Car Rental Avignon - Exploring Avignon

While in the Provence and Coted’Azur area, it would be a shame not to sample more of this beautiful region; hiring a car, rather than relying on public transport, gives you the freedom to go at your own pace.

Just across the Pont Daladier Bridge lies the satellite town of Villeneuve-lèz-Avignon. Many visitors prefer to stay or dine here rather than in Avignon, due to its more traditional and laid-back atmosphere. From here, rather than take the motorway, head down the D2, a road that winds its way down the mighty Rhône to the town of Beauclaire, then head west to the Roman town of Nîmes.

Les Arènes, the Roman amphitheatre is the town’s biggest draw. The other main attraction in Nîmes is the highest bridge ever built by the Romans, the Pont du Gard, just out of town. The Musée des Beaux-Arts has several fine works, and the Musée Archaeologique has a fascinating display of artefacts, sarcophagi and mosaics.

Carry on southwest on the A9 to the lively university city of Montpellier. City life here revolves around the place de la Comédie, popularly known as place de l'Oeuf, with its bustling cafés. Much of the city dates from the 17th century, with elegant mansions and secluded courtyards.

The grand Promenade de Peyrou leads to the Château d'Eau and the aqueduct which once served the city; from here, there is a good view of the city framed by sea and mountains.

To the southeast of Avignon is France’s second-largest city, Marseille. Life centres on the famous street, la Canebière, which is a bustling thoroughfare. The Basilique of Notre Dame de la Garde, topped by a gold Madonna, dominates the city. The old port has an excellent fish market and good restaurants, and in the bay is the formidable prison of Château d'If.

Marseille is also known for its modern architecture: the famous Cité Radieuse built by Le Corbusier, and, most recently, Will Alsop's bright blue government building, built on stilts.