Auto Europe
- Compare Companies for the Best Rates
- Free Cancellation up to 48hrs before Pick up
- No Credit Card Fees
- Available 7 Days a Week
- 28,000 Pick-up Locations Worldwide
Car hire in Avignon – A historical Gem
Avignon with its rich history has many buildings and monuments that attest to this. Located in the southeast of France, it only integrated into the country itself in 1791 - beforehand it was the seat for many Catholic popes. The central old town contains the majestic Pope Palace, which is surrounded by period medieval buildings. The river Rhone runs adjacent to the city, with two bridges transgressing it. Avignon bridge is only half built and was comprised of 22 arches, with only 4 still standing – it is a mecca for tourists. These two points-of-interest along with the Avignon Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Avignon itself is a lively city, full of restaurants, bars and traditional French coffee houses and charm. Consider a car hire in Avignon and once you have finished exploring the city, drive to neighbouring Marseille or Montpellier.
With over 70 years of car rental industry experience, Auto Europe through its long-standing trusted partners can provide standard car hire, luxury car hire and motorhome hire at incredible rates. With regular promotions, to save customers even more money – why not become a member and take advantage of even more benefits. We have a large fleet of vehicles in which to choose from, and we’re present at thousands of convenient locations worldwide. For those that haven’t used our exceptional service before, we encourage you to read our car hire reviews in Avignon section.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Avignon, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Avignon
Collecting your car rental in Avignon is straightforward and easy. With convenient locations in Avignon, customers can collect their vehicle at the city’s central train station or in central Avignon. Although the city does not have an airport, the closest international airports are those of Marseille and Montpellier. However, Avignon is still covered by many of the world’s main car rental suppliers. There is a large vehicle fleet to choose from, at convenient locations. Customers will also benefit from great rates, regular promotions and an extensive car category that is comprised of mini, compact, large, SUV and many more vehicle types. Hiring a car in Avignon is simple, cost-effective and stress-free.
Using our secure online booking engine, customers can select their desired dates and location, and then all available suppliers will be shown. If you are younger than 26 years old, don’t forget to enter this into the system before conducting your search. This will allow the booking engine to show only those suppliers that are willing to hire a car to younger drivers. Further filters are provided that will allow customers to filter down their search results. Customers can filter by car type, number of doors, engine type and more. Our system has been designed to provide the best rent a car deals in Avignon.
Marseille Airport
As Avignon itself has no major international airport, the closest international airport is Marseille International Airport. It takes just under an hour to drive to from Avignon and many also combine the opportunity to visit Marseille too. The airport serves the Provence-Alps- Côte d'Azur region and is the fifth busiest airport in the country. Numerous national and low-cost carriers operate out of this airport, which make it another ideal location for collecting your car hire. Rental desks are located near the car park which is in front of the airport Terminal 1.
Marseille International Airport (MRS)
Website: Marseille Airport
Address: 13727 Marignane, France
Telephone: +33 820 81 14 14
Avignon TGV Train Station
There are two central train stations serving Avignon – Avignon Central Train Station and Avignon TGV Train Station – only the later provides car hire services. The station consists of six railway tracks that provide both national and international rail links. Popular destinations include Lyon, Nantes, Lille and many other French cities. Internationally, Madrid, London, Amsterdam, Geneva, Barcelona and Frankfurt are the most popular options. Car rental desks can be found at the car park which is located on the station premisses. There is a shuttle bus that runs directly to the centre of Avignon and an additional rail link to Avignon Central Train Station.
Avignon TGV Train Station (XZN)
Website: Avignon TGV Train Station
Address: Place de l'Europe 84000 Avignon
Telephone: +33 8 92 35 35 35
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Avignon
Our website provides an easy portal for customers to find the ideal car rental for their needs. With a user-friendly interface and plenty of filters to help narrow down search results – finding the best car rental in Avignon shouldn’t be too difficult. With competitive rental rates, regular deals and promotions – when your rent a car in Avignon you’re sure to save money. Our trained customer service team is available should you need further assistance, advice and tips on driving in the country.
In Avignon customers will benefit from our long-standing working relationship with some of the very best car rental suppliers in the business. With Alamo, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, National, Sixt and many others, customers are guaranteed a great service. For a full list of all car hire suppliers in Avignon, simply input your desired dates and location before conducting your search. A full list of suppliers will then be displayed that are available on your dates. If you are happy with the rental rate, you can then proceed to add other interesting options, such as additional drivers, one-way car hire and more.
 |
.jpg "Europcar Car Hire Avignon") |
 |
 |
If you need more information about what car hire companies are available in Avignon or about their policies, please contact one of our reservation agents via email or by phone.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Avignon
The following questions and answers have been put together to simplify your trip when hiring a car in Avignon. If after having read this section, your question still hasn’t been answered, then we encourage you to call one of our trained reservation agents. With local knowledge, our agents can advise, inform and answer any car hire related questions you may have for Avignon.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Avignon?
