Discover Marseille on Your Own Terms: Car Rental Guide and Tips
Marseille is a true gem of France. Only here you will see sights and landscapes of absolutely unique beauty. This city is so multifaceted and fascinating that it is impossible not to fall in love with it. After all, Marseille embodies the heart of France, its spirit and beauty. As a port city, different cultures and nationalities are organically intertwined here, which makes Marseille so unique.
Marseille also has a university: < a href="https://www.univ-amu.fr/en" target="_blank">www.univ-amu.fr and many museums, the biggest of them is Marseille History Museum.
What to see in Marseille?
This city is truly rich in attractions. There are so many of them that you can't get around them in a day. To explore the beauties of Marseille without feeling tired, it is better to rent a car from Bookingautos right away.
In Marseille, you can see attractions such as:
Notre Dame de la Garde. This is a majestic 19th-century Catholic cathedral built in neo-Byzantine style. The building is also decorated with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral also has vantage points for truly breathtaking views.
Marseille Opera. A great place for cultural lovers. The building was built in 1787 in the classical style. However, after a fire in 1919, only the columns and the original ticket office in the center of the lobby remained from the original building. Here you can enjoy both classical opera and contemporary works, as well as listen to the best opera singers.
< a href="https://www.marseille.fr/" target="_blank">Palais Longchamp. This exquisite castle is the hallmark of Marseille. It was built in the 19th century and has a huge number of amazing sights on its territory: a museum of fine arts, a multi-level fountain decorated with sculptures, a majestic triumphal arch, and an observatory. Sometimes this castle is also called the Water Palace because of the water tower located there, supplying water to all parts of Marseille.
Château d'If. In the past, Marseille was often attacked from the sea. This castle was built to protect the city in the middle of the 16th century. After some time, Chateau d'If turned into a prison.
This building was glorified by the well-known work Alexandre Dumas - it was in the Chateau d'If that the Count of Monte Cristo languished.
Where to go near Marseille?
There are also many interesting monuments in the vicinity, which should not be missed in any case. Rent a car and enjoy the comfort and convenience while traveling. For example, take a look at Niolon Fort. It was built at the end of the century before last, not far from the village that gave it its name. The fort is located on the coast not far from Marseille. During the Second World War, Niolon was occupied by German troops and is now abandoned.
Very close to Marseille is the Calanque National Park. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is simultaneously sea, land and suburban. This national park has more than 140 terrestrial species of animals and plants, as well as about 60 species of underwater flora and fauna. This park has a huge number of underwater canyons and islands, as well as an amazing coastline.
Food: the best restaurants in Marseille
Provencal cuisine is predominant in Marseille, which means a lot of seafood. The most popular dishes are: mussels cooked in onion broth with spices, fish dishes with anise liqueur, burrida - fish soup with garlic sauce, as well as the famous bouillabaisse fish soup. However, fish dishes are not limited to, you can try Provencal tomatoes and libel - cookies that resemble a boat in their shape.
Marseille is the second largest city in France, so parking there can sometimes be problematic. However, there are plenty of both paid and free parking lots in the city. You can even park at Marseille airport, but it will be quite expensive - 4 euros per hour and 12 euros per day.
The most budget option would be to use Park&Ride parking. They are usually located somewhere on the outskirts of the city near the transport hub. These parking lots are designed so that you leave the car and do not create traffic jams, but use public transport within the city.
The best parking lots:
Q-Park Monthyon (5 euros for 7 hours). Address: 31 Rue Breteuil, 13007 Marseille, France.
Q-Park Vieux Port / Hôtel de Ville (€5 per evening). Address: Pass. Pentecontore, 13002 Marseille, France.
Parking Marseille La Mer Restaurant P5 - EFFIA (€4 per day, first half hour free). Address: Av. Pierre Mendes France, 13008 Marseille, France.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Alamo
Most popular car class
Mini
Average price
24 € / Day
Best price
17 € / Day
Monthly price chart: Average price per week of rent
January
€193
February
€211
March
€237
April
€293
May
€289
June
€308
July
€289
August
€213
September
€156
October
€134
November
€105
December
€181
* The average cost of renting a car in Marseille for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Marseille in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in Marseille is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €33, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.
Convertible cars in Marseille are in high demand during the summer. This is not surprising. After all, a trip on such a car gives a feeling of freedom and independence, allows you to relax and forget about the problems of the world around you. Although you should be prepared for an increase in rental prices and possible problems with the range of available cars. If we talk about the price VW Beetle Cabrio - it will be from €107 per 1 day.
We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit every budget:
Economy cars - a great solution for everyday trips;
Premium segment - for those who love quality and comfort;
Business class is ideal for people who are used to being first.
Convertibles, SUVs and station wagons, as well as minivans and sedans are in demand among customers. The choice of car depends not only on personal tastes, preferences and its cost. Rental conditions are important, which in some cases should be taken into account in the first place.
In Marseille budget cars like Opel Astra or Audi A1 can be booked for €47-€46 per day. This is provided that the contract is concluded on the spot. If you choose the same cars in advance on our website, you will save. Cars with a class: Toyota Camry, Toyota Rav-4, Opel Astra Estate - will cost an average of €47 per day. You can also find minivans, luxury cars, business class cars and electric cars. Rental costs from €46 up to several hundred euros per day.
The demand for electric cars is growing not only in the segment of their sales. These cars are just as popular when renting, which is often accompanied by the provision of a free parking space and the possibility of free car charging around the city. To rent an electric car you should set the appropriate filter. Moreover, the rental of Audi-E-tron when ordering in Marseille will cost quite a modest amount.
Required documents for rental cars
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
10 Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Car Rental
Download Google maps offline
All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.
Early Booking Discount
Marseille is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose
The compact model is relevant for city trips in Marseille. It can be Audi A1 or Opel Astra. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Opel Astra Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €44 per day;
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
Rental companies in Marseille may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Check out the fuel policy
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Marseille for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Unlimited mileage
According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Marseille, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
When renting a car in Marseille, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Marseille, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Car pick-up procedure
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
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Car rental reviews: Marseille
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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