Moustiers

Visit Moustiers, Provence

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a typical Provencal village dramatically situated below two cliffs in the Natural Regional Park of Verdon and on the western side of the very scenic Gorges du Verdon. The village is also officially listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France.

Perched 100 metres up the high limestone cliff, the setting is as attractive as the medieval village itself.

Exploring Moustiers

An exceptionally scenic village and location Moustiers has a great deal to enjoy in terms of historical and scenic interest, with the streets containing numerous attractive houses and babbling fountains.

Apart from the general atmosphere you will note particularly the medieval Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption with its decorative 'four-storey' square belltower, the most important historical monument in Moustiers. The church was originally built in the 12th century and retains part of its original roman style, although significant modifications were made in the 16th century (hence the gothic style reinforcements on the side of the church).

You can also see part of the original defensive ramparts, while a natural scenic highlight is the waterfall in the village centre that results from a stream emerging from the bottom of the cliff.

Before tourism became the dominant industry here Moustiers had a long history of making attractive pottery ('fayence'), a tradition that continues to this day and which you will see in some of the numerous workshops in the village. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of the pottery making in the Moustiers.

Unfortunately for Moustiers, its location next to the Gorges du Verdon and the presence of a popular leisure lake on its doorstep means that there are rather too many tourist shops and restaurants which perhaps do little to enhance the experience of visiting the original village. Don't be deterred though, because it is an exceptional place!

If the sun isn't too hot walk up the long flight of steps to the 12th century Chapel Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir that stands high above the village (with a star suspended even higher above the chapel on a chain stretching between the two cliffs), and for scenic views back across the roofs of Moustiers.

Close to Moustiers

Nobody will visit the region without also exploring the Gorges du Verdon and the Lake of Sainte-Croix.

Less well known, the village is also part of the 'Lavender Route' across the Valensole plateau, which is a lovely way to see the famous lavendar fields of the region, and some of the less visited towns and villages.

Tourist classifications for Moustiers: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Moustiers, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Aups 24km; Digne-les-Bains 28km; Greoux-les-Bains 29km; Tourtour 29km; Lurs 30km; Bargeme 31km; Salernes 33km; Manosque 35km; Barjols 36km; Entrecasteaux 37km; Flayosc 37km; Forcalquier 38km; Mane 38km; Annot 38km; Draguignan 39km; Lorgues 41km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Moustiers

Moustiers tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Verdon - regional natural parc (8km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (10km) : Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (19km) : Lac de Castillon - site of natural beauty (26km) : Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie) - religious monument (30km) : Jardins du château de Sauvan - remarkable garden (38km) : Jardins du prieuré de Salagon - remarkable garden (38km) : Abbaye du Thoronet (Le Thoronet) - religious monument (45km) :

French version: see Moustiers (Francais)