Yes – one or more credit cards will be required in order for you to collect your car hire in Avignon. A security deposit will be held on your credit card and only released upon returning your vehicle. The amount to be held is noted on your voucher’s terms and conditions. We advise inspecting your car upon collection, nothing anything of concern on the pick-up slip and if possible, taking any photographic or video evidence. Upon your return get a member of staff to re-inspect the car and confirm everything is okay. Only then will your deposit be returned. All major credit cards are accepted.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Avignon?
All basic rates come with the legally requirement minimum insurance for France. These are Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP) and Limited Liability – with and without excess. This minimum insurance does not cover all eventualities and as such we would recommend taking out our Full Damage & Theft Protection Cover. For a small cost, you will have added peace-of-mind because this will cover loss and damage to parts of the vehicle otherwise not covered with the minimum insurance. For example, cover to undercarriage, roof, mirrors and many more.
Local suppliers also tend to offer their own insurances when you go to collect the car. These are optional and you do not need to have these. Insurances such as, Personal Effects Insurance (PEI), Roadside Assistance, Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and many more. Auto Europe does not recommend of profit from local insurances. We will not refund any said insure even if deemed unnecessary afterwards. Have a read of the car hire coverage section for more information.
How is the traffic in Avignon?
Avignon is an old city, with many narrow roads and one-way streets. Due to this traffic congestion is common in the old parts of the city – such as near the cathedral and palace. Many main intersections also experience congestion, as do some of the approaches to the bridges that span the Rhone River. With your car rental in Avignon, we advise driving outside of rush hour times. There are many pedestrianised streets, thus sometimes it is better to walk or get public transport. Although due to Avignon’s location, it is often great for visiting other French towns, such as Montpellier, Marseille and more. Have a read of our road rules and regulations section for up-to-date information on driving in France.
Where can I park my car hire in Avignon?
Parking as in other major cities can sometimes be problematic. Avignon does have plenty of public car parks, especially around the outskirts of the city. Central Avignon employs a coloured parking zone system. This means that parking in the yellow zone dictates on-street paid parking. There are 24-hour car parking garages located at both of the city’s railway stations, and one at the Popes’ Palace. In addition, there are two free parking garages located at Ile Piot and Avenue des Italiens – with free shuttle buses taking people into the heart of Avignon.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Avignon?
Yes – there exists toll booths on the A7 motorway that links Avignon to Marseille in the south. Other tolled motorways also exist between Avignon and other major cities. Alternative national roads exist and can sometimes be a more direct way of reaching your destination. On the motorway you will see the sign “Pegge”, and a blue sign with the letter “A”, to designate it’s a tolled motorway. Drivers should take a ticker upon entering the motorway and pay at the toll booth upon exiting. Cash and bank cards are generally accepted. A fast-track system exists which requires the fitting of a transponder on your hire car. Drivers can then pass through the lane marked with a letter “T” and the amount will be automatically debited from your pre-assigned card or rental. Please talk to your rental supplier for more information.
Do I need an emission sticker for my car hire in Avignon?
Yes – an emission sticker is required in Avignon. This is known as a ZPA and was introduced in 2018. The environmental air pollution zone was introduced to better air pollution in certain areas of France. All vehicles, including rental vehicles, must have an environmental emissions certificate for entering and parking in certain zones. Stickers come in green, purple, yellow, orange, burgundy and dark grey colours – all corresponding to the level of emissions the car produces.
Vehicles without a badge or without the correct badge could get fined up to 450€. Areas covered are Grand Avignon (Avignon, Saze, Rochefort du Gard, Pujaut, Roquemaure, Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue, Velleron, Jonquerettes, Caumont-sur-Durance), Rognonas, Barbentane, Chateaurenard and Noves. Relevant badges can be obtained at the official website. In general car rental vehicle already come with these badges, although you should confirm with the supplier beforehand.
Avignon Travel Guide
Avignon has plenty of interesting places to visit in the city, from the old medieval centre to its unfinished bridge that spans the Rhone River. Strolling through its numerous shops and spending a warm afternoon sitting at one of its traditional coffee houses, is ideal for unwinding the stress away. Although, the surrounding countryside shouldn’t be overlooked. Provence is a wine district and as such, has wonderful landscapes to explore and villages to see. In this guide we recommend the following to maximise your trip.
