Car hire in Avignon
Hiring a car in Avignon
Known as the 'Medieval City of the Popes' Avignon in south-eastern France is a beautiful location that seems to take you back in time. The city is also the heart of Provence, providing a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as its yearly art festival.
Avignon draws history fanatics, artists and those who love to shop, with the grand surrounds making any holiday truly special.
Driving in the city can be an experience as there are very few signposts. However, hiring a car is by far the easiest way to get around and allows you to explore more of this area of France.
What you need to know
Hiring a car in Avignon is reasonably easy as there are around a dozen companies operating in the city from various locations. Our booking tool will show you which car hire companies are available and where you can pick up your vehicle from, making it easy to find the right car.
The tool also ensures you get a complete cost with no hidden charges, so you can be sure you're getting the best deal. We also offer all customers who book through Holiday Autos free cancellation and amendments in case your plans change, along with around the clock support.
Where to pick up your car
One of the best options when it comes to picking up your hire car is to do so from Avignon TGV. The train station is quite central and has pick-up points for most of the car hire providers close by.
If you are flying into Avignon Airport (AVN) you have the option to pick up your car here too, although fewer companies offer this location as a collection point due to the small size of the airport.
A number of companies also allow you to pick up your car at other points throughout the city, meaning you can choose a provider who is close to your hotel for ease.
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Where to go
Avignon is one of the best places to be starting out at if you want to explore the region of Provence. Not only does it have its own stunning historical sites, brilliant shops and summer festivals, Avignon is right in the middle of the region.
Hiring a car ensures you can fit as much as possible into your holiday, allowing you to fully make the most of your time in the city. Take in the views at Saint Bénézet Bridge, revel in the history of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Doms or simply relax with a coffee and watch the world go by at Place de l'Horloge.
Nearby Avignon
If your journey is starting off at the Avignon TGV station, you are just 15 minutes away from the Rocher des Doms. Drive down Rocade Charles de Gaulle to this promontory, which will offer you breathtaking panoramic views of Avignon. There is a green park on the summit, which is ideal for a walk or a picnic, with either option allowing you to take in wonderful views.
Just 30 minutes away via the A7 - which has tolls - is the village of Orange. Wonderfully picturesque, Orange is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres. Built in the classical period, the theatre has stepped stone seats rising above the stage, creating a monumental complex. Here you may be lucky enough to see a festival performance during the summer, with the acoustics of the theatre making it perfect for operas.
Longer drives
For those who want a day trip that is slightly further away from Avignon, which will give you a chance to take in the scenery, Marseille is only 103km away via the A7 toll road. The Mediterranean port is a cosmopolitan centre, offering a great seaside location and bustling streets. Here you can walk through historic districts, sample the city's specialty - bouillabaisse - and enjoy the gorgeous weather.
Another stunning village within an hour's drive of Avignon is Gordes. Set in the UNESCO-listed Parc Régional du Lubéron, Gordes is wonderfully picturesque and has been named as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a hilltop, the village offers you a glimpse of what medieval France was like. Simply walking around will give you plenty to explore and will allow you to see why so many have taken inspiration from Gordes for paintings.
Top attractions in Avignon
You can really explore Avignon and see what Province has to offer when you hire a car. Take an adventure around the area's top attractions and see it all with the freedom that car hire affords you.
Palais des Papes
Probably the most well-known historical site in Avignon is the Palais des Papes. It is here that Pope Clement V moved the papal court from Rome at the request of King Philippe. While the papacy only stayed for a few decades, the fortress-like building still stands today in all its imposing glory. From afar, the Palais des Papes looks like a castle from a fairytale and inside is just as exquisite. Take a tour to really appreciate how powerful the papacy was during medieval times.
Pont Saint Bénézet
Pont Saint Bénézet is home to the Saint Bénézet Bridge, which was built in 1177. The bridge has an interesting history, if the legends are to be believed. It is said that it was constructed by the shepherd Bénézet after an angel instructed him to build a bridge over the Rhône River. He was given the power to raise a lump of rock to make the bridge out of. It became an important route until the 17th century, but now lies in mostly in ruins.
Place de L'Horloge
If you want to take a break in the sunshine and watch the world go by, there is nowhere better to do so than Place de L'Horloge. The beautiful square is lined with brilliant little cafes that are the ideal places to get a bite of the local cuisine and enjoy a strong coffee while sitting out in the sun.
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