Finding car hire in Aix-en-Provence is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers all around France with no booking fees. Pick up in the city centre, at Aix-en-Provence TGV station or at Marseille Provence Airport, then take the A8 for easy day trips to the Luberon, Verdon Gorge and Marseille. Book early for summer travel, and note that automatics are limited and usually cost more.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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Aix-en-Provence City Centre |
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Aix-en-Provence TGV Station |
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Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) |
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On average, car rentals in Aix-en-Provence cost around €57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €34 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Prices in Aix city centre or at the TGV station can beat Marseille Airport. City pickups may avoid airport surcharges, but check opening hours.
Book by season, not always “early”: For July–August, book 3–6 months ahead. For May–June and Sept–Oct, 1–2 months is fine. Off-peak Nov–Apr, 2–4 weeks ahead usually works, except holidays.
Go smaller and manual: Compact cars are cheaper and easier to park in Provence villages. Manuals usually cost 20–30% less than automatics.
Play with dates and duration: Compare different pickup/return times and check weekly rates. A 7-day hire can cost less than 5–6 days.
Check one-way vs return: Within France, one-way fees are often reasonable. Compare both options to see which total price wins.
Save on running costs in Provence: Fill up at supermarket stations like Carrefour or E.Leclerc, not motorway stations. Use Aix periphery park-and-ride for cheap all-day parking and Blue Zones for short free stays.
Type | Details | Approx. Cost Estimate | Key Considerations |
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Street Parking | Pay & display machines | Hourly rates apply |
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Public Car Parks | Rotonde, Mignet, Pasteur | Hourly rates apply |
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Blue Zones | Free but time-limited | Free (time restriction) |
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Periphery Parking | Park & ride options | Varies |
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Is an International Driving Permit required to hire a car in Aix-en-Provence?
You don't need one if your licence is in French. If your licence isn't in French, you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation. Some hire companies might ask for it even if your licence uses the Latin alphabet.
What's the minimum age to hire a car in Aix-en-Provence?
You usually need to be 21, but if you're under 25, hire companies often charge an extra 'young driver' fee of about €15-35 each day.
Are there any toll roads around Aix-en-Provence?
Yes, the big motorways (A8, A51, A7) have tolls. You can expect to pay about €5-15 for most day trips. You can use a credit card at the toll booths.
Can I pick up in Aix-en-Provence and drop off in another city?
Yes, most companies let you do one-way hires between big French cities. The cost changes depending on the company and the distance. It's usually not too expensive for trips inside the same region.
Is parking difficult in Aix-en-Provence?
It's hard to find street parking in the historic centre, but there are a few car parks (Rotonde, Mignet, Pasteur) you can use. They are a short walk from the main sights.
Should I hire an automatic or manual transmission?
You'll find that manual cars are more common and cheaper to hire. If you need an automatic, make sure you book it early and be ready to pay 20-30% more.
What documents do I need to hire a car?
You'll need a valid driver's licence, a credit card in your name, your passport or ID and your booking confirmation. Most hire companies will ask for a credit card (not a debit card) to cover the security deposit.
What type of car is best for exploring around Aix-en-Provence?
A compact car (like a Renault Clio or Peugeot 208) works best. It's great for the narrow streets and for parking, and it's still comfortable enough for day trips.