Car hire in Montpellier, France

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Montpellier

• Make your move with a cheap rental car in Montpellier. With prices averaging $491 a day, it's an easy win for your budget and your plans. From no-frills city cars to big-capacity SUVs, we'll help you find your kind of ride at your kind of price.

• $34 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Montpellier.

• Staying on a bit longer? Book a weekly rental from $234 and explore more than just the top attractions.

• Here's your clue on when to book. Around two weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Montpellier car hire.

• Grab your wheels from Europcar, Keddy By Europcar or Enterprise. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.

• Whether you book with Europcar or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Montpellier car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.

• Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

• Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.

• Explore without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you need without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

• You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $156 a day.

• In second position is [this provider](this provider), offering daily rates of around $213.

• The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $220 a day.

• After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Large rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Montpellier.

Flying to Montpellier? Think about an airport pick-up

• Take the hassle out of arrival day by picking up a car hire at Montpellier Airport. If you're flying to Montpellier through this airport, simply collect your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 10 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Montpellier

• Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Montpellier gives you the freedom to explore for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.

• Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.

• Large: Long drives fly by in this Montpellier car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.

• SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.

• Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Montpellier that can handle a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group outings, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

• Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Montpellier car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

• Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Montpellier by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

• The minimum age to rent a car in France is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.

• Travel plans include the kids? Car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Make sure you add the right one to your Montpellier car rental reservation.

• You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

• If you're new to driving in France, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.

• Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.

• The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in France is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.

• Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

• You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, have some cash handy for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Montpellier for drivers

• Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at FastHotel Montpellier Ouest - Un Hôtel FH Classic. Offering parking as well as internet access and a lobby bar, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Montpellier.

• Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at Hôtel des Arts, Artisanal et Indépendant. The city centre is roughly 0.48 kilometres from this option, which also features Wi-Fi and express check-out.

• Browse the selection of hotels in Montpellier for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.

• It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Montpellier and your hotel. From Arc de Triomphe to Cathedrale St-Pierre and Place de la Comedie, there's plenty to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Montpellier

• Keep travelling to Nimes. Around 48 kilometres northeast of central Montpellier, it's home to must-sees like Parc and rempart romain.

• Campanile Prime - Nîmes Centre and B&B Hotel Nîmes Ville Active are recommended accommodation options with parking in Nimes.

• Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Montpellier and then set out for Avignon. About 80 kilometres northeast of Montpellier, Festival d’Avignon and Palais des Papes are highlights that make the drive worthwhile.

• Relax after a day out and about in Avignon at Hotel de l'Horloge or Golden Tulip Avignon Le Paradou. These hotels cater to guests with cars.

• Looking to cover more ground? Toulouse is a top road trip destination that's around 193 kilometres west of Montpellier. Consider making a few pit stops at Canal du Midi and Place du Capitole.

• Drift off to sleep in Toulouse at either Ibis Toulouse Purpan Aeroport or Le Grand Balcon Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and space for your wheels too.