For the young visitor, the network of youth hostels (Auberges de Jeunesse) offers comfortable and reasonably-priced accommodation, providing you can produce their membership card. Relaxed and friendly, their dormitories have 4, 6 or 8 beds, with shared bathroom facilities. Comfort is simple but advantages are many: you can have breakfast, there may be a left-luggage service to leave heavy bags, and some hostels even have two-bed rooms. Remember that these are single-sex establishments and that in high season there may be restrictions for the length of stay so that everyone can take their turn!

Ask for details before you make your booking. There are also some youth accommodation centres based in former hotels, which accept student groups and don’t require membership. Here you can have a cup of coffee in the morning, a meal in the cafeteria, use shared kitchen facilities or join in organized activities, all at very reasonable prices.