4 Affordable Adventures to Try in France

Hostels in France are a great way to visit this wonderful country on the cheap. Working with the constraints of a budget, however, will ultimately limit what you can do while on your trip. Then again, finding fun stuff to do while keeping costs down offers its own unique brand of satisfaction – especially when you create unforgettable memories while doing so.

Here are four adventures you could consider to create great memories while keeping expenses down.

Visit the Villages of Southern France – If you’ve got a soul that relishes experiencing something new each day, you’ll definitely want to explore some of the hundreds of villages dotting the French countryside. The secret is to scout out the villages located near one of the excellent hostels in France. Once you’ve chosen a hostel, you’ll be able to go about exploring the local area at your leisure. These villages offer an authentic snapshot of rural life, and they're perfect when you want to trade the metropolitan lifestyle for a quieter and more relaxed pace. Hike the Trails of Chamonix – If hiking is something you enjoy, taking in grand views and fresh air, then Chamonix will not disappoint. While these trails are some distance from many of the hostels in France, planning a hike in the area is definitely worth the effort of getting there. Of special note is Mont Blanc, one of the most popular long distance trails in Europe. This incredibly scenic route traverses the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland, a fact that can make the hike even more of an achievement.

Nab a Paris Museum Pass – If you’re an art lover looking to experience the rich offerings of Paris, get yourself a Paris Museum Pass. It is absolutely essential for visiting many of the most notable cultural icons of Paris - from the Louvre and the Pantheon to Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. It comes in two, four and six-day variants – all offering a great discount when compared to the cost if you paid for normal entrance fees separately.

Be Enchanted by the Jardin de Plantes – If you're in Paris and need a break from the overwhelming traffic and city population, take some time out to simply soak up the ambience of the Jardin de Plantes. As the country's main botanical garden, the beauty of its gardens and its hothouses can instil in visitors a sense of wonder and appreciation for the lush plant life. Not only are there many herbs, shrubs, flowers and trees to admire, but there’s also a labyrinth that you can lose yourself in for a bit of fun.

Keep these destinations in mind as you travel around the excellent hostels in France and it will be a lot easier for you to enjoy so much more while spending so much less!

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.