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Southern coast of France

Hello. I will be in Europe for most of September, and into October, traveling by train. However, it seemed to me a cool idea to rent a car in Nice and drive the coastline for 2-3 days to Marseilles, then jump back on the train to Barcelona. So, anyone have tips on:

  • A good rental car agency that I can make a reservation with before I leave the US?
  • Places to see/things to do along the way?
  • City with the best nightlife? (I want to spend a friday and saturday night on the French Riveria!)
  • Any other helpful tidbits?

thanks!
Herbert

Posted by
3313 posts

Autoeurope.com is very easy and reliable. It will let you rent a car in Nice and drop in Marseilles.

Posted by
24 posts

Yes, AutoEurope is a good choice; they have a 3 day minimum rental period. An obvious place along the way with good night life is St. Tropez. I wouldn't recommend driving in Marseille, but would bypass it and go up to Aix-en-Provence, then Arles and back down to Montpellier (a lively university town with more good nightlife). You could turn the car in there, but since you'd just be 3 more hours to Barcelona, might as well drive there.

Posted by
251 posts

Well this has nothing to do with your question but I thought I would pass this along. Sorry if it is not relevant.

Driving the coast at this time is a great idea. Having lived and worked in the C d'Z for years it is my favorite time to be there and worth the summer months. Here is just one sugestion.

If you haven't been try St. Tropez. It is a hellish nightmare in the summer but once fall sets in and the jet set goes home it truly becomes a real village, and truly one of my favorites. Great restaurants that cater to the locals and lots of local-thank-god-the-tourists-are-gone type atmosphere.

Just an idea, happy travles. P.s. When ever I rent a car in France I have always just used whatever agency is giving the best deals, All the american ones are there so it is even possible to reserve ahead.

Posted by
421 posts

We just did the coast and southern france and then went to barcelona.

We took the train from Montpellier (talgo) and it is direct no changing trains.
I suggest spending one night in Montpellier, it is a nice university city and I was very impressed by it.