Car rental in Marseille

Marseille and southeastern France as a whole attract tourists from around the world. Here you can fully experience the picturesque landscapes, rich history, and authentic gastronomy of Provence. How can you see and taste everything firsthand in just one trip?

Renting a car in Marseille is the best way to discover the cultural character, original cuisine, attractions, and natural beauty of the region.

Benefits of Car Rental with Localrent

With Localrent, car rental in Marseille is always safe, affordable, and straightforward. Key benefits include:

1. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. During the booking stage, you know exactly what the rental costs.
2. Low deposits and small advance payment – just 15-20%. With Localrent, car rental in Marseille is genuinely affordable. Free cancellation is available for select vehicles.
3. Convenient filters for quick vehicle selection. Planning a trip for two? Book a compact and economical car. For larger groups, choose a spacious and comfortable minivan.
4. Minimum documentation and checks. To rent a car in Marseille, you only need a valid driver's license, passport, and payment card. Some vehicles can be booked without a credit card.
5. Support throughout the entire rental period. If disputes arise, Localrent managers will consult, clarify what needs to be done, and answer questions.

Clients have access to both long-term rentals and 1-2 day car hire, additional driver options, and child seats and boosters.

Requirements for Car Rental in Marseille

To rent a vehicle, you need:

• Valid driver's license
• Passport – for contract purposes
• Bank card

Age and driving experience restrictions are set by the rental company. Carefully review the rental conditions before booking a vehicle. All requirements are listed in the vehicle descriptions. Following them ensures a trouble-free vacation without problems or additional expenses.

Traffic Regulations: Key Considerations

Local drivers are disciplined by high fines and a special point system. Penalties apply for speeding, dangerous overtaking, failing to yield to pedestrians at crossings, improper parking, and other violations.

Honking, cutting off other drivers, and expressing dissatisfaction in other ways is not customary in Marseille. However, southern French drivers often don't use turn signals. Be prepared for unexpected maneuvers at all times.

In Marseille, drivers don't treat parked cars particularly carefully – neither their own nor others'. This especially applies to budget vehicles or those already showing damage. Luxury cars receive more careful treatment. It's best to leave your rental vehicle in barrier-controlled parking facilities.

All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Child seats or boosters are mandatory for children up to 135 cm tall, recommended for those between 135 and 150 cm. Children under 10 should preferably travel in the back seat.

Fuel Stations

The city has well-developed road infrastructure, including extensive fuel station networks. Both staffed and automatic stations are available. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. You can easily refuel with quality fuel or charge an electric vehicle.

In smaller towns, refueling may present challenges. Additionally, fuel is typically more expensive outside the city. Before long trips, fill up your tank completely. Having cash reserves is advisable, as cards may not be accepted in rural and remote areas.

Parking

Marseille has several street parking zones:

• Green – free, for extended parking
• Blue – paid for short-term parking of 1-2 hours
• Red – stopping prohibited

On paid parking, following the standard French practice, no charges apply from 7:00 pm to 9:00 am. Marseille follows this rule. Regulations may change during major events, weekends, and holidays. Rates and time restrictions are always posted on nearby parking meters. Display the payment receipt visibly inside the vehicle.

Parking is prohibited near bridges, on sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and loading/unloading zones.

Substantial fines apply for parking violations. In some cases, vehicles may be towed to an impound lot.

How to Book a Car in Marseille

With Localrent, you can find and rent a car at any time. Service instructions:

1. Specify pickup and return city – Marseille. Choose your preferred pickup location, such as the airport.
2. Enter rental dates, convenient pickup and return times.
3. Set necessary filters. For example, "No credit card" or "Free cancellation." Use filters to select suitable insurance, make and model, engine and drivetrain, choose additional services and options, including child seats or boosters.
4. Review available options and select the appropriate one.
5. Provide personal and contact information for the primary driver.
6. Review the final rental cost, confirm the booking, and pay the advance. It's just 15-20% of the total.

A voucher will arrive at the specified email address. It confirms your Marseille rental. Present the voucher in electronic or printed form to the manager when picking up the vehicle.

What to See with a Rental Car in Marseille and Surroundings

Marseille is France's second-largest city. A rental car allows you to see numerous attractions, museums, monuments, ports, castles, and palaces with your own eyes.

Even more unique locations can be found beyond the city:

1. Arles – small but extraordinarily picturesque, reflected in many Van Gogh paintings
2. Nîmes – charming town with well-preserved ancient Roman monuments and amphitheater
3. Calanques National Park – stunning natural landscapes
4. Aix-en-Provence – elegant buildings, fountains, and parks that will surprise even seasoned travelers
5. Cassis – port town with a picturesque bay surrounded by majestic cliffs

Worth visiting are Gordes, Hyères, Aix-en-Provence, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and many other small but beautiful towns. They will delight and remain forever in the memory of everyone who visits the picturesque southeastern France.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Marseille

Most companies deliver rental vehicles to Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or Marseille-Saint-Charles railway station. You can drive directly to your hotel, guesthouse, or apartment after arrival.

Some vehicles can only be collected from rental offices or ordered for city delivery. These options aren't available in all seasons or for all vehicles. Use the "Specify location" filter during booking to find a convenient option.

Rental Tips

Always yield to emergency services and don't block access to residential areas, courtyards, and unloading zones. Following simple guidelines will help you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel in Marseille.

Cyclists and Motorcyclists

Pay particular attention to cyclists. Their behavior and maneuvers can be unpredictable. Honking, lecturing, or expressing opinions about riding manners is not customary in Marseille. Simply remain vigilant.

Watch for motorcyclists. They may literally weave between lanes in traffic jams and congestion. Before turning or changing lanes, double-check the safety of your maneuver.

Selecting the Right Vehicle

To choose a comfortable car, determine your route in advance. If you plan to drive only in the city, rent a compact car. It's convenient for parking and easy to maneuver on narrow streets. For extended trips around the country, choose a larger vehicle. If heading to the mountains, rent a crossover.

Traveling with Children

France strictly enforces child transportation rules. Violations result in substantial fines. If traveling with children, book a vehicle with an appropriate seat, carrier, or booster for the child's age and height in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions