Car Hire in Marseille

About Marseille

The city of Marseilles is located on the coast of the Gulf of Lion. The city represents the prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The oldest city in France was founded 600 years before Christ and is now the second-largest city in France and one of the oldest cities in Europe.

The city changed its name throughout history as it was inhabited by different cultures in different eras. But Marseille has been an important trading port from the beginning until today. The old port is located in the heart of the city and offers a great insight into the rich history of this city. Marseille experienced its heyday during the hectic times of colonization and in the 19th century when it became a thriving industrial city. With its bustling port, Marseille has a connecting point with different cultures across the sea, making it a multicultural and metropolitan city. Incidentally, Marseille has the third-largest Jewish community in Europe after London and Paris. Also, people from all over the world live and work in Marseille, so you can enjoy multiculturalism to the fullest.

At the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century, many old buildings were restored or reconstructed. In 2013, Marseille was the European Capital of Culture, and in 2017 European Capital of Sport.

Besides industry and multiculturalism, Marseille is the city with the second most museums in France, right after Paris, and has a lot to offer for every tourist. There are so many things to see and do in Marseille that you will be thrilled. If you prefer an active holiday, Marseille is the place for you, or if you prefer walking and visiting tourist attractions and museums, you will also find Marseille very interesting and we must not forget the many great beaches that offer different finishes and you will surely find one that suits you.

So do not hesitate, if you are planning or making a road trip through France, make sure to stop here and see this beautiful and unique city. You will not regret it. The city is very popular among different types of tourists. There are many young people here, also because of the good University of Marseille, but also many artists, nature lovers, sea lovers, and many different profiles of travellers who want to experience the atmosphere of Marseille.

Basic info and car hire in Marseille

• Location: South part of France
• Population: 868,277
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: The city has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate
• Holidays in Marseille: For public holidays in Marseille follow this link
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: Most roads in Marseille are in good condition.
• Car hire in Marseille: The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Marseille is at the Marseille airport and Marseille Saint-Charles Railway Station.  Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Marseille!

 Driving in Marseille

Marseille is the second-largest city in France and many French people would say that it is the capital of traffic jams. It is quite understandable that there is a lot of congestion at rush hours, as the city has many inhabitants and many jobs in the city centre, as well as many tourists throughout the year. Therefore, it might be best to drive to the area you want to explore, park your car in one of the many parking garages or underground garages (which are quite cheap and safe), and then explore the surroundings on foot or by public transport (metro, tram, bus...).

If you want to drive around the city by car, there will be few problems if you follow the rules and respect the road signs. If you avoid rush hours, you can drive around the city in a relaxed manner. Since Marseille is a city with a high crime rate, especially in the suburbs, it is advisable to use your car instead of public transport at night. Besides, driving through this city at night is a great experience. The lights of the city and of course the lights of the various ships and yachts in the port of Marseille give you a whole new perspective.

If you are starting your road trip here in Marseille or just stopping in, you should know that you have great access to the whole country outside the city. The condition of the roads is really good and you can choose between local roads and highways. It is up to you which way of travelling or driving you to prefer. If you want to get from one city to another faster, you should use the highways. However, if you prefer to explore the culture, landscapes, and people outside the cities, you should use the local roads which are also in good condition and will give you a nice road trip through this amazing country.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Marseille

Notre Dame de la Garde

This is one of the most famous landmarks in Marseille. This stunning church is located on a hill and offers a great view of the city and the sea. When you visit, be sure to explore the area around the church and find a perfect spot from which to watch the city, the bustling harbour, or the lapping sea. Of course, you will be amazed when you enter the church. With its wonderful mosaics and other decorations, this church is truly worth a visit when you come to Marseille. You can drive to this hill or use a bus that leaves every 20 minutes from the port. 

MuCEM

It is undoubtedly the best museum in the city. If you are interested in Mediterranean culture and history, there is no better place than this museum to explore it. In addition to exhibitions, you can also see films and presentations about the rise and development of this civilization from its beginnings until today.

The Old Town of Marseille, Le Panier

This multicultural and colourful old town is one of the most beautiful and picturesque old towns in all of France. It is also the oldest part of the city, having been inhabited by the ancient Greeks since the city's beginnings. You should experience this part of the city during the day and also in the evening when it takes on a different dimension and charm. You will undoubtedly fall in love with Le Panier and you can also take great photos here as it is known as one of the most popular places to post on social media. 

Vieux Port

The famous port was founded 600 years before Christ and is still in operation today. It has a long history with many turbulent times that have left their mark on this unique port. During the Second World War, it was heavily bombed and later renovated. Today, it is one of the most popular places for tourists and travellers from all over the world. You can simply stroll around the harbour and admire the wonderful surroundings and the many different ships and boats that are docked in the harbour. There are also many restaurants and shops here in the harbour, so you can easily spend an entire afternoon here. If you consider that there are also some historical sites here, you will definitely like Vieux Port.

Le Panier

This truly special and charming neighbourhood offers you a glimpse into old Marseille and its culture. In the many narrow streets with small squares, fountains, and statues you will feel the spirit of this multicultural city. There are many shops, boutiques and studios here where you can find great souvenirs and even some wonderful works of art. This is a neighbourhood you should visit.

Best  restaurants in Marseille:

Le Bistro Du Panier

Le Hippie Chic cafe

La Cantine de Lynn

Cafe Bovo

La Delicatesse Restaurant

L'infusion