Car Hire Montpellier

Montpellier is a relatively simple place to navigate both in and around. The airport sits just 20 to 30 minutes’ drive to the south-east, close to the coast, while the D65 acts as a semi-ring-road that encircles the west and northern edges of town, and the A709 and A9 run along the southern edge.

Part of Montpellier’s centre is closed to cars, with a few exceptions, so it’s usually best to park nearby. There are large carparks on Place de la Comedie, Rue Poseidon and Rue Alexandra David Neel among others. For metered on-street parking, there are different zones – as a general rule, the closer to the centre the more it will cost per hour.

As for exploring out of town, there are plenty of beaches only a short drive away, with the soft sand of Carnon Plage just a 25-minute journey south on the D66. An hour west on the A9 you’ll find Plage de la Grande Conque, with its dramatic black volcanic sand and rock.

Numerous destinations make for a fine day trip. Béziers is a hilltop town which also lies west along the A9 and is overflowing with enchanting buildings. Or, take the same road east to Nimes, packed with ancient remains such as its impressive amphitheatre – which rivals Rome’s Colosseum and is more than two thousand years old. The museums here are sensational.

While in France, you’ll need to drive on the right side of the road, and overtaking is on the left. Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers and mobile phone use is illegal while driving, including hands-free headsets or ear-pieces.

On French motorways, known as ‘autoroutes’, there is generally a maximum speed limit of 130km/h in fine weather (these are usually the fastest way to get around, though they often have tolls), and when you’re negotiating your way around towns, cities and other built-up areas, there’s typically a top speed of 50km/h. That said, limits can vary according to location and weather conditions, so always ensure you check signs for the route that you are on.

You wouldn’t know it at first glance, but magnificent Montpellier is relatively modern by local standards. While Nimes, Beziers and Narbonne rely heavily on their Roman influences, Montpellier is a mere thousand years old.

It was the counts of Toulouse who established the city, and it hasn’t looked back since. A thriving hub of stylish architecture, gastronomic excellence and irresistibly elegant culture, make the most of your time here by wandering from the oldest parts of town to the most contemporary, taking in its beautiful contrasts as you go.

Marvel at Montpellier’s sights

The centre of the town is a truly rich place to explore. Park up to peruse the splendour of the mighty Cathedral St. Pierre, and the grandeur of Montpellier’s key focal point Place de la Comedie – with its 1790 fountain of the Three Graces, and opulent Opera House. Sit in one of the many squares sipping delicious French coffee, and watch life go by.

The city has its very own Arc de Triomphe, completed in 1695 and open to the public in summer. Book a tour to climb more than 100 steps for one of the best views in town.

The historic centre is also sprinkled with regal buildings known as ‘hôtels particuliers’ – private mansions built for government workers in the 17^th centuries. One of the most awe-inspiring is the Hotel de Montferrier, while you can take a tour of the lavishly decorated Hôtel de Cabrières-Sabatier d’Espeyran, adjacent to Musee Fabre – and covered by the same ticket as the museum. The Fabre is home to centuries of artworks spanning old masters and modern visionaries alike, and is itself well-worth visiting.

A table for all

Dining out in Montpellier offers a tantalising array of gastronomic options, ranging from modern, imaginative restaurants to authentic, traditional bistros, while there are plenty of places to push the boat out too.

La Reserve Rimbaud is definitely in the latter category – a Michelin-starred gem where booking is essential. There’s a great-value set menu, while the à la carte offers delights like asparagus and truffles with confit eggs, followed by grilled pigeon or veal sweetbreads.

At the other end of the spectrum, meanwhile, Le Bistrot de Bacchus on Rue Marioge eschews the menu altogether – focusing on market-led specials such as bold stews and French sausage. Or, in the summer, search out Le Petit Jardin and its romantic secret garden. It’s a perfect romantic setting for couples, with twinkling lights on the evening and a whole shoulder of lamb or bowls of delicious bouillabaisse to enjoy.

The green and the golden

Somewhat grander in scale, garden-wise, is the Jardin des Plantes. This was France’s very first botanical garden, and the direct inspiration for the park of the same name in Paris. The 19^th century greenhouse sits at its heart, surrounded by rare trees and ornamental greenery. Stroll around this serene green space and truly unwind.

For another kind of outdoor adventure, head out from Montpellier to the coast and exchange city sightseeing for beachside relaxation. There are plenty of fine ‘plages’ lining the shore, some with soft, golden sand – others with black volcanic rock. Arguably the best golden option is Plage de L’Espiguette, and it’s easily reachable from Montpellier via car. It stretches for miles, boasts a graceful 19^th century lighthouse, and has beautiful dunes that will delight children and enchant those in search of a scenic walk.

From city spectacle brimming with history to breath-taking coastlines, explore Southern France’s captivating charm with car hire in Montpellier.