Have you ever thought of mixing hiking and hospitality? It's something not very much possible and an explosive combination. It is normal to be hesitant when it comes to going on a hike, because we have many doubts: Where to stay? For which price? Is it the best option? And a bunch of other questions.
Lovers of hiking and long walks will be able to tell you about two types of accommodation that are very popular for this activity: hostels and refuges. Hostels and refuges are responsible for making possible Spain’s Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, the GR20 in Corsica, the Grand Traverse of the Alps, and many more.
Now you may be thinking, what is the difference between a hostel and a refuge, or shelter?
A hostel is a type of tourist accommodation intended for group accommodation, generally located along hiking routes.
On the other hand, when we talk about refuges, we are talking about an accommodation not unlike a mountain shelters the only difference being, as the name suggests, that the second one is intended to provide shelter and usually food for mountaineers and hikers in mountain areas. The first one, on the other hand, is located on a hiking route in an isolated village or hamlet, always in a preserved environment, rich in natural and cultural heritage.
In France, there are about 4,000 hostels spread throughout the territory, due to the great natural environment and the many existing hiking trails in the country. So, don't worry, you will find a place to stay.
One of the great advantages of both hostels and refuges is that the owner will be available at any time, this provides security and allows you not to worry about anything. Many of them offer the option of adding the breakfast and any meal service for an additional price, and others give you the option of cooking yourself by providing fully equipped shared kitchens.
Prices vary a lot, and it all depends on a number of factors: the season, the services, the facilities, the location and some even have special prices for a specific category of people, such as children for example. Even so, it is not a very expensive type of accommodation, although as we have said before, it will always depend on your preferences.
Another great advantage of the hostels and mountain refuges is that there are about 800 of them located on French borders. This means you can go on an international route, take the opportunity to walk in the Pyrenees and get to know the Spanish side or in the Alps and say hello to our Swiss neighbours.
In short, you will be able to enjoy doing your favourite activity and discovering incredible natural surroundings around it, while you also rest in a magical hostel or refuge.
All you have to do is choose your hostel or refuge!
