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Book by 26th May, drive by 31st December
Book by 26th May, drive by 31st December
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You’ll find our Avis counter at Montpellier Airport in the arrivals hall immediately after arrivals. The Avis rental car park is easy to find just outside the terminal building, next to parking hall P2. When you return your hire car, head for the car rental car park following the P6/P8/Car Rental signs.
Montpellier Airport (MPL) - also known as Montpellier-Mediterranée – is the 11th busiest airport in France handling more than 2 million passengers a year.
First opened in 1938, it serves 40 destinations in 20 countries across Europe and Africa as well as domestic routes around France. There are several flights a day between Montpellier and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, a trip of 1hr25min. The airport has a large, light, modern terminal building offering passengers a range of shopping and leisure facilities.
In summer, it’s the perfect gateway to the French Riviera with its chic beach resort destinations like St Tropez as well as Provence and the Languedoc-Camargue regions. Montpellier Airport lies close to the A9 motorway and is connected to a good road network between the key destinations from the coast to the mountains.
The airport is located to the southeast of Montpellier by the shores of the Golden Lagoon, one of the city’s two saltwater lakes.
If you are driving in Montpellier or southwest France for the first time or have just arrived in Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with French driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in France include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that low beam headlamps must always remain on. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. It is forbidden to use headphones or earbuds. In built up areas be aware that bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, bicycles and taxis.
The drive from the Avis car park at Montpellier Airport to the centre of Montpellier is 13.6km, which will take around 20min depending on the time of day. Head north from the airport and take the M66 into the centre of the city.
To appreciate Montpellier’s historic centre, explore the Antigone district at the heart of the city with its impressive neo-classical buildings. Designed by Ricardo Bofill, a Catalonian architect, the sheer scale of La Place du Nombre d'Or and the extravagant Hotel Mercure are typical.
Montpellier is a shopping paradise whether you want to haggle at market stalls or browse the boutiques. The Sunday flea market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, but Montpellier really comes into its own with its selection of specialist stores – from vintage bookshops through to craft stores.
To people watch and absorb the city’s warm vibe head for the Place de la Comedie, home of the Opera Comedie theatre. Described as the beating heart of Montpellier, it’s a lively square lined with cafes and restaurants looking out onto the city’s must-see Three Graces sculpture.
Beyond the city of Montpellier, the southwest of France is full of charming villages, towns, and seaside destinations that are all within a couple of hours by car from Montpellier Airport.
Perpignan
Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, and, at less than 2hr from Montpellier, it is the perfect base for exploring Northern Catalonia. The Palace of the Kings of Majorca dates back to the 13th century and offers an impressive view over the snow-capped Pyrenees.
Sète
The closest seaport to Montpellier, Sète, is just 45min from Montpellier Airport. With 35km of unspoiled beaches and home to oyster and mussel beds, the working port of Sète is an ideal spot to drive for lunch.
In accordance with Article L.112-6 of the Monetary and Financial Code, we do not accept cash payments, except in cases expressly provided for by applicable law. If you can demonstrate that you are covered by a legal exemption, additional checks will be carried out regarding your identity, security, the validity of your driving licence and your creditworthiness, and proof of address must be provided.