Car hire in Montpellier
Hiring a car in Montpellier
Montpellier may not be one of the most well-known destinations in southern France, but it is definitely a location worth a visit. The relaxed vibe of the city is the perfect choice for a holiday, while it features buildings that rival any other places in France in terms of beauty.
With an interesting history that is unlike anywhere else in the country and a vibrant multi-cultural population, there is plenty to learn about. While the city features a few pedestrian-only areas, driving around it and throughout the region is the best way to explore. Take in everything Montpellier has to offer by hiring a car before you travel.
What you need to know
There are a dozen car hire companies to choose from in Montpellier, depending on where you are collecting your car from. This ensures you can choose from a huge number of cars to find the right vehicle at the correct price.
Make your decision easier by using our booking tool, which will show you what cars are available for the dates of your trip. It also gives you the full price so you know there are no hidden costs.
Booking through Holiday Autos also means you'll get free cancellation and around the clock support.
Where to pick up your car
If you're flying into Montpellier, you can pick your car up at the airport, allowing you to start your holiday straight away. You'll find the car hire offices outside the terminal building opposite the Business Centre at Montpellier Airport (MPL).
The city also has a busy train station, so those travelling in by rail from other areas of France can pick up their car from there. You'll find a car hire depot at the train station where your vehicle can be collected during office hours.
Some companies also offer hire car pick up from other points across Montpellier, so you should check what your options are before you travel.
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Where to go
As soon as you have your car, this vibrant university city is your oyster. Enjoy some great shopping, from clothing to local food, find your favourite restaurant, or just take in the exquisite architecture of the town.
You can also drive to the coast to mix some sun, sea and sand in with your city break. Alternatively, explore any of the picturesque towns and villages that are scattered across the Languedoc region.
Whatever you choose to do while you're staying in Montpellier, hiring a car will ensure you have the freedom you need in order to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Nearby Montpellier
Not only does Montpellier have great attractions within its boundaries, it is also close to a number of other brilliant locations. One place that is worth a visit, especially if you're a fan of seafood, is Sète.
Just 30km away from Montpellier via the D612, Sète is a gritty port town that features numerous canals running through it. While other towns on the Languedoc coast are quite tourist-focussed, Sète is a lot more relaxed and honest. Head here for fantastic food and lovely views.
If the coast isn't right for you without a beach, drive the 44 minutes down the D62 to arguably the best beach in the Languedoc region. Espiguette beach is all about crystal blue water, white sand and dunes. It is also reasonably quiet, so you won't get coastal bars and restaurants, although a picnic on the beach is the perfect choice.
Longer drives
It isn't just smaller towns and great beaches that are within driving distance of Montpellier, there are also a number of great cities that are ideal for a day trip. One of these is Nîmes, which is just over an hour away via the A9. It has brilliant markets and some fascinating museums that will tell you all about how it was one of the most important cities of Roman Gaul.
Those visiting Montpellier during the summer months may want to head down the A9 to Béziers. This busy town is full of history and beautiful buildings, but it is the summer festivals that really make it worth a visit. You'll get drawn into the colourful vibrancy of the town during the warmer months, with the atmosphere being highly infectious.
Top attractions in Montpellier
There are so many places to visit within Montpellier that hiring a car ensures you can see as many of the top attractions as possible during your trip.
Cathédrale St-Pierre
One of the most imposing buildings in Montpellier is the monumental Cathédrale St-Pierre. This stunning building was once a church attached to a monastery, but was named as a cathedral back in 1536. It is the seat of the city's archbishops and is beautiful inside and out, offering plenty of photo opportunities. The cathedral is a national monument of France, so you really can't visit Montpellier without going to see it.
Aquarium Mare Nostrum
A fun day out for all the family, Aquarium Mare Nostrum is incredibly interesting and offers plenty to see. You'll find the aquarium in the Odysseum shopping centre so you can hit the stores after your visit. It features 15 recreated aquatic environments and an Ocean Balcony that allows you to look down into shark-infested waters. There are also a lot of interactive activities that will be fun for kids of all ages.
Musée Fabre
Montpellier is home to one of the best collections of European art in France. The Musée Fabre was founded back in 1825 by François-Xavier Fabre and underwent renovations in between 2002 and 2007. It holds pieces from the last 600 years of artists, including all the names you would expect to see.
The museum is also attached to L’Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran, a stunning Montpellier mansion that you can visit. Inside you'll find beautiful furniture and architecture that tells you a lot about the wealth of the city toward the end of the 19th century.
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