Car Hire Marseille

Car Hire in Marseille

Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region and France’s second largest city. From the minute you arrive you’ll be captivated by the sparkling waters, fantastic cuisine and vibrancy of this multicultural port city.

The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2013 and its maritime heritage is on show in the Vieux Port (Old Port). Explore Marseille’s different neighbourhoods or strike out along its 37 km of coastline to find secluded coves and sandy beaches.

Avis car rental in Marseille provides car hire throughout the city and at Marseille Provence airport. Where would you like to meet us and begin your journey?

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Plan your trip to Marseille

Marseille is an energetic city, a melting pot for the many cultures that have influenced its growth over time. It offers the visitor historical neighbourhoods, modern creative spaces, ancient and modern architecture and gastronomic delights.

Start in the Vieux Port, or as it is called by the Marseillais, "the soul of Marseille". Then continue on to the old quarter of Le Panier, a warren of lanes containing artisan shops, hidden squares and sun-baked cafes. Its centrepiece is Centre de la Vieille Charité , a museum and cultural centre and the nearby Cathédrale de la Major. The Cannebière, is the quarter’s historic main street.

Marseille has a wealth of monuments, sculptures, places of interest and museums. Highlights include the huge Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM). Spread over three sites, the J4 and the Fort Saint Jean are used for large exhibitions and cultural activities, while the Centre de Conservation et de Ressources (CCR), is home to the museum’s collections.

Elsewhere in the city, don’t miss the Palais Longchamp and also 'Le Pouce,' (The Giant Thumb sculpture). Marvel at Marseille’s impressive Opera House, and the beautiful Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Cathedral. When you’re in need of a break from sightseeing, take a stroll around the 1 042,78 acres of public parks and gardens in the city, or cool off with a swim at the Plage du Prado.

After a day enjoying the city's attractions, relax and sample delicious local seafood specialties such as the famous Bouillabaisse, a mixed fish stew with tomatoes and saffron, accompanied by croutons, rouille (hot chilli) and garlic. Marseille offers an extraordinary culinary mix inspired by the local ingredients available and the people and cultures that have influenced it.

Explore this fascinating city and the countryside that lies beyond with an Avis car hired in Marseille.

Road trips from Marseille

Head north from Marseille and you're soon driving through Provence, with its vineyards, idyllic towns and countryside.

Les Gorges de Régalon, Luberon
It will take about an hour and a quarter to drive to the Les Gorges de Régalon from Marseille. There you can follow trails through farmland, the narrow gorge, woods, and mountains to the base of the Petit Luberon.

Avignon
About one and a half hours’ drive from Marseille is the ancient city of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Papal Palace (Palais des Papes), the biggest gothic palace in Europe, The Musée Calvet fine art museum and the medieval Pont d'Avignon, also known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Just north of Avignon is the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape dominated by a ruined mediaeval castle built in the 14th century for Pope John XXII, the second of the popes who resided in Avignon. The village is perhaps most famous for its glorious rich red wine, it is the largest and most important appellation in the southern Rhône, with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers.

Aix-en-Provence
The charming town of Aix-en-Provence is just 35 minutes up the road from Marseille. Best known as the hometown of painter Paul Cézanne, make time to follow the trail named after him to discover where he lived, painted, ate and socialised. A meander around the farmers’ market here is a must. With its enticing selection of olives, local cheeses, fresh strawberries and cured meats, it’s the place to sit back and immerse yourself in local life.

Road rules in France

Which side of the road?
In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailer:

Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.