Just passing through, Avignon, France. With prices that start at 260 euro a night, Hotel La Mirande is not likely to be a place I would recommend, not to mention one where I would stay. But, on the advice of Rick Steves, I did take a quick turn through its public areas.

Originally the home of one of the leading families of Avignon for over 200 years, it became a hotel in 1990, with its 18th century interiors restored and graced with period antiques, paintings and china.

No one paid the slightest notice to this dusty backpacker as I strolled through the lobby, across the gardens and into the dining and sitting rooms, all empty and tranquil in the quiet afternoon.

The trill of this little bit of gonzo-tourism is something I quite enjoyed, and I plan to look for more opportunities to get a glimpse of the high life on a low budget.