TOULOUSE, FRANCE -- (Marketwire) -- 02/08/13 -- Cycling fan or not, it's hard to escape the excitement of the Tour de France. This year the race celebrates 100 years, and the Courtyard Toulouse Airport is proud to play a part by hosting teams, racing fans and journalists at its hotel near Toulouse Blagnac Airport.

The annual bike race is arguably the world's most famous, travelling through France each summer for a span of three weeks. This year's race takes place 29 June to 21 July and will cover a distance of 3,360km. On 6 July, the tour will make a stop in Toulouse, and this four-star Toulouse hotel will host teams and journalists for the third year in a row.

Made up of 21 stages, the race includes seven flat stages, five hilly stages, six mountain stages with four summit finishes, two individual time-trial stages, one team time-trial stage and two rest days. This year's race will see some new additions and exciting changes. After traveling in Corsica, the rest of the race will go through mainland France, the first time since 2003 that this will happen. The team time-trial, last carried out in 2011, will take place at the 4th stage in Nice, and two individual time-trials will take place at the 11th and 17th stages. The highlight of this year's race, however, will be the climbing of Alpe-d'Huez -- twice -- at the 18th stage.

All the racing excitement will require a good night's rest, and the Courtyard Toulouse Airport offers rooms and amenities to help guests relax and re-energise. Guestrooms feature comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, room service, high-speed Internet access and minifridge. Spend time lounging in the outdoor heated pool, or take inspiration from the race's athletes and head to the fitness centre. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely meal of Mediterranean cuisine and fine wine at Oleo Pazzo; the garden terrace is a nice spot to enjoy the weather.

To learn more about the Courtyard Toulouse Airport or to book Toulouse hotel accommodations, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel-guide/tlscy-courtyard-toulouse-airport/.

About the Courtyard Toulouse Airport
Offering a convenient location, thoughtful amenities and comfortable accommodations, the Courtyard Toulouse Airport hotel is a smart choice for business and leisure travellers alike. This four-star hotel welcomes visitors to the city in style with a complimentary shuttle from Toulouse Blagnac International Airport, just minutes away. Upon arrival, head to a spacious, cosy guestroom, where plush bedding, a large desk with ergonomic chair, high-speed Internet access, minifridge, coffee/tea service and elegant bathroom with extras (including a towel-warmer) await. If hunger strikes but the thought of going out isn't appealing, order room service and enjoy a delicious meal without leaving the room. Or, jump right into things and head out to explore the heart of the city, where museums, the opera and the famous Place du Capitole are waiting to be explored. Business travellers can check in with the office before heading to meetings at the headquarters for Airbus, nearby, or in this hotel's three meeting rooms; the largest can seat up to 80 guests. Grab an energising snack at the 24-hour market before a workout in the fitness centre, or wind down with a good meal and fine wine at the Mediterranean Oleo Pazzo, offering seating on a lovely garden terrace. In season, enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated pool.

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