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Car hire in Marseille
Hiring a car in Marseille
Pick up your hire car at Marseille airport and head for France's most multicultural city.
60-second guide to Marseille
in its own head
"We're a vibrant city and the finest example of multiculturalism you're ever likely to see. North Africa meets southern Europe in a rich melting pot of colours, flavours and smells."
but more realistically
What it lacks in terms of the chic, delicate beauty of its more celebrated neighbouring towns Marseille more than makes up for in edginess and authenticity. This is the real south of France.
the vibe
It's a noisy hive of activity with the ever-bustling Vieux Port, Moroccan-style bazaars and busy back streets. But you can find tranquillity in the many beautiful museums and churches.
the natives
Marseille is very much a working city and life's a struggle for some, but it's also a happy go lucky kind of place and you'll find the locals chatty and friendly.
the weather
There is a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Autumn sees the most rain, while spring and winter experience the occasional cold winds of the Mistral.
the local speciality
With such an abundance of freshly caught produce, the obvious choice is bouillabaisse - a saffron-based fish broth, followed by a variety of rock fish, served with croutons and fresh garlic.
the celebrity
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Zinedine Zidane hails from Marseille. His popularity was so great that fans even refused to blame him for the World Cup final France lost following his sending off.
did you know?
Founded in 600 BC by the Greeks, Marseille is the oldest city in France.
they say
"In Marseilles they make half the toilet soap we consume in America, but the Marseillaise only have a vague theoretical idea of its use, which they have obtained from books of travel" - author Mark Twain
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5 to see in town...
1. Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde
If you're left wondering about the model boats hanging in this impressive church, it's a throwback to the days fishermen used to have their vessels blessed here - which, at just under a mile from the old port, is a lot of carrying.
where to park?
There's free parking on site.
2. Musee des Beaux Arts
This architectural masterpiece is almost as beautiful as the works on display inside. You will find collections by Perugino and Rubens as well as a display of local Provencal art.
where to park?
You can park your hire car for free at Parking Chanterelle in Rue du Commandant Magnes.
3. Le Palais Longchamp
Set in pleasant gardens with fountains and waterfalls, the Palais Longchamp is part of the same majestic construction as the Musee des Beaux Arts. Given it was originally built to disguise an unsightly water tower, it's fair to say they got a little carried away.
where to park?
You can park for free at Parking Chanterelle in Rue du Commandant Magnes.
4. Jardin des Vestiges
The ruins of this ancient Greek city and Roman port were discovered in 1967, when a construction company was preparing the site to build a huge shopping centre. Suffice it to say they relocated the shopping centre.
where to park?
You can either park in Rue Henri Bar Busse or use the car park in the Centre Commercia Bourse. Both are free.
5. Le Panier
To the north of the Vieux Port, Le Panier is the oldest part of town and home to numerous great museums and a colourful North African district.
where to park?
There is free street parking throughout the old town, but parking is still limited as the streets are narrow.
and 4 to drive to...
1. Les Calanques
These spectacular fjords south of Marseille are a sight to behold. The turquoise sea set against the white limestone cliffs will have the camera working overtime.
how to get there?
It takes around half an hour to drive to Les Calanques. Take the A50 south from Marseille and park your car in Cassis. You can then walk or take a boat from here.
2. Aix-en-Provence
One visit to this stylish, attractive city and beautiful surrounding countryside will explain why famous resident painter Paul Cezanne spent most of his life trying to recreate its beauty on canvas.
how to get there?
Take the A7 north from Marseille and branch right onto the A51. It should take around 25 minutes to get there.
3. Saint-Tropez
For some true seaside glamour, nowhere beats Saint-Tropez. The original location to show off your million dollar yacht and shop in boutique fashion stores in a picturesque setting.
how to get there?
It takes just under two hours to get to Saint-Tropez. Take the A7 north before heading east on the A8/E80.
4. Vaison-la-Romaine
Situated on the hills between the wine region of Provence and the overlooking Mount Ventoux, this picture postcard town will have you dreaming up a new life for yourself in France.
how to get there?
Head north on the A7, taking exit 22 to Vaison-la-Romaine. It should take around an hour and a half to get there.
Local taxi driver Jean Taurand on car hire in Marseille
" As Marseille is quite a big city, having a car is essential - especially if you are planning on leaving the main tourist areas and visiting the suburbs. Quartier du Panier, the oldest part of Marseille, is hard to drive around, being on a hill and also having narrow, crooked streets. It is better to park at the bottom of the hill and then walk up. "
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