On arrival at La Banasterie we met the owner who gave us a choice of rooms as there was another one available. We chose a room on one of the upper levels, after deciding the room on the top level might be too warm and a little too dark. The building is located in the centre of the old part of the city (it is an 11th century building), and as such is a warren of rooms and staircases which we thought charming and very Provencal, although those stairs to your room may not be best tackled after a few bottles of wine, late at night! The room was on the smallish side, but perfectly adequate and comfortable and most certainly clean. The bathroom was spacious but unfortunately there was no proper shower, just a period style shower attachment at the side of the bath which in the heat was a pain showering twice a day with!
Breakfast was always lovely – although not mad on the coffee (we are coffee buffs) – and gave us the chance to chat to the owner Jean-Michel (rather interesting and gentle man).
Outside La Banasterie
The location of this place is FANTASTIC! Down a narrow street at the back of the Palais du Papes, it is very central and means you can easily walk around Avignon from there and we also found it quiet despite being so central – although be prepared to be woken by the bells ringing!
Matthew in our room
We enjoyed our stay and thought it the ideal and typically french style of accommodation. The living room area is comfortable and relaxing too. I would say that I think there is potential for it to be uncomfortably hot as there is no air-conditioning that we could see.
Stayed – September 2007
