Next on our top hostel reviews, we journey to the glamorous French Riviera to the Villa Saint-Exupery – voted the top hostel in France, it’s also been in the world top ten 5 times in 5 years…

This former Carmelite Monastery more than lives up to the hype – it’s a sociable and stylish hostel with exceptionally friendly staff, a legendary all-you-can-eat breakfast and a picturesque setting.

On a hillside in Nice, the hostel is surrounded by a lush park of olive, pine and carob trees and boast a scenic view of the Mediterranean sea. You’re within easy reach of the glitz and glamour of Cannes and St Tropez, but you’re far from slumming it in this bargain villa; the historic buildings have been renovated into charming dorms and private rooms, and romantic gardens of flowers lie in every corner. But the rooms are still thoroughly modern, with free internet, plus fridges and bathrooms in the fancier suites.

The welcoming family who run the hostel have tried to keep the monastery’s original features whilst adding their own unique touches – the lounge is housed in a beautiful chapel with stained glass windows, and the glass Atrium kitchen serves cheap Provencale style meals and delicious home-made pizzas.

Best of all, you can enjoy a royal spread of fresh French bread, juices, coffee and cereals for leisurely breakfast outdoors on the patio. Evenings are best spent lazing in the bar where you can score drinks for a Euro – you won’t find prices like that on a night out in Monaco!

The location is idyllic, but it’s the care and attention to detail that really makes this a world-class hostel. There’s a free pickup service from the airport and train station, and a tram service that runs every 6 minutes to downtown Nice almost 24 hours a day. There’s a huge calender of events, and the hostel will organize a whole host of activities, from scuba-diving to sailing trips.

From only €18 per person per night, this hostel offers such incredible value for money for a chic stay on the French Riviera that it’s no wonder half the guests try to extend their stay!