If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best way to get to know a city isn’t always through museums or restaurants—it’s by moving through it at your own pace. For me, that means running. Jogging has become my way of connecting with new places. When I lace up my sneakers in a new city, I don’t just see landmarks; I feel the rhythm of the streets, the energy of the people, and the natural flow of the environment.
When I arrived in Toulouse—France’s Ville Rose (Pink City)—I knew immediately it was the kind of place made for running. The Garonne River cuts elegantly through the city, leafy boulevards stretch wide and inviting, and the parks are alive with locals. Toulouse is a city of students, families, and professionals, and jogging seems to bring them all together in the mornings and evenings.
During my stay, I explored three running routes myself, each with its own personality: one that winds through the city’s historic heart, one along the calming Garonne Riverbanks, and one that lets you escape into sprawling parkland. Then, after swapping stories with fellow joggers and doing my usual research, I found four more routes worth recommending for any runner visiting Toulouse.
Here’s my personal guide to the best jogging routes in Toulouse, complete with my experiences, impressions, pros and cons, how to get there, suggested distances, and some practical tips.
🏃♂️ Routes I Personally Ran
- The Garonne Riverside Run – My Daily Go-To
📍 Location: Starting from Pont Neuf, running along Cours Dillon and Prairie des Filtres
📏 Distance: 5–10 km (flexible)
🕒 Best Time: Early morning or sunset
If there’s one route that defines Toulouse running for me, it’s the Garonne Riverbanks. Every city with a river has its riverside joggers, but Toulouse takes it to another level.
🌄 My Experience
On my first morning in the city, I woke up at dawn, laced my shoes, and headed for Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge across the Garonne. The city was still waking up, but as soon as I hit the riverside path, I saw locals—some with dogs, some pushing strollers, and some, like me, lost in their stride.
The route here is flat and shaded in parts, with the water glittering in the morning light. I ran south along the Prairie des Filtres, a huge riverside park where yoga groups were already gathering on the grass. Later in the week, I tried an evening jog here and was rewarded with a spectacular sunset—the sky turning pink to match Toulouse’s nickname.
✅ Pros
• Flat and scenic, perfect for all levels.
• Views of Pont Neuf and city skyline.
• Easy to extend distance along the river.
❌ Cons
• Gets crowded in the evenings.
• Limited water fountains—carry your own.
🚇 Getting There
From Capitole Square, it’s a 10-minute walk to Pont Neuf. From Toulouse-Matabiau Station, Metro Line A to Esquirol, then a short walk.
🌟 My Verdict: 9.5/10
This was my daily favorite—a route that kept me coming back for both fitness and scenery.
- Jardin des Plantes & the Green Loop – A Botanical Escape
📍 Location: 31 Allée Jules Guesde
📏 Distance: 3–6 km (looping options)
🕒 Best Time: Mid-morning weekdays (to avoid school groups)
Sometimes, I crave a softer run—one surrounded by greenery instead of traffic. For that, Jardin des Plantes and its surrounding gardens were perfect.
🌿 My Experience
I discovered that Jardin des Plantes, Jardin Royal, and Grand Rond are linked by charming pedestrian bridges. Together, they form a lush circuit where I could loop multiple times without ever crossing a busy street. The paths are shaded, the flowerbeds manicured, and the fountains add a refreshing touch.
I particularly loved jogging past the duck ponds, where kids fed birds and couples strolled. My pace slowed here, not because I was tired, but because I wanted to soak in the tranquility.
✅ Pros
• Green, shaded, and peaceful.
• Flat, safe paths.
• Easy to shorten or extend loops.
❌ Cons
• Paths can be narrow and busy.
• Not ideal for high-speed training.
🚇 Getting There
From François Verdier Metro (Line B), it’s a 7-minute walk. From the airport, take Tram T2 to Palais de Justice, then Metro B to François Verdier.
🌟 My Verdict: 8.5/10
A runner’s oasis in the middle of the city—ideal for recovery runs.
- Canal du Midi Run – UNESCO Scenery on Foot
📍 Location: Starting at Port Saint-Sauveur
📏 Distance: 10–20 km (out and back)
🕒 Best Time: Early morning for quiet paths
The Canal du Midi is one of Toulouse’s most famous landmarks, a 17th-century engineering marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’d cycled along it years ago, but this time, I decided to jog.
