The adventure begins in 1907 at the initiative of Richard Schirmann, a German teacher. That year, during the summer holidays, he transformed his classroom on dormitory in order to welcome youth groups during their school holidays. 

In 1911, the first youth hostel sees the light of day and rapidly the idea evolves and spreads to other neighbouring countries.

In France, it’s the 28th of August 1930 that Marc Sangnier opens the first youth hostel. In the decade 1930-1940, the youth hostels in France develop rapidly and the movement is accelerated by the granting of paid leave in 1936. It’s at this period that the first youth hostels open in Corncarneau, Brest and Morlaix.