Moustiers Sainte-Marie is one of the most beautiful towns in France. But above all, it is famous for its faience tradition and its unusual location at the foot of a steep rock cut by a small ravine.

Moustiers Sainte-Marie lies just a few kilometers from the place where the famous Verdon Canyon flows into the picturesque Lake Saint Cross. The town should be a must on every trip to the canyon or nearby lavender fields. In this small area, Provence offers three great attractions: a canyon, a medieval village, and the lavender fields – things not to be missed!

What to do in Moustiers Sainte-Marie?

The attraction of Moustiers Sainte-Marie is primarily its location – at the foot of a steep rock cut by a gorge from which the river flows. Its channel divides the town almost in half, while creating spectacular cascades and small waterfalls. Stone bridges were thrown over these – the perfect scenery for romantic photos.

But Moustiers is also famous for its production of faience. Pottery has been made here since the 17th century, and products – from tiles to plates and lamps – can be bought in many stores. There is also a ceramics museum in the city where you can learn more about the history of faience in the area.

Strolling through the narrow streets of Moustiers it’s worth visiting the 12th century church, whose tower dominates the medieval buildings of the city. Finally, it is worth climbing the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel (12th century), which is built on a rocky ledge. This is exactly where the monks from the Lerins Islands, near Cannes, built the monastery in the 5th century that gave rise to the name of this place (monastery – Monasterio – Moustiers). 262 stone stairs form a path to the chapel, and on the way you pass the Stations of the Cross.

Above the chapel, between the sides of the ravine, hangs a golden star; this is the symbol of the town. There are different legends about its origin, but none have ever been confirmed. One of them speaks of a knight who promised to hang the star if he returned to the city from the war with the Saracens, and another is a love story. The current star has been hanging here for over 50 years; the previous ones were replaced when they got too old. The chain on which it hangs weighs 150 kg and is 135 m long.

How to get to Moustiers Sainte-Marie?

Moustiers Sainte-Marie is located just a few kilometers from the western end of the Verdon canyon. This is where you can rent pedal boats to explore Verdon from the inside. Roads D957 and D952 lead to the town; just go straight ahead and look for the signs, it’s a direct route. In Moustiers there is a large parking lot right next to the Old Town and the entrance to the hill with the chapel.

Information on how to get to the canyon itself can be found in the article about it (link at the top of the article).