Hertz in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, located in the south-east of France close to the coast, is famed for its cultural and architectural heritage and for its vivid springtime colors. Boasting an elegant old town, winding streets and lively markets, it’s a great place to get a taste of the region while also serving as a starting point to explore more of fabulous France.

Car rental in Aix-en-Provence makes it possible to visit not only the neighboring port city of Marseille, but also places further afield, such as Lyon, with its sensational cuisine, and the popular ski resort Grenoble .

If you’re arriving by rail, you’ll find a pick-up desk handily located in the central area at TGV Railway Station so you can collect your vehicle at the start of your visit. We also have a collection point in the city center, at 43 Avenue Victor Hugo.

Our rental process is quick and easy, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Driving in and around Aix-en-Provence

An elegant, pretty town with narrow streets and no shortage of charm, Aix is also pleasant to drive around. The Cours Mirabeau is the main road through the heart of the city and a great starting point to explore the center.

Here you’ll find ample parking, mostly in lots and on the town’s periphery – free street parking is relatively scarce, however.

Like most countries in mainland Europe, France also drives on the right hand side of the road. The speed limit for cars on freeways is 130 km/h (60 mph), although this falls to 110 km/h (68 mph) if there is rain or other adverse weather conditions. The limit on most other roads is 80 km/h (50 mph) or 50 km/h (30 mph) in built-up areas.

French road laws include on-the-spot fines for some offences, mostly common sense ones, including not wearing a seatbelt, illegally overtaking or not stopping at a ‘stop’ sign. There are many speed cameras, both hidden and visible, in place on French roads. Check out the rules and regulations for driving in France before you go – however, this is mostly a pleasant place to drive, with charming rural roads aplenty.

Car hire in the south of France offers you the freedom to get off the beaten track and explore the local highlights at your leisure. Aix-en-Provence is well-connected, with the A7 and A8 linking it directly to nearby Marseille, the second-largest city in France. The A8 cuts east to west across Aix.

The A7 will also take you north to Avignon, the historic capital of Provence, while following the A8 east takes you along the coast to the glamorous resorts of Cannes and Nice. A couple of hours’ drive along the A54 heading west transports you to Montpellier, a destination that’s great for shopping and boasts some beautiful sandy beaches right on its doorstep.

A quick guide to Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is one of France’s most elegant cities, with its impressive central boulevard filled with fountains and stylish mansions. Away from the center, there’s plenty more to see in this region with the coastline beckoning to the south and west, and gorgeous Gallic countryside in every direction.

A bustling boulevard

Most visitors to Aix-en-Provence head straight for the Cours Mirabeau, the city’s very own version of the Champs Elysées. Lined with cafés and rows of trees, this busy and grandiose street is a must-see. Among the many impressive buildings is the Hôtel de Villars, which dates back to 1710 and boasts four distinctive pillars outside its entrance.

You’ll also spot many fountains along the street including La Rotonde, the symbol of Aix-en-Provence. After taking in some of the sights, you’ll find plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat, such as the Café de Deux Garçons where you can sample meat and seafood dishes cooked in the traditional Provencal style.

Also worth a visit is the Musée Granet, the city’s main art gallery. With paintings by some of the greatest names in art including Monet, Matisse and Picasso, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

In the footsteps of Cézanne

Aix-en-Provence was home to the Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, born in the city in 1839. Today, you can visit a number of sites marking key milestones in the life of the artist, including the Atelier de Cézanne, his former home and studio which is now a museum celebrating his achievements.

Located just a short distance from the Cours Mirabeau, you can explore the garden courtyard and the studio inside the house, where the artist worked. It’s been carefully preserved since Cézanne’s death in 1906, and the relaxed atmosphere will almost make you forget this is a museum. The peaceful garden and quiet surroundings make it the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.

Marvelous Mediterranean sun

Just a couple of hours’ drive along the A8 freeway you’ll find one of France’s most popular tourist hotspots, Nice.

Known as the ‘capital of the Côte d’Azur’, Nice is a classically beautiful city with seven kilometers of beach along its Promenade des Anglais. The gorgeous pebble beach is a huge draw for the many sun-seekers who travel here each year.

In the west of the old city you’ll find Le Chateau de Nice, the site of a former fortress demolished hundreds of years ago that today has been transformed into a serene park filled with trees, shrubs and a waterfall. To the east is the old port, now a yachting marina where you’ll spot some incredible luxury boats owned by the super-rich. Nice is well connected to the French Riviera coast and renting a car for your visit makes it possible to explore this amazing region and beyond. It’s a trip you’ll never forget.