🚴 My Experience
The moment I started from Port Saint-Sauveur, I understood why locals love this path. The canal is lined with towering plane trees that create a green tunnel in summer. The dirt paths are kind on the knees, and the calm water mirrors the sky.
I ran about 12 km that morning, and though I could’ve gone further, I stopped often to watch boats pass through locks and to breathe in the smell of fresh-cut grass. It was less about speed and more about rhythm—the canal seemed to set its own pace.
✅ Pros
• Long, uninterrupted route.
• Shaded, soft surface.
• Historic and scenic.
❌ Cons
• Fewer amenities (no water fountains).
• Less lighting at night—avoid late runs.
🚇 Getting There
From Jean-Jaurès Metro (Lines A & B), it’s a 10-minute walk east to Port Saint-Sauveur.
🌟 My Verdict: 9/10
This run connected me with Toulouse’s history while giving me space to breathe.
🏃♀️ Routes I Recommend
- Prairie des Filtres Festival Run
• A lively riverside park with space for intervals.
• Best during summer events—combine jogging with live music vibes.
• Great for social runners. - Île du Ramier
• An island in the Garonne, full of trails and sports fields.
• Known as Toulouse’s “green lung.”
• Perfect for long weekend runs. - Parc de la Maourine (Borderouge)
• Located north of the city, great for quieter runs.
• Rich in biodiversity, with eco-trails.
• Family-friendly atmosphere. - Canal de Brienne Short Run
• A short but charming 2 km route near the river.
• Great for recovery jogs or beginners.
• Historic canal with plenty of benches for post-run stretching.
🛠️ Practical Tips for Runners in Toulouse
• Water & Snacks: Carry your own; fountains are sparse.
• Safety: Early mornings and evenings are popular, but avoid unlit areas.
• Apps & Maps: I used Komoot and Strava to track my runs.
• Events: Toulouse hosts races like the Marathon de Toulouse Métropole—book early if you want to join.
• Gear: Summers are hot (up to 35°C), so breathable fabrics are essential. Winters are mild but damp—bring a light waterproof layer.
✈️ Getting to the Routes from Airport & Station
• From Toulouse-Blagnac Airport: Tram T2 connects directly to the city in ~30 minutes. From there, most routes are within 15 minutes by metro.
• From Toulouse-Matabiau Station: Central location; Garonne, Canal du Midi, and Jardin des Plantes are all within walking distance or a 10-minute metro ride.
🌟Jogging in Toulouse wasn’t just about the kilometers I covered—it became a deeply personal way of experiencing the city. Each run told me something different: the Garonne Riverbanks showed me Toulouse’s pulse and people; the Jardin des Plantes loop whispered its calmer, botanical side; and the Canal du Midi carried me back into the city’s history, mile by mile.
What struck me most was how accessible running here is. Whether you land at Blagnac Airport or arrive by train at Matabiau Station, within minutes you can be in a park, on a canal path, or alongside the river. Unlike some cities where running feels like dodging cars and stoplights, Toulouse seems to invite you onto its paths. It’s a rare urban environment where history, nature, and community blend seamlessly with fitness.
I also realized how much these runs shaped my memories. Sure, I’ll remember eating cassoulet in a tiny restaurant or wandering through Capitole Square, but the moments that will stick even deeper are the ones at sunrise and sunset—when I was sweating, breathing deeply, and watching the light shift over Toulouse’s pink-brick buildings. Running allowed me to see the city not just as a tourist, but as a temporary local.
And maybe that’s the real gift of jogging while traveling: it’s not just exercise, it’s immersion. You nod to fellow runners, you dodge a group of students, you pause to let an elderly couple cross the path—and suddenly, you’re part of the city’s daily rhythm.
If you’re planning a trip to Toulouse, my advice is simple: pack your running shoes. No matter your level—whether you’re a casual jogger, a half-marathon enthusiast, or someone just starting out—the city has a route that will fit you perfectly. And if you can, try to run at least once along the Garonne during sunset. Trust me: when the river glows and the bridges reflect in the water, it feels like the whole city is running with you.
For me, Toulouse wasn’t just another stop in France—it was a place that reminded me how movement can turn travel into something unforgettable. Jogging here wasn’t just about staying fit; it was about connecting to a city in the most natural, authentic way possible. And as I boarded my train out of Toulouse, I knew this was one destination I’d always associate with that unique feeling: the joy of running freely through a city that feels alive at every step.