5 Low-Cost Adventures When Staying in Hostels in France

Hostels in France make for great accommodation when you're travelling on a budget. The next problem, however, is finding experiences and attractions for your itinerary that are not only fun and memorable but also affordable.

Here are a few of the more notable ways you can have fun on your French adventure without spending too much.

Explore the Catacombs of Paris – Admission is €4, and that opens up a passageway into a stark yet mesmerising experience. Paris had a severe problem with overflowing cemeteries, so the former limestone mines underneath the city were transformed into an ossuary for the bones of the deceased. The bones, however, were not just slapped together haphazardly. They were formed and sculpted into works of art made even more striking by the dark, chilling tunnels of the catacombs. Children under the age of 13 get free passage into the catacombs, and it can be a great way for parents or guardians to introduce them to the ephemeral nature of our mortal lives.Eat Authentically – If you book into one of the many excellent hostels in France, being on a budget doesn’t mean that you should deprive yourself of great food. If you have €5 to €10 to spare, then you can avail of a tasty treat from the many food carts that have popped up in and around Paris and the rest of the country. Cantine California, Le Camion Gourmand, Clasico Argentino, Le Refectoire, just to name a few, offer tasty, unique, filling and – above all else – affordable delights.

Enjoy the View at the Dune du Pilat – It won’t cost you much to gain access to the tallest sand dune in Europe, where you’ll be able to enjoy amazing views of the nearby coast and forest. The shifting sands of the dune are a stark contrast in an ocean of green and blue - making it quite the charming paradox when you’re on top of it. This is an excellent venue when you want to get some sun, shade, scenery and surf all in one handy location. In order to access it, you'll have to organise transportation to the La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area or book into one of the hostels in France close by.

Reflect on the History of the D-Day Beaches – The ghosts of World War II can be felt strongly on the beaches of Normandy - whether you are at the beach, where marines ran straight into artillery shells and machine gun fire, or up in the hills, where entrenched soldiers stared at the mass of ships and bodies swarming their positions. This is as much an emotional as it is a historical experience, and is well worth the visit if you're staying in one of the hostels in France in this part of the country.

Splash Around in the Pont du Gard – If you think you'd enjoy a little ancient history coupled with calming waters and serene environs, then the Pont du Gard is worth a visit. The watercourse of the River Gard is an excellent spot to enjoy some summer fun. A massive Roman aqueduct still stands to this day, its signature arches an enduring reminder of the ingenuity of the Roman Empire when it comes to engineering and architecture. This site is a must-visit if you find yourself near Remoulins.

Keep these attractions in mind and you’ll have five experiences to help make your stay in any of the hostels in France a truly memorable (and budget-friendly) experience.

Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. For the best Paris hostels or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.