Special sights in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

The tourist village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in Provence is more than worth a visit. This picturesque town is also called the village under the star because there is a gilded star between the two steep rocks on either side of the village. There are several stories about why the star is hung up here so far, but not one of them has been confirmed.

Beloved place in Provence

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located at the beginning of the famous Gorges du Verdon gorge near the Lac Sainte Croix lake. This is a popular place to go for many holidaymakers and France lovers. A visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is easy to combine with a trip to the gorge or the reservoir. Around the lake you can see and experience everything, but we also want to share some sights and tips about Moustiers with you.

Chapel from the twelfth century

Start or end your visit by viewing the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel. The chapel is situated high above the village and is a popular pilgrimage site. You reach the chapel via a 262-step staircase for which you need good shoes. If you come up after about 20 minutes, you have a beautiful view over the village. You can also see the lake.

It is certainly worthwhile to take a look in the chapel. Here you can see, among other things, the altar with a sarcophagus as base that dates from the fourth century. The chapel was built in the twelfth century on the foundation of a temple from the year 470 in honor of Mary. Visit the chapel on a not too hot day in connection with the climb up.

Musée de La Faience

Moustiers is world famous for its Faience pottery. The pottery is similar to Chinese porcelain thanks to the opaque glazed white layer. You can recognize the Faience pottery by the brown beige-like color on the inside. The pottery is sold at many shops. There is also a museum where you can view this locally made porcelain.

Stroll through streets and alleys

Did you know that the village is considered to be the most beautiful in France? The star has even ensured that the South-French actor Jean Giono compared the village with a Provencal nativity scene. Everything breathes atmosphere. The idyllic streets, squares and alleys in Moustiers should simply be viewed with your own eyes. Flowers adorn the façades and bring color to the streets. The village has changed little in comparison with the fifth century when the monks started living in the current Moustiers.

You can buy local produce and delicacies here on Friday. But it is also nice to enjoy on one of the cozy terraces or a bite to eat in the excellent restaurants. Also an ice cream is part of it. How about ice cream in a flower shape? Or ice cream with lavender flavor?

The perfect day out in the holiday

If you plan a (sports) activity in the morning on or around the reservoir and admire Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the afternoon, you have the perfect day out. At the end of the day you can relax on one of those nice terraces or enjoy the Provençal cuisine.

These parks are located in the surroundings of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie