5 Amazing Hostel Jobs In France – Best Way To Get Free Accommodation In France

Trying to find a way to get free accommodation in France? There are plenty of awesome volunteering gigs that will help you cut back on costs.

If an adventure that combines budget travel, meaningful connections, and invaluable personal growth sounds interesting, you need to check out these epic hostel jobs in France!

How To Get Free Accommodation In France

Finding the best hostel jobs in France can be done in a few different ways depending on your comfort level.

Seasoned travelers often opt to directly contact hostels, although this approach requires a considerable amount of time and effort since many won’t respond or don’t offer work exchanges.

For newer travelers or those seeking to save time, utilizing one of the work exchange platforms is a more efficient choice.

The most popular is Workaway, which is the largest worldwide work exchange site. However, receiving responses can prove challenging because it’s competitive.

In this regard, I highly recommend Worldpackers, the second-largest site, which still has a lot of opportunities but it’s not as saturated.

Worldpackers is especially suitable for beginners, as they provide experience insurance, offering coverage in the event of any unforeseen issues during your work exchange (read about why it’s the best alternative to Workaway here).

Worldpackers also offers an array of perks and resources to support you throughout your journey.

If you wish to join Worldpackers right away, feel free to use my code MAPTREKKING or click on my referral link for a discount.

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These commissions help me continue to offer helpful tips. Thank you so much for your support.

5 Awesome Hostel Jobs In France

Hostel jobs in France provide an interesting way to affordably see this famous travel destination.

By helping out, you’ll get to stay on a budget, gain local insights, and hopefully, you’ll make some lasting connections.

Getting free accommodation in France doesn’t have to be difficult – check out these awesome places to help at.

Haute-Savoie

Amidst the breathtaking French Alps, the Haute-Savoie area is an amazing place to help out at a hostel.

This picturesque region has stunning natural beauty, charming alpine towns, great food, and fun outdoor adventures.

Annecy is known as the “Venice of the Alps,” with its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning lakefront.

Stroll through its old town, explore the Palais de l’Isle—a 12th-century island castle turned museum—and savor the vibrant atmosphere of its local markets.

Other notable towns to visit include Evian-les-Bains, famous for its mineral water, and Megève, a chic ski resort with a vibrant village center.

Some of the food that Haute-Savoie is known for is the yummy cheese fondue or raclette, both made with locally produced mountain cheese.

You should also try the savory tartiflette, a gratin dish featuring potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions—a true Alpine comfort food.

Pair your meals with a glass of regional wine or a traditional liqueur like génépi for an authentic taste of the local cuisine.

Haute-Savoie is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of exhilarating activities throughout the year.

In winter, hit the slopes of renowned ski resorts like Chamonix, Flaine, or Les Gets, and carve through fresh powder on world-class slopes.

During the summer months, embark on breathtaking hikes through lush mountain trails, go mountain biking or paragliding, and explore the region’s via ferrata routes for a thrilling climbing experience.

One of the remarkable advantages of Haute-Savoie is its proximity to captivating European destinations.

Take advantage of your work exchange to explore the charming city of Geneva, Switzerland, just a short distance away. Visit the Jet d’Eau, stroll along Lake Geneva, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Alternatively, venture across the border to Italy and discover the enchanting city of Turin, known for its baroque architecture, vibrant markets, and delectable cuisine.

Mer / Mer-sur-Loire (2 hrs from Paris)

Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Loire River, Mèr-sur-Loire is a great place to get free accommodation in France.

It is in the heart of the renowned Loire Valley which has pretty landscapes, historical heritage, and world-class vineyards.

Immerse yourself in the Renaissance era by exploring nearby castles such as Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Blois, known for their architectural and historical significance.

The Loire Valley is celebrated for its world-class vineyards. If you visit, you can experience the vine-to-bottle process, from tending to the grapevines to participating in harvest activities.

Visit the Maison des Vins de Loire, where you can learn about the local wine production, attend tastings, and discover food and wine pairings.

Explore the town’s art galleries and studios, which feature the works of local artists inspired by the Loire Valley’s beauty.

You can also take a day trip to the charming city of Tours to see the historic old town, the gardens of Villandry, and the Fontevraud Abbey.

Are you covered? ➡️ I always reccommend trip protection, especially for work exchanging. My favorite is SafetyWing Insurance.

Marseille

On the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Marseille is a great destination for getting hostel jobs in France. There is a rich history, breathtaking coastal scenery, and wonderful food.

The south of France is well known around the world and can be expensive. Getting free accommodation in Marseille will help your budget.

