Marseille car rentals

Top tips for renting a car in Marseille

• Renting a car is the most comfortable and convenient way to explore the city of Marseille and navigate its historic streets downtown. With a car, you can visit the city's impressive monuments, such as the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, at your own pace. A rental car is also the perfect option for travelers looking to discover the region of Provence, including the city of Aix-en-Provence, which is only a 40-minute drive from Marseille. It is also the best way to explore the French Riviera, with the popular coastal town of Saint-Tropez sitting just two hours away from Marseille.
• All the big car rental agencies, including Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz, can be found at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is located 27 km (17 miles) northwest of Marseille. The car rental counters can all be found on the ground floor, in front of Terminal 1. Desks are open from 7 a.m. to around 11:30 p.m. If you must contact your car rental agency after closing hours, call the reservation center. You will not need an international driving permit to rent a car with most companies in Marseille.
• The roads in Marseille are usually easy to navigate as they are well-signposted, but you may come across some very narrow streets in the city center, so pay extra attention when maneuvering in tight spaces. Pedestrians always have priority on crosswalks, so you must stop and wait for them. Travelers planning on embarking on a road trip through Provence might want to do so on the weekends, as big trucks are not allowed on the roads. Beware of cyclists, as the coast's roads are very popular among the cycling community.
• Marseille is one of the most congested cities in France, and traffic gets a little heavy during rush hour, so avoid driving around between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and then again between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., so you don't add extra time to your travels. Avoid driving through the main street, the Canebière, if possible, as the new tram mean less space for cars, often resulting in traffic jams.
• Book your rental car in Marseille at least 1 week before your trip in order to get a below-average price