Car Rental - Montpellier
An array of grand architecture? Check. Exquisite eateries? Certainly. Proximity to the Mediterranean coast? Oh yes. Introducing the stylish city of Montpellier in the south of France, one of the most attractive destinations in this beautiful part of Europe.
Renting a car in Montpellier is the most flexible way to see the city and the surrounding area. Marseille and Nimes are within easy reach in a holiday car rental, as is the rest of the stunning Languedoc region.
We have several holiday car rental branches around the city, including the train station and Montpellier Airport, for your convenience. Our all-inclusive price means there are no hidden extras to pay for, so you can relax and enjoy your French vacation.
Browse our Montpellier car rental collection now to reserve the perfect vehicle for your vacation – whether you need a roomy family car or something more compact as a business car rental.
Montpellier Locations
A Quick Guide to Montpellier
Explore to Eye Catching
Park your holiday car rental and discover the pulse of Montpellier on foot at Place de la Comédie in Écusson, the historic old town. Architecture here is designed to catch the eye, from the grand Opéra National de Montpellier at one end of the square to the distinctive Fontaine des Trois Grâces that stands proudly in its center.
Along the other side of the square is a shopping mall teeming with fashion stores and a parade of cafés where you can enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by.
From here, wander along the tree-lined boulevards in the direction of Musée Fabre. Behind the 19th century façade, you’ll find an enormous collection of European art with paintings by iconic artists such as Rubens, Monet and Poussin.
Take the rest of the day to explore Montpellier’s wealth of impressive architectural sights among the medieval streets. The city has its very own Arc de Triomphe, built in the late 17th century, more than 100 years before Paris’ famous arch was built. Scale more than 100 steps to the viewing platform and drink in the sweeping vistas of the city.
Greenery and Gourmet Spots
A stone’s throw from the city’s 16th century cathedral, you’ll find the historic Jardin des Plantes. A feast for the senses, this botanical garden is the oldest of its kind in France and a sedate pocket of green, the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Park up your holiday car rental and take a wander to spot bamboo plants and palm trees along the winding paths, then find a shady spot to enjoy a picnic. After you’ve refueled, head into the greenhouse to see exotic plants and flowers from all around the world and breathe in the sweet aromas exuding from the tropical flora.
Tasting the world-class cuisine in Montpellier is a must. Le Petit Jardin is a local favorite, adored for its seasonal menu. Tucked away down a narrow street, this unassuming restaurant boasts a beautiful flower-filled terrace, perfect for lunching alfresco. Feast on sautéed scallops, stuffed veal breast or roasted turbot as you look out onto the city’s cathedral.
Beach Chic
Montpellier is a great base for exploring France’s Mediterranean beaches and, with a holiday rental car, it’s just a short drive to a wealth of serene coastal destinations.
Discover the unspoilt beauty of Plage de L’Espiguette. Wild and more than 11 miles long, this beach is an idyllic place to enjoy the balmy weather during the summer. Simply laze on the golden shore or head into the sparkling waters for a range of water sports.
On the other side of Montpellier lies Sète, an attractive port nicknamed ‘Little Venice of Languedoc’ thanks to the canals that lace the town. With the saltwater lagoon Étang du Thau on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, there’s an abundance of beaches where you can bask in the French sunshine.
As you’d expect, there are plenty of seafood restaurants where you can sample fresh oysters and mussels in Sète. La Méditerranéenne on the quayside is one of the best, where you can order a platter and enjoy the creme de la creme of seafood.
Renting a car for your trip to Montpellier puts all the attractions within easy reach and lets you do it all at a pace that suits you.
Driving In and Around Montpelier
Due to its compact size, Montpellier is straightforward to navigate in a holiday car rental. The D65 loops around most of the city, with the A709 snaking through the south-east.
Once you reach the heart of the city, you’ll find that some sections, like Place de la Comédie, are off-limits to cars. There are parking lots available near the top attractions, including Parking Indigo and Parking de la Comédie, so you can leave your Montpellier rental vehicle and explore on foot.
One of the closest cities to Montpellier is historic Nimes, just an hour away via the A9 in your holiday car rental. It’s wealth of Roman ruins are not to be missed. Marseille, France’s second city, can be reached within two hours along the A54. Wander the historic port and enjoy deliciously fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
If you’d prefer to explore a little closer to Montpellier, the city’s top beach is Plage de L’Espiguette, just a 40-minute journey around the peninsula via the D62. For more outdoor adventures, head along the D986 and go hiking at Pic Saint-Loup.
The roads in France range from narrow country lanes to multi-lane highways, so it’s worth planning your journey in advance before you set off. French freeways, known locally as autoroutes, are in excellent condition but have tolls as they’re privately maintained. If you want to avoid the tolls, it’s usually possible to take a less direct route along national roads.
Like most other countries in Europe, drivers in France use the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. At intersections, vehicles approaching from your right usually have priority unless there are signs that indicate otherwise.
