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Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
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Landmark
Perched between two towering limestone cliffs in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is often cited as one of France's most spectacular villages. A legendary golden star hangs on a 227-meter-long chain across the ravine above the village, a tradition dating back centuries. The town is world-renowned for its "faïence" (glazed earthenware) ceramics, a craft that flourished here in the 17th and 18th centuries; several workshops and a dedicated museum still showcase this delicate art. The Romanesque-Gothic Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption features a beautiful Lombard-style bell tower. A steep path with 262 steps leads up to the 12th-century Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir, offering panoramic views of the village and the nearby Valensole plateau, famous for its lavender fields. Located at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, it is a well-suited base for exploring the turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Château de la Reine Jeanne · Musée de la Faïence · Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir
- Nearby: Aiguines (8 km)
- Population: ~668 (2016)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 49 | 45 | 52 | 56 | 66 | 44 | 25 | 31 | 53 | 84 | 102 | 69 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is freely accessible and can be explored on foot. The interiors of the church and private shops are not always open.
Typical hours
The village streets are walkable at any time. Shops and museums typically have seasonal hours, usually from 10 am to 6 pm.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the village and at viewpoints. In churches and some private galleries a ban may apply.
Time needed
A visit typically takes two to three hours. If you explore the surroundings and pottery workshops, allow half a day.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Verdon Gorge and Lac de Sainte-Croix. The lavender fields in summer are also worth a detour.
Getting there
The best way to reach Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is by car. Parking is available at the village entrance, the center is car-free.
Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the alleys in peace. The view of the star hanging from the cliff is especially beautiful at sunrise.
Geography
Facts
- Village under a legendary star
- Famous for Faïence ceramics
- Gateway to the Verdon Gorge
- Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir
- 262 steps to reach the chapel
- Limestone cliff setting
- Near Valensole lavender fields
- Lombard-style bell tower
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the landmark of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?
A golden star hanging from a 225-meter chain between two cliffs above the village.
What is the village's craft famous for?
The village is world-famous for its faience (glazed ceramics), produced here since the 17th century.
How difficult is the climb to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel?
You must climb 262 stone steps; the path is steep and slippery when wet, but only takes about 20 minutes.
Is Moustiers near the Verdon Gorge?
Yes, it is located at the western entrance of the Gorges du Verdon, near Lac de Sainte-Croix.
Are there parking spaces in the village?
There are several paid parking lots at the edge of the village; the center is mostly car-free.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: where is it located?
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: what is there to see?
Highlights include Château de la Reine Jeanne, Musée de la Faïence, Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: why is it worth visiting?
Perched between two towering limestone cliffs in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is often cited as one of France's most spectacular villages.
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