South of France car rentals

Intermediate (Volkswagen T-Cross or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in South of France.

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in South of France are Sixt (7.6, 190 reviews), Europcar (6.9, 107 reviews), and Budget (6.9, 68 reviews).

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in South of France are Avignon (50% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in South of France) and Bordeaux (50%).

It’s a great idea to hire a car in the South of France. A hire car gives you more flexibility and freedom to explore at your own speed, which isn’t always possible with public transport. In addition, it makes it easier to reach remote and scenic locations. The South of France has a diverse landscape, from the endless coastline to the rugged mountains, all of which you will be able to explore fully in your hire car. A hire car makes it easier to reach some of the region’s most popular attractions too, such as Dune du Pilat, Parc national des Pyrenees and Massif de Chartreuse. You will also be able to drive amongst the quaint villages in the south of the country, which don’t tend to have the best transport connections.

Driving in the South of France is an enjoyable experience. The roads are well-maintained throughout the country, and driving in the rural areas is relatively stress-free. In larger cities, it’s worth noting that driving styles can become a bit more aggressive, with the use of the car horn a common sound. Whilst main roads tend to be spacious, country lanes and roads in urban areas are narrow, so take care on tight corners. The whole of France is well-signposted, so you should be able to get to your destination with ease. In the South of France, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road, which is the opposite of the UK.

Most car hire companies require drivers to be a minimum of 21 years of age in France, although some agencies have the minimum age as high as 25 years old. You will normally will need to have held your licence for one year too. Most drivers under the age of 25 will be required to pay a young person’s surcharge, whilst it’s also common for there to be age restrictions on certain vehicle types.