Car Hire in Montpellier

About Montpellier

Montpellier, the capital of the department of Hérault, is the third-largest coastal city in France. It is located in the south of France and was named the "Best Emerging Culture City of the Year 2017". This interesting city is full of students and is famous for being the oldest university in France and one of the oldest in Europe.

The city has a rich and very turbulent history. Today, with its location and Mediterranean climate, the city is very popular among students and tourists from all over the world. An interesting fact is that Montpellier has more than 300 days of sunshine a year. So, you can visit this unique city practically any time of the year. Of course, if you want to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, you should avoid the winter months.

If you are taking a road trip through southern France, be sure to visit Montpellier. The city is also known for producing quality wines. So if you want to experience world-class wine routes, be sure to visit Montpellier. Apart from the wine, you will also love the beautiful old town with its narrow cobbled streets and beautiful squares all around. In these squares, you can sit in fine restaurants and have lunch in a nice atmosphere.

But there is also a lot to see and enjoy in the modern part of the city, designed by the most famous architects in the world, and it has something special. So when you travel to Montpellier, do not just enjoy the beaches around the city, but also explore the city itself. It has a lot to offer and you will fall in love with it. There are some really interesting museums, high-quality galleries, old churches, mansions, etc that you can visit during your stay in Montpellier. So make sure you make a good plan before you come here. There are many places to visit in the city and you can make a priority list according to your taste.

Basic info and car hire in Montpellier

• Location: Southern France
• Population: 290,053
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather:   Mediterranean climate
• Holidays in Montpellier:   For public holidays in Montpellier follow this link
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Montpellier are in good condition.
• Car hire in Montpellier:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Montpellier is at Montpellier airport and Montpellier Sud de France 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 Montpellier!

 Driving in Montpellier

Montpellier has an excellent public transport network. So if you are taking a road trip through France and decide to explore Montpellier, you can leave your car in many parking lots at the entrance of the city and then explore the city by public transport. There is a well-developed tram network, but you can also use buses or bicycles (these can be rented anywhere in the city). However, it is also possible to get around the city by car. You should be careful when driving through the very narrow one-way streets, which are sometimes very similar, so you can quickly miss your way. As you drive around the city, there are plenty of public parking spaces available, but you should always look out for the sign with the fees.

• 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 Montpellier

Place de la Comédie and L'Écusson

This majestic square represents the heart of the city. It is one of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe. This square is always crowded and lively. People come here to walk, meet friends, have a coffee and also many tourists come here because it is the perfect place to start to explore the old town. In the middle of this square stands the magnificent Fontaine des Trois Grâces. One of the most important buildings in the square is undoubtedly the Opéra Comédie, where you can attend a concert or an opera. 

Promenade du Peyrou

This promenade is located high above the city and offers a breathtaking view of the city, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Cévennes mountain range. It is ideal for a relaxing stroll or sitting on the grass in the shade of trees. The park is dedicated to King Louis XIV. There is also a statue glorifying him as a warrior and leader. This promenade is also an ideal place for jogging or having fun with friends or pets outside the city.

Cathedral of St. Pierre

This Gothic church is located in the middle of the old town. It was built in the 14th century and is known for its two magnificent towers. Inside, there are amazing old organs that are worth seeing and you might even hear them if you pass by during a mass. The cathedral is open every day for tourists, so you can visit it for free. 

Musée Fabre

This famous museum has a truly spectacular collection. You can admire some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to today. You can admire works by painters from all over the world. However, the really impressive collection of Italian Renaissance works and the collection of French Impressionists are especially worth mentioning. If you visit this museum, you will not regret it. You will certainly be richer for an amazing spiritual experience.

Palais des Congrès de France

This amazing centre is the true opposite of the old city. The modern design of the Palais stands out and speaks for itself. It hosts many cultural events inside and outside the building. Behind the Palais is the Pavillon Populaire, which hosts many photography exhibitions throughout the year. But one of the most famous facilities in the Palais is undoubtedly the Berlioz Opera House. This world-famous opera house is known for its acoustics and if you have the opportunity to attend a performance, do not miss it. You will be blown away by the sounds and performances of this amazing artist.

Best restaurants in Montpellier:

The Babel Community Montpellier

Temps d'Aime

Sumac Falafel Bar and Mezze

Restaurant Ebullition

Tartine et sac-a-dos

Le Bistrok