedal to generate the electric assistance…) is also possible from various bike rental companies along La Vélidéale. Consult an up-to-date list of providers and discover new ways to ride along our cycle route.
Hire a bike from your start point, leave it at your end point, making the most of a one-way service.
For those on a cycling trip lasting several days, managing bicycle logistics can prove complicated. So, why not opt for a one-way formula, on offer from certain bike rental companies, or then contact specialist transporters for a hassle-free solution.
A few tips
Book online or by phone. Most bike rental companies can take reservations online. If that’s not possible, then call by phone to book your e-bike in advance.
- Verify the bike rental company’s terms and conditions: Make sure you understand the conditions of hiring your bike(s), and the pricing, the minimum period for hiring the bike(s), cancellation policies and any potential added costs.
- Choose your start point with care: Opt for a practical start point for your cycling adventure. Some bike rental companies also offer several specific places from which they’ll pick up your bike(s) at the end, in which case, select the one that suits you best.
- Have all your documents ready: Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation with you, such as an official form of identity and, if stipulated, the deposit. Certain companies may also require you to take out civil liability insurance.