Best day trips with my car rental in Avignon
With your car hire in Avignon you can easily head out to explore the local landscape. With lush countryside, and an abundance of wildlife, you’re never too far from natural beauty. In the region you can find quaint little hilltop villages, traditional shops and artisan products. Lest we forget that Provence is an area famous for its wines and cheeses! We recommend the following day trips during your visit to Avignon.
Marseille: The port city of Marseille is only 1-hour and 16-minutes away from Avignon by car. The journey will cover around 63-miles and is a straightforward trip along the motorway. Marseille is the capital of Provence and is the second largest city in the country. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the city has loads of museums, historical monuments, tourist attractions and shopping opportunities. A modern yet traditional city, visit some of its world-class galleries and trendy restaurants.
Montpellier: The city of Montpellier is only 1-hour and 20-minutes away from Avignon by car. A motorway joins both cities covering around 60-miles. The city isn’t far from some of France’s best beaches, it has a splendidly well-preserved old town, and plenty of great museums and monuments to enjoy. Montpellier dates back to the 10th Century, with many of its buildings and even its large cathedral dating from the 14th Century.
Valence: Heading north from Avignon and taking just under 1-hour and a half by car, is the city of Valence. Valence is around 80-miles north from Avignon along a well-maintained stretch of motorway. The city is also located on the Rhone River and has loads of stunning countryside. Consisting of mainly Renaissance and Gothic architecture, consider a visit to its stunning cathedral and the Maison des Tetes. This area is iconic for its lavender fields, with many opting for photographing the beautiful lavender countryside.
Arles: Slightly closer to Avignon is Arles, a city that is steeped in history and full of historical monuments dating back to the Roman era. Taking only 49-minutes by car, and covering 23-miles, Arles is most famous for Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings. The city dates back to the 1st Century BC and still preserves various Roman buildings, including the amphitheatre. Van Goth is said to have painted around 300 works of art in Arles, including “The Starry Night Over the Rhone”. We recommend taking time out to visit the numerous art galleries and museums in the city.
What to do in Avignon
Avignon has lots to see and do so finding something to interest visitors isn’t difficult. From museums to galleries and other tourist attractions, wander through its medieval old town and take in some of the best wines and cheeses in the region. The Rhone River is a hub of lively activity, especially after dark, and the Avignon Bridge is a hub of activity amongst tourists. If you’re hiring a cheap car in Avignon, then consider adding a few extras to maximise your trip. For example, why not opt for a complimentary GPS device, or add a free additional driver? Make exploring Avignon that little easier.
- Pope Palace: By far one of the most visited places in the city – the Pope Palace was the residential seat of six Catholic Popes between 1334 to 1394. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pope Palace is one of the largest and most important Gothic places in Europe and the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th Century. The building was once a fortress and then became a palace. It is of grand stature and has much to see once inside its walls.
- Cathedral of Avignon: This Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Avignon and dates back to the 12th Century. The bell tower however was reconstructed in 1425 due to the originals collapse. Of Romanesque architecture, Avignon Cathedral is again one of the most visited sites in the city. Also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the interior has lots of precious artworks including that of Pope John XXII who passed away in 1334.The Cathedral is located in the centre of the city right next to the Pope Palace.
- Avignon Bridge: This half-damaged bridge that spans the Rhone River and contains only four surviving arches is again one of the most visited places in the city. Avignon Bridge, also known as Pont Saint-Benezet, is of medieval construction. The bridge originally contained 22-arches, but over time the force of the Rhone River washed away each arch. Now only the 4-arches and a gatehouse have survived. The bridge was also designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
- Little Palace Museum: The Musee de Petit Palais was the former residence of the archbishop of Avignon and dates back to the 13th Century. Inside visitors can view a wonderful collection of Renaissance artworks. Collections include at least 390 paintings of Italian and French origin from the early Renaissance period, and around 600 sculptures. The Antipope Clement VII’s carved head is also on display here. The carving is the only surviving piece which once formed part of the pope’s tomb, that of which, was destroyed during the French Revolution.
- Les Halles Market: When in France a visit to the local market is always a must. Avignon Les Halles Market is one such market not to be missed during your visit. A lively and colourful place, full of French character and charm, Les Halles Market is full of aromatic stalls selling everything from local delicacies; cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, olives and oysters, to perfumed local lavender and roses. Plenty of local wine can also be acquired here at a more than reasonable price.
Useful links
- Home
- Car Hire Destinations
- France
- Avignon