Behind the Popes’ Palace, Rue Banasterie reveals a quieter side of Avignon, with mansion façades, a Baroque chapel and passages beneath the Rocher des Doms. Continue towards Place de la Mirande and the Verger Urbain V garden.
Rue de la banasterie in Avignon
The narrow Banasterie street weaves behind the Rocher des Doms and the high Pope's palace walls. It is lined with some splendid façades of the 17th and 18th century mansions.
Weathered stone façades and discreet entrances give the street much of its character. Look up to appreciate the carved details and the changing views towards the palace.
The walk links a former artisans’ quarter with the mansions later built by wealthy Avignon families.
The Madon de Chateaublanc mansion is the finest building on the street, it was built by the architect Pierre II Mignard who designed also the Vervins mansion.
The name "Banasterie" comes from provençal language "banaste" meaning "willow basket". Basket makers settled there at the street extremity near the Rhône river.
Chapel of the Black Penitents of Mercy
Under the walls of the old prison stands the Chapel of the Black Penitents and Mercy, whose baroque façade is magnificently decorated. In 1739, Thomas Lainé restored the chapel and drew a facade decorated with a superb bas-relief: two angels took the head of Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of the brotherhood. The Black Penitents were a religious brotherhood, their mission was the spiritual and material assistance of prisoners and those condemned to death. On the anniversary of their brotherhood, the Black Penitents had the exceptional privilege of pardoning a death row inmate. They exercised this privilege for two hundred years until the Revolution.
The hôtel de Vervins on the place de la Mirande
The "place de la Mirande" is a pretty little square, paved with river stones. It is located just behind the Pope's palace.
Reach the square from Rue Banasterie by the narrow streets behind the palace, beneath the Saint-Laurent tower. Access through the palace itself depends on the visitor route and should not be treated as a public shortcut.
The Vervins mansion was built in 1687 where stood previously a cardinal palace. The architect, Pierre II Mignard designed the façade in the same way as the Madon de Chateaublanc mansion built in a contiguous street.
A luxury hotel stands nowadays in the Vervins mansion, it took the name of the square : Hotel de la Mirande.
Former Sainte-Anne Prison
The former Sainte-Anne prison, at the foot of the Rocher des Doms, operated from 1864 to 2003. Its conversion project, known as La Cour des Doms, marks a new chapter for this site. The former prison should not be confused with a museum open for unrestricted visits.
The Utopia cinema
The Utopia cinema, founded in 1976, occupies the Manutention buildings beneath the imposing Trouillas tower. Cinema, cafés and the nearby AJMI jazz venue contribute to the cultural life of the neighbourhood. The Sainte-Anne staircase leads towards the Rocher des Doms, subject to local access restrictions.
The Garden Verger Urbain V
Below the palace walls, the Verger Urbain V recalls the orchard planted at the pope’s request. This public garden links the Manutention area with Place de la Mirande. Opening times vary with the season and events; check the tourist office’s current information.
Photos of the rue Banasterie and its neighborhood
Hôtel Madon de Chateaublanc in the rue banasterie in Avignon
The rue Banasterie in Avignon
The chapel of the Black Penitents in Avignon
Baroque chapel of the Black Penitents in Avignon, in the rue banasterie
Hôtel de Vervins place de la Mirande in Avignon
The Utopia cinema in the Manutention at the feet of the Palace of the Popes
The cinema Utopia in the Manutention at the feet of the Palace of the Popes
The decollation of Saint John the Baptist on the facade of the Chapel of the Black Penitents in Avignon
The former Sainte-Anne prison in Avignon seen from the Saint-Anne staircase
Practical information about the area of the rue Banasterie
- Utopia Cinéma : cinemas-utopia.org
- AJMI Jazz club Avignon : www.jazzalajmi.com
- Théâtre des Doms : www.lesdoms.eu
- Théâtre du Chêne Noir : chenenoir.fr
Coming to the rue Banasterie
Walking through the Banasterie neighbourhood
Allow time for the side streets between the palace, the chapel and Place de la Mirande. The lane is narrow and some nearby routes have steps or cobbled surfaces. Interiors, cinema screenings and performances have their own opening times and admission arrangements.