Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: A Lively and Authentic Village in Provence
Perched between heaven and earth, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the most beautiful villages in France. This town is nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Renowned for its picturesque narrow streets, traditional pottery, and its “star” suspended between two cliffs, this village immerses you in a unique setting brimming with authenticity.
Read more
Proud of its heritage, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie charms visitors with its Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Chapel and its artisan workshops. Located 32 km from this village in Haute Provence, our 4-star campground in the Verdon Valley, in Aups, is an ideal starting point for exploring this Provençal town and its surroundings. From hiking and water sports on Lake Sainte-Croix to cultural explorations, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie promises an unforgettable immersion in the heart of Provence.
A Stroll Through the Star-Studded Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Nestled among the cliffs of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a medieval village that seems to hang between heaven and earth. It is also one of the most beautiful villages in the Verdon.
Its name comes from the golden star that shines between two rocks, a legendary symbol that adds a touch of mystery to this town in Provence.
Read more
As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you’ll discover colorful houses and ancient fountains, which once served as gathering places for travelers and their thirsty animals. Water is supplied to these fountains by the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie aqueduct.
This remnant of medieval engineering is an essential part of the residents’ daily lives. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie invites you to admire the vestiges of history and discover a unique atmosphere that blends nature, culture, and Provençal traditions.
The Earthenware Museum: Discover an Ancient Art Form
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is world-renowned for its earthenware, a craft that dates back to the 17th century. The Earthenware Museum showcases an exceptional collection, ranging from 17th-century masterpieces to contemporary creations. The room dedicated to glazed earthenware highlights antique pottery as well as a variety of terracotta objects, such as glazed tiles and period chimneys.
A screening room features a captivating film that traces the evolution of earthenware in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, detailing each stage of its creation, from shaping to the final decoration and firing.
As you stroll through the charming narrow streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you’ll also discover a multitude of galleries and artists’ studios, which add a creative touch to the spirit of this Provençal village.
This is the perfect opportunity to take home a unique souvenir from your stay at our campground near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
The Parish Church
Built in the 12th century and designated a Historic Monument in 1913, this church is distinguished by its Lombard bell tower, an elegant 22-meter-tall square tower made of tuff, which ranks among the most remarkable in Provence. Its Romanesque architecture is evident in the nave, which features a broken barrel vault supported by pilasters that flare outward toward the top, while exterior buttresses ensure its stability.
Three chapels, added at a later date, enhance this complex. The interior features stunning frescoes and a mystical atmosphere, reflecting the religious history of the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
The Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Chapel
Overlooking Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Chapel stands at the top of a steep path. Accessible after climbing 262 steps, this chapel offers a breathtaking view of the village and the Verdon Valley. A Marian shrine dating back to the 12th century, it welcomes numerous pilgrims and visitors each year in search of serenity.
Read more
This chapel is a 35-minute drive from our campground at the entrance to the Verdon Gorge. This historic pilgrimage site is also an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts. The climb can be challenging, but the view is well worth the effort.
St. Anne’s Chapel
Less well-known but just as charming, the Sainte-Anne Chapel is a place of contemplation located at the entrance to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Surrounded by greenery, it invites you to enjoy a moment of calm and introspection—ideal for a break away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. This chapel is located 32 km from our campground.
The Valensole Plateau, the jewel of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
The Valensole Plateau is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places to admire and capture the splendor of the lavender fields. However, its fame also makes it a very popular destination for visitors, which can sometimes make it difficult to take a photo in peace during peak bloom. Despite the crowds, these vast, perfectly ordered expanses of lavender, stretching as far as the eye can see, offer a sight of striking beauty.
Read more
Don’t limit yourself to the lavender fields: the fields of sunflowers and wheat that border them are also worth a visit and add beautiful contrasts to the scenery. For photos with vibrant colors, take advantage of the golden light of sunset, which makes these Provençal panoramas even more stunning.
Thanks to its moderate elevation, Valensole’s lavender blooms relatively early, generally between mid-June and late June. Every year, on the third weekend of July, the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie celebrates this symbol of Provence during the grand lavender festival, a must-see event for lovers of nature and Provençal traditions.
Hiking Trails Around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Nature lovers will be delighted by the many hiking trails accessible from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
You can choose between an easy walk to the Valensole Plateau or a more challenging hike through the Verdon Gorge.
Some hikes offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the Verdon Regional Nature Park, surrounded by cliffs, forests, and wild rivers.
No matter which route you choose from the map of possible hikes starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Don’t forget your camera!
Visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie from the Air
Would you like to enjoy a unique experience during your visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie? This town in Provence offers a wide range of aerial activities: paragliding, hot-air balloon rides, and even skydiving. These experiences let you admire the Verdon Regional Nature Park, Lake Sainte-Croix, and the steep cliffs of the Verdon Gorge from a truly exceptional vantage point.
Read more
To make the most of your stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, choose our campground, L’Oasis du Verdon. Choose between accommodations or a campsite in the Verdon region, set in a pristine natural environment. Our campground is, without a doubt, the ideal base for exploring this region.
Other places to visit in the region
