The top 9 hostels in France

Hostels used to be backpacker-only zones, but not any more. France has plenty of examples of great hostels to suit all tastes, ages and nationalities.

From suave Parisian haunts to busy Bordeaux hangouts, here are nine of the best, as selected by global travellers.

Hostel Vertigo Vieux-Port, Marseille

This hostel is set in a renovated old building in Marseille’s ancient port. As you duck through the entrance, you can tell that the place has seen a lot over the centuries. It’s visible in the old stone arches, wooden beams and the sheen of flagstones worn and polished by thousands of footsteps. In the dorms, parquet floors combine with timber beams, while paintings by local artists splash the spaces with vibrant colours.

La Maïoun Guesthouse, Nice

At La Maïoun Guesthouse, they pride themselves on taking care of the details. All bunk beds come with a curtain, fresh earplugs are provided to every guest and an aroma of lavender wafts through the whole building. On top of that, crêpes and tarts are served for breakfast, accompanied by an assortment of homemade jams. This hostel is also conveniently located in Nice town centre, just five minutes’ walk from the Old Town and eight minutes from the beach.

Le Flâneur Guesthouse, Lyon

Le Flâneur is made for mingling. For proof, you only need to look at the lounge. It’s a huge space full of tables and chairs, with a bar running down the side. Grab a board game or a drink and get chatting to other travellers. On warm days, you can take the socialising outside, too. Le Flâneur’s terrace has plenty of shade and comfy seating. Within eight minutes you can cross the River Rhône to Lyon’s Presqu’île district, where you can see for yourself why Lyon’s known as France’s gastronomy capital.

Ciarus, Strasbourg

‘Hostel’ and ‘business’ aren’t words you’d normally put in the same sentence, but at Ciarus, that’s exactly the concept they’re going for. It’s got dorms, a bar and even a ping pong table, but what makes it unusual is the conference facilities, complete with projector, interpreting booths and space for up to 200 people. Many of Strasbourg’s famous European institutions are within a short walk, too.

Central Hostel Bordeaux Centre, Bordeaux

Central Hostel is decorated with plenty of wood, plants, kooky rugs and quirky wall prints. There are dorms and rooms, whose plump mattresses and immaculate décor wouldn’t look out of place in a top hotel. Central Hostel knows how to party, too. The bar is a popular nightspot for both travellers and locals, with DJs playing into the wee hours on Saturday nights. Bordeaux’s cathedral, Aquitaine Museum and the banks of the Garonne are within a 5-minute walk.

Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels

Many travellers come to Paris looking to capture the Bohemian spirit of the Montmartre neighbourhood, home to street artists, musicians and bon viveurs. Le Village sits at the bottom of the stairs up to Sacré-Coeur, whose famous white dome is even visible from the hostel’s terrace. To help along the boho vibe, the hostel has a guitar that guests can strum, and there are board games in the lounge to help you unwind after a day in Paris.

Gastama Hostel, Lille

Gastama Hostel is serious about food and drink. Located on a cobbled street in Lille’s Old Town, its bar serves 15 different beers on tap, including two specials which change every month – so it’s no surprise that it’s a beloved hangout for Lillois. Breakfasts consist of fresh croissants and jam, and throughout the day, cured meat and cheese is available for you to nibble. Both dorms and private rooms are available, some of which come with a hammock for lazy afternoon snoozing.

Les Piaules, Paris

This award-winning hostel sets the standard in Paris. Attracting a range of guests both young and old, its highlights include a roof terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower and a games room with table football and a photo booth. The bar serves homemade lemonade and local craft beer, and they run regular jazz and electronic nights. It’s right between Belleville and Couronne metro stations, taking you to the Louvre and the Pompidou Centre in around 20 minutes.

Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture, Nice

For travellers coming in or out of Nice, Hôtel Ozz is all about ease. It’s just two minutes from Nice-Ville Train Station, so it’s a simple hop from the platform to your bed. To make your arrival even sweeter, there’s free tea and coffee available throughout the day. The rooms are decorated in blues and greens, a nod to Nice’s maritime roots. Talking of the sea, the waterfront Promenade des Anglais is 800 metres away, so you can take an evening stroll with the locals within a few minutes.