Montpellier car hire

For those looking for a Mediterranean break with a difference, consider Montpellier. With its chic cafés and shops dwelling next to medieval buildings and monuments, it not only offers visitors a glimpse of its past, but also of its future.

Language: French | Currency: Euro (€) | Avg. Flight time: 1 hr 55 mins

When you arrange cheap car hire, Montpellier becomes a springboard to other destinations, as well as the ideal spot for a city break...

Montpellier is the capital city of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, located on the south-east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea. The area has a typical Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers.

La Place de la Comédie is the heart of the city, also known as the Ecusson. It’s home to the 19th-century opera house Opéra Comédie, the magnificent Three Graces statue and popular café terraces. There are many street performers and musicians in this area, providing entertainment for all and, although the city centre is pedestrianised, there is ample car parking available.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre was a Benedictine Chapel built in the Southern Gothic style in 1364, which became a cathedral in 1536. Built within this is a porch supported by huge columns. There was also a Cathédrale Sainte Anne, which is now an art gallery. In the heart of the cathedral, the Carré Sainte Anne is home to musical instrument makers as well as live recitals.

The Arc de Triomphe Montpellier is 49ft high and was built in honour of Louis XIV. It stands on the east end on the Promenade du Peyron, in the heart of the old city. La Promenade Royale du Peyrou is next to the Arc de Triomphe and this park was classically designed to contain the statue of Louis XIV on horseback.

The old city was bombarded with canon fire by Louis XIII in 1622. Visitors can still walk around the old city, through streets that are 1,000 years old and past buildings that reflect the architecture of the Middle Ages.

The Musée de l'histoire de la France en Algérie can be found in a mansion and this museum tells the story of the French and North African relationship between 1830 and 1962. The Musée Fabre offers art for anyone's tastes, including Dutch Old Masters, Classicism, Impressionism and Modern works.

The Olympique Water Park is in the Antigone quarter. With a number of different pools and a whirlpool slide, there are also many different types of water games and sports available, making it ideal for water babies of all ages. Montpellier is also less than seven miles from the coast, offering easy access to sandy Mediterranean beaches. The River Lez runs through the city and with its promenade areas and pedestrian bridges it is the ideal destination for leisurely afternoon strolls with the whole family.

When visiting, it’s easy to arrange Montpellier car hire from Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL) and drive the short distance of six miles into Montpellier. Book your rental vehicle in advance to save money. You can collect your booked vehicle at the airport or one of the handy locations in downtown Montpellier.

To find the best price on car hire in Montpellier, use TravelSupermarket's search tool above.

Car hire in Montpellier also allows easy exploration of the Languedoc-Roussillon region and its many popular wineries...

Known for Roman villages, mountains and astonishing drives, Languedoc- Roussillon is also of course renowned as one of the best-value wine regions in France. From hearty reds and refreshing whites, to glasses of rosé that twinkle in the summer sun, you can taste your way around this delightful region at a host of welcoming vineyards (just make sure you have a designated driver!). Near Montpellier you’ll find many sweetly-scented measures of Muscat.

If all that wine tasting gives you the urge to take a sunny snooze of an afternoon, head for the beaches near Montpellier. The oddly crafted coastline near the city makes for an interesting array of sandy bays and seemingly never-ending ribbons of beach. Having a car is a wise choice if you plan to spend any time by the sea as public transportation options are limited between the city and the beaches. The flat sands and numerous facilities at Palavas-les-Flots can be reached in less than 30 minutes by road. The dune-backed sands of Grande Motte are around 35 minutes from Montpellier when you travel by car, while even further on (though with significantly fewer clothes on bronzing bodies) is the quiet Plage de Espiguette.

Montpellier is on the doorstep of Provence, where fields of lavender paint the landscape purple and glamorous seaside resorts attract celebrity visitors. The famed arches of Provence’s ancient Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, can be seen within an hour of leaving Montpellier. While you’re in this area, call in at the pretty medieval city of Avignon. It’s a 75-minute drive from Montpellier and an easy day trip.

Fair fuel policy

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No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.