budget eating in southern France

First of all, Jinny, on French menus "entrees" are the appetizer course, not the main course, so I guess you are asking if you & your travel companion could share a main course. I happen to think that is rather tacky but others will tell you it is acceptable, so you can please yourself on whether to share or not. On the whole, restaurants (except for the posh ones) are less expensive in the south of France than in Paris so that may help your budget, but keep in mind that French restaurants do not serve such large portions as in the U.S. so sharing may leave you feeling hungry.

Jinny,

My wife and I traveled to the south of France a few years ago. When we were eating there we always felt that it was best if we both ordered our own main courses. I don't necessarily know why, it was just a feeling we had. I'm sure it wouldn't be the end of the world if you shared. I have to agree with Norma though, the portions are smaller and after a day of walking I think you'll be quite hungry!

Where are you going?

I think that crepes are tasty and cheap. Don't underestimate the power of a picnic, especially in the south of france. There are some great strawberries there. I hope my comments are more useful than Doug's.

I stayed in Avignon in June 2007 and spent 16E for a 3 course dinner in 2 different places (I would assume the cost is higher now). In one restaurant, portions were fine but not enough to share; in the other they were much larger. But you would really look cheap if you wanted to share..especially if it is a small family-run place as one of these restaurants was. You could always order a la carte but I generally find that the fixed price "menu" is a better deal. I only ate one meal out a day and
really enjoyed the time to relax after a busy day and restaurants don't rush you.
Get recommendations from your hotel, walk around and read menus, ask locals, avoid
super-touristy spots like the Place de la Horloge in Avignon (but the cafes there are good for an afternoon coffee and people-watching). Avoid Avignon in July when the Festival is on as the prices go up and the place is packed...it is a French-speaking festival that would not appeal to most English-speakers anyway.
On one very busy day of touring, I didn't
even have dinner, having snacked all day
on fruit and cheese bought from the markets.
Eating in France is part of the culture
and do enjoy it.

Thanks for your comments. I think I have enough ideas now. We're going to the French Riviera, Cinque Terre, Provence and a couple of days in the Alps.