The summer vacation is approaching, and if you're heading to Paris, whether in a group, with family or friends, then 21st-century youth hostels, with their decor and attention to detail, are a great option for staying together without spending too much.
This little gem sparkles in the sunlight, even when facing the ring road. Jo & Joe is located in a building with a metallic façade and golden hues that hide a seven-storey timber frame, and stands proudly on Boulevard Paul-Vaillant-Couturier in Gentilly, Val-de-Marne. Once through the front door, you enter another world. Here, you'll find a huge, light, brightly-colored lobby, a surprising blue-and-white stag, a huge circular bar, a giant foosball table and arcade games. You can access a self-service beer wall (which you pay for directly with your room card) and large tables where you can feast on a chicken burger (comprising breaded chicken, crispy onions, bacon and melted cheddar) served with fries (€15), or share a vegetarian platter (€18). There's also street art on every floor in this lively, friendly place for customers and locals alike.
Everyone can enjoy the atmosphere and the parties, which go on until 2 am nightly on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. But not in the garden! It closes at 10:30 pm sharp because, as brand manager François Leclerc puts it, "Jo & Joe is always a good neighbor," respecting the sleep of local residents and customers alike. There are 485 beds available in 10 private double rooms, two triple rooms and dormitories for four, five, six, eight or 12 people. There's a solution for every combination of guests!
Jo & Joe Paris Gentilly, 89-93, Avenue Paul-Vaillant-Couturier 94250 Gentilly. Private double room from €100, triple room from €120. Dormitories (4, 5, 6, 8 or 12 people) from €29.
Sleep in the heart of the Marais, a district that looks like an open-air museum of medieval buildings, townhouses and tree-lined cobbled streets, for less than €100? Yes, it's possible! This is where MIJE – an association founded by post-war teachers – acquired three buildings destined for demolition in the 1970s and converted them into youth hostels. Nearly half a century later, the two 17th-century buildings and the 18th-century one look great, and provide 120 rooms with 434 beds to schoolchildren and individuals alike. It's a little intimidating as you go through the Auberge de Fourcy's big blue door, the main site. When you do, you're welcomed by a charming patio that opens onto a common room with a few giant beanbags, tables, games – and an electric piano. As you move on to the next courtyard, you'll find magnificent wooden walkways that link the buildings together.
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