Below the cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie combines old lanes, faience workshops and views of its suspended star. The climb to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir extends a village visit with a panorama over the rooftops and surrounding countryside.
A village between the cliffs and the Verdon
Hanging on the cliff, Moustiers Sainte-Marie looks remarkably like a Provençal village from a fairy tale or a Christmas nativity scene. The village is located in Haute Provence, near the Lake of Sainte-Croix, at the entrance of the Gorges du Verdon and the foot of the Valensole plateau, covered with lavender fields. Moustiers is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
Moustiers was founded by monks in the 5th century who settled in caves in the cliffs and founded a monastery. A village developed, well sheltered by the ramparts, it became an important trading center in the region.
The Church of Our Lady is at the heart of the old village, built in the 12th century. Its unusual square bell tower flanked by four Romanesque bays emerges above the roofs. The second village church is the chapel of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, it is at the top of the cliff at the top of the village, one must climb the 262 steps along a steep path to reach it, and admire the beautiful view over the plains and the Valensole, while on the left the Lake of Sainte-Croix is visible.
The star and its legend
A star hangs from a chain between the cliffs. According to a legend popularised by Frédéric Mistral, the knight of Blacas promised the Virgin Mary that he would hang it there on returning from captivity. Several stories explain its presence: this is a legendary tradition rather than an established historical origin. Both the star and its chain have been replaced over time.
The faience tradition
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has retained an active earthenware industry, galleries, craft workshops and artists abound in the picturesque streets of the old village. A museum traces the history of pottery and reveals the secrets of this centuries-old craft.
Planning your visit
The climb to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir involves 262 steps, which can be slippery: wear suitable shoes and allow for hot weather. Workshops, the faience museum and religious buildings have separate opening hours; check with the tourist office before planning these visits.
Accommodation
Accommodation · Guest Houses in Provence PortalGuest houses near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Explore the selection of bed and breakfasts, gîtes and holiday rentals to plan your stay. View the selection →
Coming to Moustiers Sainte-Marie
GPS coordinates 43°50'54'' N - 6°13'19'' E
Location : 700 inhabitants, 600 metres above sea level, 4 miles from Lac de Sainte-Croix, 6 miles from Gorges du Verdon, 9 miles from Aiguines, 18 miles from Valensole, 19 miles from Bauduen, 23 miles from Trigance, 31 miles from Manosque, 35 miles from Forcalquier, 60 miles from Aix-en-Provence