Who are we?
We are Elma and Mark and have been owners of the cycling hotel Les Deux Vélos since November 2008. We originally come from Noord-Holland in the Netherlands.
After having travelled a lot for a number of years, we were ready for something different. During our search for a new challenge, we eventually ended up at this small-scale hotel in the beautiful French Pyrenees. Mark has always been an avid cyclist and since we come from the Netherlands, it was clear that we were going to do “something” with cycling.
We both really enjoy making everyone happy and letting them enjoy the wonderful surroundings in which we find ourselves. The fact that we have guests from all over the world makes it complete for us.
Mark is an experienced cyclist and spinning instructor. He also likes to tinker with bicycles and is always busy renovating and improving the hotel. In his spare time he cycles as much as possible when work (Elma) allows, regularly together with the guests to show them our fantastic surroundings and also "cycling paradise".
Elma loves cycling on the flat, but has come to the conclusion that cycling uphill is not really her hobby. Fortunately, she now has all the time for her real passions, cooking and making ceramics. Every day she serves you a delicious meal.
In the afternoon and evenings we try to make as much time as possible to hear all about the heroic climbs and other fantastic experiences.
Closely connected to the Dutch cycling association!
Elma has built up a lot of experience in the kitchen. For example, she has been working for Team Picnic-PostNL (formerly DSM) for more than four years to cook for the cyclists during altitude training camps. A fantastic experience in which she provides sports meals for cyclists who perform at the highest level. Everything has to be just right: nutritious, fresh, on time – and of course simply delicious. Mark is also present as a guide in the follow-up car during the training sessions.
As the icing on the cake, she was also asked by KNWU/Team NL to prepare the meals for the athletes of all cycling disciplines during the Olympic Games in Paris.
She brings all this knowledge with her every day in her kitchen at Les Deux Vélos. Whether you are a fanatic cyclist or just come to enjoy the mountains: you will always be in good hands at Elma's table.
Together we not only share our love for cycling, but also our pride that we can mean something for both recreational cyclists and professional cyclists.
Winter Full of Love around the corner
Early 2024, we suddenly had a special change in our quiet winter months: the camera crew of Winter Vol Liefde came to film in the neighborhood! They were here for recordings at Judith and Bart's, who live nearby.
The entire crew stayed with us and several shots were made in the immediate vicinity of our house. It was great fun to experience and of course we have a lot of nice anecdotes about it. So if you are ever curious about what really happened behind the scenes: feel free to ask at dinner!
Did you think the surroundings in the broadcast were beautiful? Then it is definitely worth coming by yourself and experiencing how beautiful it really is here.
