The Hostelz.com Review
Location
HI - Saint-Malo - CRI Patrick Varangot Hostel is rather easy to find. From the train station, take the Boulevard de la Republique north to the coast, then turn right on Chaussée du Sillon. After almost a mile the road will fork. Keep right onto Avenue du R.P. Umpricht. The hostel is a couple blocks on the left. From the ferry, head north on Chaussée E. Tabarly. Once it turns into Chaussée du Sillon, follow the directions above.
Amenities
One of the best assets of this hostel is a fully bilingual host who is also very friendly and helpful, especially when key cards fail. The best advice is to have all key cards for the room reprogrammed at once, as this seemed to be a common occurrence. Bedrooms are small but limited to about four bunks, and they are housed in some buildings with very charming exteriors. By contrast, the common buildings have a much more modern feel, and include a bar and a free internet station. The complimentary breakfast is above average, with items such as muesli and yogurt on the menu, and for those who like to get an early start, it's served earlier than at most other hostels in France. For the sporting types, tennis courts are on the hostel grounds, and a pavilion is available for bike storage. Markets and restaurants are within blocks.
Atmosphere
In July and August, during France's summer break, the town and the hostel can seem like a zoo. In June, however, things can still be pretty slow. For its large size, the hostel still maintains a friendly environment and seems most popular with students and younger adults with Eurail passes.
Attractions
There's definitely no shortage of attractions in this area near the Normandy-Brittany border. Straight west down the coast from the hostel lies Intra-Muros, the old medieval town which originally was an island as well as the home of pirates. Walk the ramparts, visit the Fort National or Île du Grand Bé at low tide, or take in the cathedral. As you visit, keep in mind that this city suffered heavy bombing in World War II and underwent painstaking restoration afterward. Other nearby attractions include the Emerald Coast and Mont-Dol, which at one time was an island when sea levels were higher. Last but definitely not least, you can arrange for day trips to Mont-St-Michel. This fortress abbey on an island is overrun with tourists for good reason -- it's just that impressive.
Summary
France in general has good hostel rates. This hostel is rather popular and as a result the rates are just a bit higher than elsewhere in the country, but still very reasonable. If reserving ahead, full payment is required up-front. At least you won't need any cash in pocket to check in! Bottom line, this hostel is definitely a good value for anyone wanting to visit this corner of the Brittany and Normandy coasts! And who wouldn't want to?
HI - Saint-Malo - CRI Patrick Varangot Hostel is rather easy to find. From the train station, take the Boulevard de la Republique north to the coast, then turn right on Chaussée du Sillon. After almost a mile the road will fork. Keep right onto Avenue du R.P. Umpricht. The hostel is a couple blocks on the left. From the ferry, head north on Chaussée E. Tabarly. Once it turns into Chaussée du Sillon, follow the directions above.
Amenities
One of the best assets of this hostel is a fully bilingual host who is also very friendly and helpful, especially when key cards fail. The best advice is to have all key cards for the room reprogrammed at once, as this seemed to be a common occurrence. Bedrooms are small but limited to about four bunks, and they are housed in some buildings with very charming exteriors. By contrast, the common buildings have a much more modern feel, and include a bar and a free internet station. The complimentary breakfast is above average, with items such as muesli and yogurt on the menu, and for those who like to get an early start, it's served earlier than at most other hostels in France. For the sporting types, tennis courts are on the hostel grounds, and a pavilion is available for bike storage. Markets and restaurants are within blocks.
Atmosphere
In July and August, during France's summer break, the town and the hostel can seem like a zoo. In June, however, things can still be pretty slow. For its large size, the hostel still maintains a friendly environment and seems most popular with students and younger adults with Eurail passes.
Attractions
There's definitely no shortage of attractions in this area near the Normandy-Brittany border. Straight west down the coast from the hostel lies Intra-Muros, the old medieval town which originally was an island as well as the home of pirates. Walk the ramparts, visit the Fort National or Île du Grand Bé at low tide, or take in the cathedral. As you visit, keep in mind that this city suffered heavy bombing in World War II and underwent painstaking restoration afterward. Other nearby attractions include the Emerald Coast and Mont-Dol, which at one time was an island when sea levels were higher. Last but definitely not least, you can arrange for day trips to Mont-St-Michel. This fortress abbey on an island is overrun with tourists for good reason -- it's just that impressive.
Summary
France in general has good hostel rates. This hostel is rather popular and as a result the rates are just a bit higher than elsewhere in the country, but still very reasonable. If reserving ahead, full payment is required up-front. At least you won't need any cash in pocket to check in! Bottom line, this hostel is definitely a good value for anyone wanting to visit this corner of the Brittany and Normandy coasts! And who wouldn't want to?
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2008
Their Description
Situated only 150 meters from the beach and 2 kms from the historical center of the city. Éthic étapes Patrick Varangot is only a 1 hour drive from the Mountain St Michel.
Our center which has 242 beds is open all year long, 24 hours a day accommodating all kinds of happy people.
The art of welcoming is a craft but for us, it's also a culture. We're not just willing to have you stay. We're happy to do it. Stay in our rooms that accommodate 2, 3 and 6 people.
Enjoy our volleyball, basketball and tennis court.
We look forward to seeing you in our hostel.
From Dinard airport : ask for a cab
From the train station : walking it takes 30mn, follow 'Courtoisville/Paramé'. Or catch the city bus n°21 or n°5 and then stop to courtoisville (21)/auberge de jeunesse (5)
St malo is situated west of france, north of Rennes. Paris / St Malo with the TGV only 3h long !!
Our center which has 242 beds is open all year long, 24 hours a day accommodating all kinds of happy people.
The art of welcoming is a craft but for us, it's also a culture. We're not just willing to have you stay. We're happy to do it. Stay in our rooms that accommodate 2, 3 and 6 people.
Enjoy our volleyball, basketball and tennis court.
We look forward to seeing you in our hostel.
From Dinard airport : ask for a cab
From the train station : walking it takes 30mn, follow 'Courtoisville/Paramé'. Or catch the city bus n°21 or n°5 and then stop to courtoisville (21)/auberge de jeunesse (5)
St malo is situated west of france, north of Rennes. Paris / St Malo with the TGV only 3h long !!
HI - Saint-Malo - CRI Patrick Varangot Hostel Details
Category: Guesthouse
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
I stayed in this hostel in June 2006. This is a very good hostel though it is a bit far from the "city centre" of St. Malo. However, it is near the beach. They offer a lot of different rooms (some with no bunks), and I stayed in a three-persons room with en-suite. Very good and clean. The breakfast is a basic one -- bread, hot drinks, and cereals. — Elodie (2006-08-20) St. Malo is beautiful! The hostel is ok. The population is very heterogeneous — backpackers, families, the old, and the crazy. Some rooms are really nice, while others are creepy, so you should ask for a room with a bathroom in it. — Liron (2005-09-09) The hostel was great. There was a fully equipped kitchen and the place was very clean. The staff were great. I don't know about the people as we arrived at an off-peak time. — John Mc (2004-06-10)