Thanks for all the suggestions. The Italian option andym mentioned looks very good - seaside hotels, decent bikes, route plans, guides and organised rides (if you want them), loads of food, beautiful part of the world. Not that cheap mind. I think the other main option I'm considering is a week in Mallorca in autumn - prices for a week with self catering accommodation at under £200 at the moment. I'll think on it. Would November be too late for Mallorca?
Interesting question, 1 Iota. And a lovely area that you're in - I love France.
It's difficult - I guess you're in the a position where you either try to cater for everyone or aim for a specific market and risk alienating yourself from others. I think the main distinction you'd need to make is whether you are catering for 'serious' cyclists or just 'people who might want to hire a bike'.
People for whom cycling is a major part of their holiday would fall into two categories, I'd say - those who want to bring their own bikes (probably quite a high percentage) and those (like me!) who want to hire - but hire top quality bikes (and usually bring our own pedals, shoes, helmets etc.). In which case you'd need a fleet of top spec machines and make it clear that you have all the other facilities cyclists would want - bike washing area, maintenance/workshop space, decent shower, decent clothes washing facilities, access to loads of food etc.
The other end of it is 'normal' holiday bike rental - a few hybrids and some kids bikes for pootling around on.
Or go for both - but that would require more space/cash for bikes.
I'd be inclined to say there are a lot of people in the 'serious cyclist' category who would want to bring their own bikes and that would be a reasonable market to aim for - without you having to worry too much about the hire.
Dunno - I'm just thinking aloud really.
