I found these hotels great for a 'cold beating dash' across Europe as they are situated next to the highway on the edge of town. This means you don't have to waste time negotiating your way into and out of town and can get on the highway immediately the next day.
Sean

Hi Matt
Formule 1 is really useful for bikers, though better to camp unofficially in the excellent air de repos in France. Be discreet, dont be seen.
The other chain that beddist didnt tell you about is Hotel Etap - similar to Formule 1. There is also Mr Bed (any relation to beddist I wonder?) but very few of these.
The price of the Hotels is around 28 euros.

I should add that an "aire de repos" is a resting place on French motorways. The large ones have restaurants, petrol etc. Others(the smaller, better ones) have no petrol etc, but do have water and toilets; importantly they also have wooded areas where you can quietly put up your tent. I always ensure that I am hidden from most directions; I leave no trace of having been there. The only caution is to watch out for the occasional dogshit-but with care, this won't be a problem.

These places are good because you can stop anytime when you are tired if you have your tent and cooking gear. And of course, the bike is right beside you. Some of these places are very quiet indeed. And using the aires de repos means not having to search around for hotels etc. You'll find them roughly every 30-40 kms apart. And they're free! The money saved fills your tank next day. I go to France several times a year, and I find I have a few favourites now - home from home!

Best wishes
Denis


[This message has been edited by denis brown (edited 12 February 2006).]

Nice one, Dennis, I'll do a search for 'em.
Matt

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

I think Formula 1s are the cheapest chain in France, although the lack of en-suite is a drawback. As you pay for the room rather than per person they are better value for a family. Accomodation is usually cheap, cheerful and clean. The Banzai chain is also cheap and cheerful and does have ensuite - they seem to be used a lot by blue collar workers away from home. None of the formula ones or Banzai's I've seen have secure parking. If you take a little more trouble and look for the local chambre d'hotes they will almost certainly be cheaper and more likely to have secure parking.
I stayed in a chateau once while I was working in France (found it in www.sawdays.co.uk) They charged less than a formula one, gave me breakfast and I got to keep my bike in the old servants kitchen!

[This message has been edited by harleyrider (edited 08 February 2006).]

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