Montpellier is located in the south of France and is the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region and Herault department. Situated close to the Provence boarder, Montpellier is the ideal location to either enjoy many days on the long sandy Mediterranean beaches of the Languedoc or exploring the glorious countryside of Provence.

Montpellier – Mediterranean Airport (MPL) is just six miles from the coast and five miles from the city, with excellent road links to Nimes which is 30 miles away and Marseilles, a further 125 miles.  Flights from the UK to Montpellier depart from London Gatwick and Stansted with a flight duration of just over two hours.

There are seven car rental companies based at Montpellier Airport with easyCar offering cheap car hire deals in just a few clicks.  When you fly into Montpellier Airport, having cleared customs and collected your baggage, make your way to Hall 4 on the ground floor which is where the car rental desks are located. Once your paperwork is completed having shown your full valid driving licence, passport and paid the usual car hire deposit by credit card, you will then be directed to your hire car in the rental car compound. Remember to drive on the right and make sure you are comfy and confident with the controls before leaving the airport.

Driving in France is very easy, and the roads easy to navigate.

If you’d prefer to rent a car from central Montpellier, there are also collection points at Montpellier rail stations and downtown Montpellier.

The Languedoc region of France is often forgotten by the Brits, but having holidayed here on numerous occasions with and without family, I can’t understand why!  The beaches are glorious, the countryside sensational, the local wine delicious and the towns and villages, simply fascinating.  Knowing a smattering of French helps outside of the main towns, but the local people are helpful and getting by without being fluent, is easy.

One of the nearest beaches to Montpellier is La Grande Motte seaside resort, with its busy yacht lined harbour and long soft sandy Mediterranean beach. The main town is modern but much consideration has gone into the development of La Grande Motte with its miles of footpaths and cycle tracks, extensive woodlands, three golf courses and streets lined with trees.

Montpellier is also on the edge of the Camargue which is the largest river delta in western Europe. A Parc Naturel, the Camargue is awash with fantastic flora and fauna, and is a habitat for the pink greater flamingo.