Hey there anons, I'm planning a trip to the southern region of France. I'm going to check out Marseille, Grenoble and maybe Lyon while I'm there for a week or so, and I'll be staying in youth hostels, though I've never stayed in one before.

I've heard they can be a great place to meet new and interesting people but can also be dens of schizophrenic, meth-addicted debauchery depending on your luck - low level dealers strapped for cash stealing your shit, or mentally unwell freaks publicly masturbating in the dorms etc.

Any advice for a first-timer? Especially if it relates to staying in those cities ? Thought I'd make this thread for others to share their wisdom and hostel horror stories.