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Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Provence, France

scneic view of the village within cliffs

Last updated: 18 July, 2024

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a picturesque village in Provence, nestled at the foothills of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and overlooking the stunning Gorges du Verdon. This charming village is renowned for its dramatic setting, with pastel-coloured houses built into steep cliffs, a beautiful cascading waterfall, and a golden star suspended between two peaks. The star, according to legend, was hung by a knight returning from the Crusades.

While it’s well worth visiting for its scenic beauty alone, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also famous for its fine ceramics and pottery, with numerous artisan shops showcasing exquisite faïence pottery. There are numerous galleries dedicated to it, and a small museum showcasing fine examples from the 17th century to the present day,

Take a few hours here to wander the narrow, winding streets, sampling the local cuisine at quaint restaurants. Stop by the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel for the best views of the village and surrounding landscape.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 18+

Frequency: daily

When: All year

Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

The village is about a 2-hour drive from Marseille, 2.5 hours from Nice and 1.5 hours from Aix-en-Provence. Alternatively, take a train to Manosque or Aix-en-Provence and rent a car for the remaining journey.

When to do it

The best time to visit is between May and September. During this period, the weather is warm and ideal for exploring the village and nearby Gorges du Verdon. The lavender fields in the region bloom from late June to early August, adding to the scenic beauty on the drive there. Visiting in spring or early autumn also avoids the peak tourist crowds, offering a more relaxed and pleasant experience.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Ste-Marie Tour from Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence

Viator

On this day trip from Aix-en-Provence, venture north from the French Riviera to Alpes de Haute-Provence to see the highlights of this wonderfully scenic region. Discover centuries-old artisan craftsmanship in the postcard-worthy Provencal town of Moustiers Ste-Marie – you’ll stop by a local lavender producer – and enjoy breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorge and Lake of Sainte-Croix. This tour is not available from June 10th to July 16th.

Price €155

Min age 4

Rating 4.56 / 5 [67 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Day Trip: Verdon Gorge, Castellane, Moustiers from Nice

Nice

Viator

Discover the amazing natural beauty of Provence. By the Napoléon road, reach the hidden village of Castellane, medieval village and old top places of pilgrimage: “Gateway to the Verdon Gorges”. Step into adventure, in the heat of this “Majestic Canyon” and admire the steep peaks and the emerald green color Verdon River towards Point Sublime, belvedere over a dizzying panorama. Along the Gorges road, arrive at Sainte Croix’s lake, stunning turquoise lake that feeds from the Verdon River, surrounded by towering peaks, and capture the scenery on camera. Then travel to the pretty medieval town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, set among rocky mountains. Spend time exploring Moustiers' medieval streets at your own pace; there are tons of ceramics and pottery shops sure to catch your attention. Enjoy a lunch of regional Provençal specialties at a terrace cafe before beginning the journey back that will rock you by its relaxing sceneries

Price €582

Min age 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [7 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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