If you are trying to travel to France on a budget you have probably noticed that there are very few hostels in the South of France.
We get it! Planning your perfect escape to the Cote D’Azur can be difficult, especially when you are trying to save money and the hostel options are limited.
To help you plan the perfect getaway to one of the most charming regions of Europe we have put together a comprehensive list with the best hostels in the South of France and its pros and cons.Â
Ready to start?
Best Hostels in Nice
01. Hostel Meyerbeer Beach
In my opinion, Hostel Meyerbeer Beach in Nice has one of the best locations in Nice as it is only a few steps away from the best beach strip at Promenade des Anglais (aka the one situated near Le Negresco Hotel), yet it is within walking distance from the Old Town, the shopping streets and the train station.
Another great thing about this hostel is that they provide free beach towels and umbrellas so you can enjoy the most out of the beautiful beaches of Nice.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker or traveling with a friend, this hostel provides a cozy atmosphere and dormitory-style accommodation. It’s an ideal base for travelers looking to soak up the sun, savor local cuisine, and experience the charm of Nice without straining their budget.
Hostel Meyerbeer Beach Key Information
02. Villa Hostels
The Villa Hostel is the perfect place for young people looking to meet fellow travelers and enjoy the night scene of the French Riviera. The accommodation has a huge bar in the lobby offering happy hour discounts which makes it a great meeting point to make new friends while traveling.Â
The location is great as it is right a couple blocks away from Place Massena, the meeting point for free walking tours in Nice and the center of town’s nightlife.Â
If you want to do a day trip to Villefranche Sur Mer or Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and explore its incredible beaches, a bus journey will only cost you €1.70 and the bus stop is located only 5 minutes away from the hostel.
Another great highlight of The Villas Hostel is that it has a free fully equipped gym, something that is not common in most of the hostels in the South of France
The Villas Hostel Key Information
03. Hostel Ozz
Hostel Ozz is by far the most stylish hostel in the French Riviera, with modern renovated rooms and a cozy bar where you can meet new people.Â
The hostel is located two blocks away from the train station, which makes it the perfect place to stay if you are looking to explore the South of France on public transportation. A downside of this is that the location lacks of atmosphere at night and the streets can be dark and lonely after 10.00 pm.
Something that I really like about the rooms of Hostel Ozz is not only its aesthetic looks but the fact that each bed has its own curtains so you can enjoy some privacy at night.
If you are traveling with friends, the hostel has a great private 4-bed room with a private terrace included, perfect to enjoy in the spring and summer.
Hostel Ozz Key Information
04. Youth Hostel Nice – Les Camelias
Las Camelias is a lovely hostel part of Hostelling International, a famous hostel organization around the world. For me, this is definitly one of the best hostels in the South of France.
The hostel is located on a traditional villa with a patio and terrace just in the heart of Nice. Within a less than 10-minute walk you can be at the entrance of the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (don’t forget to check out the Nice Museum Pass and French Riviera pass for discounted tickets!), swimming on the ocean at Plage de Carras or shopping at Jean Medecin.
If you are backpacking France alone and want to meet new people, what I love the most about this hostel is that they arrange several (paid) activities every day such as canyoning, kitesurfing, wine tasting and more.
Youth Hostel Nice Les Camelias Information
05. Open House Hostel
While the Open House hostel looks like your average cheap hostel, the accommodation is perfectly located just a few steps away from Place Massena and is praised for its cleanliness and welcoming staff.
If you are on a tight budget, this hostel is the cheapest in Nice and a great value for your buck
Open House Hostel Information
Best hotels in Cannes
There are only two hostels in Cannes: Banana’s Camp and Hostel Santa Maria. We have decided to exclude Hostel Santa Maria of this list as many travelers have expressed bad experiences at the hostel, claiming that it is not clean, the rooms are outdated and the sourrondings felt unsafe for women.
06. Banana’s Camp
Banana’s Camp is hands down the best hostel in the French Riviera. The building is a restored French Villa with a beautiful garden, making it the best spot to enjoy the warmer months at the French Riviera.Â
It is located just a few steps away from Marche Forteville, an incredible market where you can enjoy the best of the local cuisine, and near the famous Palais de Festivals where the Cannes Festival takes place every year.
The rooms are quite spacious compared to the average hostel in South of France and the hostel includes unseen amenities such as a laundry room free of charge.Â
While most of the hostels in Nice will be cheaper than Banana’s Camp, this hidden gem is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a more upscale town like Cannes on a budget.
Banana’s Camp Information
Best hostels in Antibes
07. Backpackers House Antibes
Backpackers house has a prime location in Antibes, just in front of the famous Plage de la Gravette beach, and a few steps away from the best restaurants in Antibes.
The hostel is inside an apartment building, and while the exterior looks outdated, the apartment itself has been improved and includes a shared kitchen, a living room space to meet other guests and the bedroom section with shared and private rooms.Â
While it is true that Antibes is one of the most expensive French Riviera Towns, this hostel offers a great value for a similar place than other options in Nice and Cannes, so its the perfect way to stay at a more upscale destination without compromising the quality of the accommodation.
Backpackers House Antibes Information
08. Bohobos
Bohobos is also a great choice for those looking for the best hostel in Antibes. It is also located near the beach but closer to the train station, which is great if you are planning to visit other nearby towns such as Saint Raphael or Juan Les Pins.Â
What I like the most about this hostel is that it offers plenty of private rooms for those looking for privacy without splurging, and has a nice garden to soak the Mediterranean sun and meet fellow travelers.Â
When it comes to amenities, the hostel offers towels for each guest which is something not usual at budget hostels, and has a free-of-charge laundry room available.Â
