Car Hire France - Fly Drive in the South

France is in Western Europe and linked to the UK by the Channel Tunnel which runs the Eurostar. It was one of the founding members of the European Union and is the most visited country in the world, with 82 million tourists every year. It is a beautiful, diverse country with plenty to see. We are going to go on a Fly-Drive in the South of France as the best way to explore the country is by driving along and stopping at different cities with you car hire.

Bordeaux: We start our journey by landing in Bordeaux. Pick up your car hire from the airport and go straight to the city. It has been added in the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble". Visit the Place de la Bourse, a beautiful building on the river. Palais Gallien, the remains of a second century Roman Amphitheatre and even La Grosse Cloche which is the second remaining gate of the Medieval walls consisting of circular towers 40 metres high and a bell tower that weighs 7,800kg (17,000lb). There are also so many other sights to see in Bordeaux, all impossible to list!

Marmande: This little city in France is only 90.7km (56.3miles) from Bordeaux, taking less than an hour. This city was founded in 1195 and here you can enjoy some coffee and croissants before visiting the Church of Notre Dame, dating back from the 13th century. It has a Renaissance Cloister which is one of the church's most interesting features.

Villeneuve-Sur-Lot: Only another hour away, 53.6km (33.3miles), from Marmande is this other city in France, founded in 1254 by the Count of Poitiers, Alphonse. This city has a beautiful agricultural centre which trades in plums, perhaps you can take some time to visit the fields and pick some! You can also discover some of the historical sights such as the principal arch which spans 118ft. On the other side of the river you can admire the Place La Fayette surrounded by old houses from over the centuries. Some other palaces you must see are the prison in the old Abbey of Eysses and the hospital with some gorgeous gardens.

Montauban: Drive an hour and a half 87.2km (54.2miles) and you will be in Montauban, a town that stands on the bank of the Tarn River. It was founded in 1144 and is the oldest medieval fortified towns in the South of France. Today these fortifications have been replaced with boulevards and the town is beautifully developed. Across the river, the town of Villebourbon is joined by a 14th century bridge. Visit the castle of the counts of Toulouse and visit the Musee Ingres which houses work from the famous painter Jean Ingres.

Toulouse: The beautiful city of Toulouse is only 55.3km (34.4miles) away, taking only forty five minutes. It is the fifth largest city in France and it's history dates back to before pre-Roman times. There are so many sights to see here such as the Capitole de Toulouse, which is a beautiful square with administrative buildings surrounding it, it looks especially graceful at night. Also be sure to visit Saint Sernin Basillica, which houses one of the most impressive pipe organs in the world. There are also many other great sights to enjoy in Toulouse so be sure to explore the surroundings.

You can return your car hire at Toulouse Airport and fly home to tell your family about your great long weekend! It is often cheaper to book your car hire France in advance to avoid disappointment and so you can plan your driving holiday to enjoy every minute of it!