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Perched between sky and earth, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the most beautiful villages in France. This charming commune lies in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Renowned for its picturesque streets, traditional faience and the star suspended between two cliffs, the village offers a unique setting full of authenticity.
Proud of its heritage, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie charms visitors with its Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel and its many artisan workshops. Located 32 km from this Haute-Provence village, our 3-star campsite in the Verdon, in Aups, is an ideal base from which to explore this Provençal destination and its surroundings. Between hiking trails, water sports on Lake Sainte-Croix and cultural discoveries, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie promises an unforgettable immersion in the heart of Provence.
Nestled between the cliffs of the Verdon Regional Natural Park, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a medieval village that seems suspended between sky and earth. It is also one of the most beautiful villages in the Verdon. Its name comes from the golden star shining between two rocks, a legendary symbol that adds a touch of mystery to this Provençal village.
As you wander through its cobbled streets, you will discover colorful houses and ancient fountains, once gathering points for travelers and their thirsty animals. Water is supplied to these fountains by the aqueduct of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This remnant of medieval engineering was essential to the daily life of the inhabitants. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie invites you to admire historical remains and experience a unique atmosphere combining nature, culture and Provençal traditions.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is world-famous for its faience, a craft dating back to the 17th century. The Faience Museum presents an exceptional collection, ranging from 17th-century masterpieces to contemporary creations. The gallery dedicated to glazed earthenware highlights ancient pottery and a wide variety of terracotta objects, such as glazed tiles and historic conduits. A screening room shows a captivating film retracing the evolution of faience in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, detailing each stage of its creation, from shaping to final decoration and firing.
As you explore the charming streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you will also come across numerous galleries and artists’ workshops, adding a creative touch to the soul of this Provençal village. It is the perfect opportunity to bring back a unique souvenir from your stay at our campsite near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Built in the 12th century and listed as a Historic Monument in 1913, this church stands out for its Lombard bell tower, an elegant 22-meter-high square tower made of tufa, considered one of the most remarkable in Provence. Its Romanesque architecture is expressed through a nave with a pointed barrel vault, supported by pilasters that widen toward the top, while external buttresses ensure stability.
Three chapels added later enrich the structure. Inside, visitors can admire magnificent frescoes and a mystical atmosphere that bears witness to the religious history of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Overlooking Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel stands at the top of a steep path. Reached after a climb of 262 steps, the chapel rewards visitors with breathtaking views over the village and the Verdon valley. This Marian sanctuary dating back to the 12th century welcomes many pilgrims and visitors each year in search of peace and serenity.
The chapel is accessible in a 35-minute drive from our campsite, at the gateway to the
Verdon Gorges
. This historic pilgrimage site is also a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. The climb can be demanding, but the view is well worth the effort.
Less well known but just as charming, the Sainte-Anne Chapel is a peaceful place of reflection located at the entrance to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Surrounded by greenery, it invites visitors to enjoy a moment of calm and introspection, ideal for a break away from the tourist crowds. This chapel is located 32 km from our campsite.
The Valensole Plateau is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places to admire and capture the beauty of the lavender fields. However, its fame also makes it a very popular destination, sometimes making it difficult to take photos in complete tranquility during peak bloom. Despite the crowds, these vast, perfectly ordered lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see offer a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Do not limit yourself to lavender alone. The surrounding sunflower and wheat fields are also well worth a visit and add striking contrasts to the landscape. For vibrant colors, choose the golden light of sunset, which enhances these Provençal panoramas even further.
Thanks to its moderate altitude, lavender in Valensole blooms fairly early, generally between mid-June and late June. Every year, on the third weekend of July, the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie celebrates this emblem of Provence during the great Lavender Festival, a must-see event for lovers of nature and Provençal traditions.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the many hiking trails accessible from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. You can choose an easy walk leading to the Valensole Plateau or a more challenging hike through the Verdon Gorges. Some routes offer full immersion in the Verdon Regional Natural Park, among cliffs, forests and wild rivers.
Whatever route you choose from the hiking map starting in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Do not forget your camera.
Would you like to enjoy a truly unique experience during your visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie? This Provençal village offers a wide range of aerial activities, including paragliding, hot-air ballooning and even skydiving. These experiences allow you to admire the Verdon Regional Natural Park, Lake Sainte-Croix and the dramatic cliffs of the Verdon Gorges from an exceptional perspective.
To make the most of your stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, choose our L’Oasis du Verdon campsite. Opt for accommodation or a pitch in the Verdon, set in a preserved natural environment. Our campsite is undoubtedly the ideal base from which to explore the region.
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