Hugging the Garonne River on France’s South-West, Toulouse’ Pyrenean backdrop signposts road cycling climbs while being a 4hr 42mins TGV from Paris. Contemporary urban design combines with historic charm and a collection of run, cycle and swim facilities from the doorstep of Accor’s Mama Shelter.

Mama Shelter’s 120-key Toulouse property is more central than Paris and Lyon sites, healthily subverting this calm city with an exciting and eclectic accommodation. Bedrooms are minimal but generously portioned, spanning small queen rooms to larger king doubles, suits and economical twins.

As for eating out elsewhere in Toulouse, find specialty coffee at Hayuco (multiple locations). Another hotel Maison Soclo has an excellent brunch which is available to non-guests/visitors. Ma Biche sur le Toit is a good rooftop bar and restaurant. Fat Cat also strong for evening cocktails after sunset.

Training Notes

For running south of Mama Shelter, Toulouse offers riverside paths along the Garonne River, and the extensive Canal du Midi to extend (push to the west bank of La Garonne for a continuous, 5km segment). The Pech-David are south of Toulouse provides hilly trail options, south of Mama Shelter by 5km – get there using the aiming for Parc de Pech-David (14 minutes on B-Line to Université Paul Sabatier). For track workouts, visit Stade Daniel Faucher (Google Maps) which is open during daylight hours (no booking, no fee). Run club Beaubien Studio organise mid-week runs from the city centre.

The famous Tour de France climbs Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin and Col d’Aubisque start over 80km from Toulouse so are out of reach without rai assistance. Note these villages for a road ride setting out from the west of Toulouse –  Levignac, Sarran, Laréole, Mauvezin, Saint-Clar, Lachapelle, Auvillar, Valence-d’Agen. Bike Rental France service bike hire in Toulouse – they have FARA road models.

For swimming, municipal pool Piscine Castex is your 50m outdoor pool – just remember to bring a swimming cap. Piscine Alfred Nakache is the adjacent indoor pool open throughout the winter.

Booking at mamashelter.com (discount with Dis-Loyalty). Review Based on stay in Room #328 in May 2025