Spend your free time basking in the Mediterranean sunshine on the city’s sandy beaches, such as Plage du Prado or Les Catalans.

Explore the picturesque Calanques National Park, a series of rugged limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

Take a boat trip to the nearby Frioul Islands, where you can enjoy pristine beaches and breathtaking views of the city.

Delve into Marseille’s rich history through its historical treasures. Visit the historic Fort Saint-Jean, a 17th-century fortress that now houses the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MUCEM).

Explore the ancient port area of Le Vieux Port, where you can admire historic buildings, enjoy fresh seafood at the fish market, and stroll along the bustling waterfront promenade.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Cathédrale de la Major and the fascinating Musée d’Histoire de Marseille.

Need some more inspiration? Get a free stay with these hostel jobs in Italy, Hawaii, Scotland, London, and Barcelona!

Indulge in the city’s iconic dish, bouillabaisse, a flavorful fish stew with fragrant herbs and spices. Sample traditional Provençal dishes like pissaladière (a savory onion tart) and panisse (chickpea flour fritters).

Explore the lively markets, such as the Marché des Capucins and the Marché Noailles, where you can discover an abundance of fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies.

Marseille serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider Provençal region.

Take day trips to nearby destinations such as Aix-en-Provence, known for its charming streets and elegant architecture, or the stunning coastal town of Cassis, famous for its picturesque harbor and breathtaking Calanques.

Discover the enchanting villages of Luberon, such as Gordes and Roussillon, with their charming stone houses and vibrant markets.

Why Help At Hostel Jobs In France?

While getting free accommodation in France, you will get other perks as well. Many hostel jobs provide extras, like a free meal or two, free laundry, use of the hostel bikes, free or discounted tours, etc.

Beyond that, while helping at hostel jobs in France, you’ll get inside tips from the locals, time to learn more about the culture and language, and hopefully some personal development too.

Cultural Immersion

Helping out at hostel jobs in France enables you to delve deep into the vibrant tapestry of French culture.

By interacting with locals and fellow travelers, you’ll have the chance to exchange stories and learn about French customs and even regional peculiarities.

Hopefully, you’ll develop a more nuanced understanding of the country’s rich heritage while working exchanging in France.

You can go beyond tourist hotspots and even practice the language and try some traditional cuisine.

Local Expertise 

Hostel work exchanges offer a remarkable opportunity to tap into the knowledge of experienced staff familiar with the surrounding areas.

They can provide invaluable advice on lesser-known attractions and unique activities that cater to your interests.

From getting their insights and recommendations, you’ll gain access to hidden experiences that most tourists miss, enabling you to explore France like a true insider.

Cost Savings

The financial benefits of work exchanging at hostels cannot be overlooked.

In exchange for your assistance with various tasks such as reception work, cleaning, or organizing events, you will receive free accommodation in France.

This will significantly reduce your travel expenses since France can be expensive to visit. It will allow you to extend your stay, explore more destinations, or indulge in activities that might have otherwise been beyond your budget.

By trading your skills for a place to rest, you unlock a world of possibilities without breaking the bank.

Try it out on your next trip while traveling around beautiful France. Use code MAPTREKKING or follow the link to get $10 off your Worldpackers membership!

A Dynamic Community

Hostels are vibrant hubs that attract like-minded travelers from around the globe. Through work exchanges, you become a part of a community and hopefully create unforgettable memories too.

The shared living spaces and communal activities facilitate organic connections with fellow travelers, enabling you to build a global network of friends who share similar passions.

The exchange experience fosters a sense of belonging and offers a supportive as you travel in the local region of France you’re in.

Skill Development

Work exchanging at hostel jobs in France offers a unique way to cultivate your skills.

Whether you have experience in customer service, event planning, language translation, or any other valuable talents, hostels provide an environment that encourages personal growth and learning.

If you’re not used to being in super social environments, hopefully, these experiences will help you to open up a bit more too.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has helped you realize it isn’t that hard to get free accommodation in France.

From immersing yourself in the local culture to benefiting from the knowledge of seasoned staff, there are many reasons to volunteer beyond the financial aspect.

Choosing to help out at hostel jobs in France is a great way to have fulfilling and transformative travel experiences. Pack your bags and seize the chance to explore the lesser-known corners of France!

Not so sure about helping out at a hostel? There are other options for getting free accommodation in France, like house-sitting.

There are tons of awesome house-sitting opportunities – over 100 house sits in France on the largest and most reliable platform, TrustedHousesitters. 

Make sure to check out What is house sitting? and what do house-sitters do? (typical duties & responsibilities)