How Adrenaline Junkies Get Their fix in Paris

If you're planning a visit to Paris, hostels are the ideal accommodation for open minded and adventurous travellers. It’s not just about finding a cheap place to sleep, it's also a way of meeting interesting and likeminded people from all over the world.

But finding a host of new friends is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun and exciting adventures in the French capital. Adrenalin junkies are well catered for!

Freefalling at the Aérokart

Within easy access of any of the Paris hostels, Aerokart is a whole world of adventure. Strap on a protective windbreaker and matching helmet, make sure that your stomach is empty, and put on your war face as you enter the Aérokart! This free-fall simulator is a great alternative to skydiving, thanks to powerful turbines that lift you up off the ground. Skilled instructors will ensure that you perfect your form - gracefully gliding through the air as it whips past your body at break-neck speeds. And if you do plan to eventually progress to a real skydive, the Aérokart offers a great venue for solo practice runs so you’re ready when the big day finally comes.

Karting at the Aérokart

The Aérokart also offers a massive indoor karting circuit that is over 600 metres long. You, your friends and even total strangers can go head-to-head and see who among you has the best karting skills. The best part is that the sheer length and width of the course makes it possible to muscle your way to victory if you’re aggressive and persistent enough! If you’ve ever wanted to kart your heart out, you definitely need to check out the course at the Aérokart.

Gliding with the Véliplane Paris Club

Continuing the sky-centric theme, the Véliplane Paris Club offers a great deal for those who want to try their hand at piloting a micro light airplane. Invite your new buddies from the Paris hostels and take turns flying a plane! It's all with the aid of a real pilot, of course, who will handle take-offs and landings while you'll get your chance at the wheel for about 20 minutes. The Véliplane Paris Club takes off from the Aérodrome de Meaux-Esbly.

Indoor Rock Climbing in Paris

There are quite a few rock climbing centres in the city, from the Fédération Française de la Montagne et de l'Escalade to the Centre Européen d'Escalade. You'll probably find your favourite, but they all have various routes and climbing faces to challenge the intrepid climber. From easy courses to help you get used to the climbing experience to extremely difficult courses that will literally have you hanging from the edge of your fingertips, this is an experience that adrenaline junkies should not miss.

Keep all these activities in mind and you’ll have a great list of adrenaline-inducing experiences waiting for you when you arrive to stay in any of the Paris hostels.

Looking for a dream travel 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. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.