12. Avignon – Budget-Friendly Attractions
Once upon a time, in a land far from the vibrant chaos of Rio and the colorful streets of Nairobi, there lived a charming couple named Safari and Leah. Safari, the adventurous Kenyan, had a penchant for exploring new places, while Leah, with her lively Brazilian spirit, was the ultimate co-pilot on their travels. Their latest escapade brought them to the enchanting city of Avignon, where history and charm awaited around every corner, and they were on a mission: to experience it all – without emptying their pockets.
Walk around the Palais des Papes (castle exterior and gardens are free).
Stroll across the famous Pont d’Avignon (great views from outside).
Visit Rocher des Doms, a peaceful hilltop park.
Upon their arrival, the first thing that caught their eye was the majestic Palais des Papes. But wait, they squinted their eyes—how could they possibly explore a grand castle without needing a second mortgage? The answer was simple, found in that mystical phrase: “free attractions.” Leah, always one for theatrics, declared, “Let’s saunter around the castle exterior and gardens like the royals of frugality!” So off they went, arms linked, pretending to be medieval dignitaries as they wandered through the impressive grounds, imagining themselves sipping wine from goblets made of gold. The best part? It was completely free!
Next up was a stroll across the famous Pont d’Avignon. Ah, the bridge that was so famous it had its own song! Navigating the cobblestones, they giggled at Leah’s attempts to mimic the classic dance. “If only we could sing as well as we could budget!” protested Safari, regaling her with his off-key rendition. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and they snapped countless selfies, all while navigating the tricky balance between joy and looking like tourists who’d just discovered filters for the first time.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the city, the couple decided they needed a little zen. Their adventures led them to Rocher des Doms, a hidden gem of a park perched high upon a hilltop. “This place is my personal paradise,” Safari declared while expanding his arms dramatically, as if to embrace the entire landscape. Leah giggled, “Just remember, no flying like a superhero this time!” They perched on a bench, savoring the moment and their humble picnic of bread and cheese, feeling fancy without the fancier price tag.
It was time for dinner, and their bellies growled louder than a lion in a movie theater. They knew they had to try Ratatouille, the quintessential Provençal dish. Leah couldn’t contain her excitement: “Let’s find a local restaurant where we can enjoy this art on a plate!” With a bit of research and some friendly local tips, they discovered they could indulge in this delightful dish for a mere €7 to €12. They found a cozy little spot that smelled like heaven and devoured the Ratatouille, picturing themselves as chefs competing on a TV show as they reflected on how they didn’t need to pay a fortune for great taste.
The culinary adventure continued at Les Halles d’Avignon, a bustling covered market where the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the cheerful chatter of locals. “Why not test our negotiation skills?” suggested Safari, as they worked their way through stalls, sampling olives, cheeses, and pastries, all while trying to keep their budget intact. With full bellies and lighter wallets, they found adorable little treats for later, leaving with their treasure trove of goodies that didn’t exactly break the bank.
As their trip wrapped up, the couple knew they wanted to keep the budget-friendly train rolling. They found themselves at HO36 Avignon, a hostel that felt more like a friendly commune than a budget stay. “Look, Leah! Our very own travel chapter in a place that costs only €20 to €40 per night!” he exclaimed. They reveled in the fun atmosphere, meeting fellow travelers while sipping on local wines.
And of course, they had to consider budget hotels too. The Ibis Budget Avignon caught their attention, boasting room rates between €45 to €65 per night, a steal for a comfy stay! With cheerful hearts and cozy beds waiting for them, they knew Avignon had gifted them both memories and the magic of traveling without draining their life savings.
With their adventure drawing to a close and dry wallets still manageable, Safari and Leah celebrated their successful budget journey. They left Avignon with more than just selfies and souvenirs; they took with them the priceless tales of exploration and the spirit of frugality that would inspire their travels for years to come. And who knows? Maybe next time, they’d write a guide: “Adventures on a Dime!” with all the tips and tricks they had learned along the way.
We would have stayed in Avignon to discover more wonders…
But we had to go to: