Toulouse – A post-lockdown couples retreat in France
If you’ve been isolated from your other half during the lockdown or you need some quality alone time, the South of France has the perfect remedy – Toulouse. Nicknamed ‘the pink city’ for its jumble of coral roofs and shopfronts, Toulouse provides a romantic backdrop for couples on a getaway to reignite relationships.
With the local accent consistently voted the sexiest in France, it gives Paris a run for its money for being the city of love. With restaurants and their extended terraces now open, as well as shops, there’s no better time to visit France.
Brimming with affordable gourmet restaurants and a whole host of cultural attractions, Toulouse has an endless list of fun, dynamic ‘romantic date’ options.
Couples in search of relaxing quality time will also enjoy Sunset strolls along the medieval streets in the old neighbourhood, heading towards the romantic views of the river Garonne.
The Taste of Toulouse is a guided tour of the impressive Victor Hugo covered market in the heart of the city and teaches English-speaking tourists about the local products on offer.
Couples can tuck into baked goods, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses and sweet treats on their way around, while your guide teaches you about the food and provides top tips on how to buy it. Or enjoy a relaxing cycle through the city and along the Canal du Midi’s towpaths with VélÔ Toulouse, a self-service bike scheme. www.velo.toulouse.fr
Enjoy a romantic dinner at Une Table à Deux, located in the Des Carmes district. Their delicate cuisine is made fresh from local products and served in a charming setting, decorated with wooden furniture and brick walls. www.unetableadeux.fr
Toulouse’s quirky cinema hotel
In the heart of the pink city of Toulouse you will find the former movie theatre turned Mama Shelter hotel. Tucked behind the façade of an old movie palace on Boulevard Lazare, a stone’s throw from the Jardin Pierre Goudouli and the Jean Jaurès metro stop, the Mama Shelter hotel offers 120 comfortable rooms. Designed by Thierry Gaugain, the hotel is decked out with five-star bedding, spacious king-size beds, the latest technology, and the Mama Shelter chains unique style. On top of this, the hotel is fitted with an exclusive 45 seat cinema, suitably named CineMama, rooftop terrace with pizza oven, interior courtyard, and basketball court.
For those wanting to enjoy a taste of the South of France, Mama Shelter also offers some of the best local cuisine with its fresh ingredients. Its convenient central location, 2.2 km from the exhibition centre and only 2.8 km from Toulouse stadium allows guests to easily explore the wonders of Toulouse including its street theatre machines at La Halle de la Machine, the impressive coral-colour and the mansion house courtyards hidden behind closed doors and sample wine at Sample wine at No 5 Wine Bar, which was voted ‘Best Wine Bar in the World’.
www.mamashelter.com/en/toulous…
