Ad04 008464 BdIn the middle of two immense limestone cliffs, between which a mysterious golden star sparkles, the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie rises from its rocky promontory almost as bright as its star. From its sheer cliffs, you can reach a high plateau near the Montdenier mountain, criss-cross the olive-tree-laden hills, descend through the undergrowth to the beaches bordering the Lac de Sainte-Croix , or climb up to the first ridges of the Gorges du Verdon. These are just some of the landscapes that make Moustiers-Sainte-Marie so charming and unique.
The magic of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie also lies in its deep connection with water, thanks to the waterfalls and fountains that wind their way through the village, lending it an unrivalled charm. As refreshing as it is peaceful, let yourself be lulled by the sound of water running through the village, offering a poetic experience like no other. In fact, it’s because the water gushes forth unexpectedly and providentially that the village was built on these heights and owes its world-famous specialty to earthenware.
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Musee De La Faience 2 Min
Musee De La Faience 4 MinMoustiers has an ancestral tradition that has earned the village the title of “Cité de la Faïence“. This craft, which originated in Italy, crossed the border in 1668 and landed in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie thanks to Lozzaro Porri, a monk belonging to the Servite Order. It was through this man that the “secret” of white enamel was recovered by one of the village’s potters: Pierre Clérissy. Although white enamel was not really a “secret”, Pierre Clérissy kept the knowledge with his family for almost 50 years.
In the 18th century, when earthenware was flourishing, Moustiers was one of two Provencal factories that exported their fine tableware all over Europe, along with Marseille. Louis XIV, who had melted down all his gold and silver crockery to finance his wars, set his sights on Moustiers-Sainte-Marie earthenware, reputed to be the finest in the kingdom. So much so, in fact, that Moustiers earthenware services adorned the tables of kings, princes and powerful men from all over the continent. If you’re curious to learn more about the history of this refined art, we invite you to take a tour of the Musée de la Faïence de Moustiers, open since 1929. Over 300 pieces, some of them extremely rare, are on display. One of the museum’s areas takes a closer look at today’s earthenware: you’ll discover the evolution and modernity that the village’s craftsmen have developed over the last few years. The best part is that the art of earthenware is still alive and well in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Today, 7 workshops are still in operation, using the same production methods as in the past. Take the time to stop and admire the beauty of this centuries-old local craft. The artisans will be delighted to share their know-how in an intimate and friendly atmosphere.
Earthenware is not the only craft to have found its place at the heart of this Provence village. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also classified as a Ville et Métiers d’Art. Its craftsmen demonstrate excellence in many fields: glassmakers, ceramists, cutlers, painters… Here, each piece is carefully (numbered and) signed, testifying to authenticity and dedication to high quality craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship“made in Moustiers” is not just for the pleasure of the eye. Some also work for the pleasure of taste and scent: brewer / beekeeper for a beer with the flavors of the South , cookie maker / ice-cream maker who integrate local products into their creations… These are the skills that are passed on and perpetuated in the commune, offering you flavors, scents and wonder every time you stroll through the winding streets of the historic center. You’ll have the chance to discover a wealth of skills and know-how, backed up by men and women eager to share their passion. As you’ll see, when you’re not feasting your eyes, you’re in for a treat in the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
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Produit Du Terroir 9 Min
Produit Du Terroir 3 Min
Produit Du Terroir 1 Min
Moustiers Sainte Marie Chapelle Notre Dame De Beauvoir2 Min
Moustiers Sainte Marie Chapelle Notre Dame De Beauvoir3 Min
Moustiers Sainte Marie Eglise Notre Dame De Lassomption7 Min
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Moustiers Sainte Marie Rue De La Diane6 MinMoustiers-Sainte-Marie has been designated a “village et cité de caractère” (village and town of character), and its soul is full of mysteries and curiosities. With its two Monuments Historiques: theEglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption and the Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie evokes its past. Founded in the 5th century by the monks of Lérins, the village was an important place of pilgrimage. The centrally-located church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption is a fine example of this, with its bell tower that once “danced” to the sound of the bells, and its off-center Gothic choir that gives the building a grandiose singularity. You’ll be seduced by the beauty of its Provençal Romanesque architecture.
Climb the 262 steps of the Way of the Cross to the Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir. From up here, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of the village’s Provencal roofs, and a glimpse of the blue of Lac de Sainte-Croix. After your visit to Notre Dame de Beauvoir, you can return to the village via the path leading to the Grotte Sainte-Madeleine (please note that this path is permanently closed). Along the way, a piece of Moustiers’ history is engraved in the rock: it tells of a knight named Blacas who is said to have created the bright star for which the village is famous.
To discover all the beauty of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie’s built and cultural heritage, we recommend the Tour du Village Par les Claux.
The ascent to Notre Dame de Beauvoir takes around 15-20 minutes, but take care on the way up, as the steps can be slippery. During your ascent, take time to admire the fourteen stations of the Stations of the Cross, later adorned with earthenware tiles, the work of artist Simone Garnier.
As you continue to wander through the village’s narrow streets, the whole history of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie unfolds before you: the rue des anciens fours, the Place Clérissy… takes us back to the 18th century, when earthenware flourished before inviting itself to the table of the Sun King. The Musée de la Faïence tells the story of how Moustiers became and remains a part of history. The Place de la Fondue reminds us of the ravages of erosion along the course of the Adou, the small river that runs through the village and has enabled Moustiers to exist. Indeed, it was the presence of this spring that enabled men to develop the village’s industry, building a dozen mills along its course, followed by a power plant.
Visiting Moustiers on September 8? Go and meet a “traditional Moustiers” and discover or rediscover the village through the Diane festival. Share a moment with the villagers as they climb the 262 steps of the Way of the Cross to the Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir.
Moustiers Sainte Marie Place Clerissy 5 Min
Ad04 008421 BdMoustiers isn’t just beautiful, it’s a village with a story to tell. For a more immersive visit, download the Visiter_Moustiers app, a veritable digital guide to the village. You’ll immerse yourself in the Moustiers of yesteryear, with anecdotes, before-and-after photos and riddles. Note that there are 2 routes: an adult route and a children’s route, so you can visit the village with the whole family!
Tour duration: 1h30
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Ad04 008383 BdThe Moustiers-Sainte-Marie area, in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, is an invitation to outdoor sports. Whether in autumn, summer, winter or spring, there’s always something to do starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, whatever your level, time of day or mountainside. There are 13 walks starting from the village, ranging from easy 1-hour strolls to 6-7-hour hikes, each offering unique views. The scenery here is varied: The ascent to the Notre-Dame chapel gives you a view of the village below, while the descent to the Lac de Sainte-Croix takes you through picturesque gardens and the Moustiéraine countryside. The cliffs overlooking the area are deeply incised by canyons, creating a spectacular landscape. Higher up, the Valensole and Vénascle plateauslight up every summer during the lavender flowering season. Finally, the Montdenier, the top floor of this picture, offers vast pine forests, pastures and other mountain landscapes for a stroll between the Alps and Provence. The Circuit de Vincel takes you to the heights of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
If you’re coming to the Verdon with children, the Tourist Office has set up the Estello hikes. Two fun hiking trails designed for children aged 4-6 and 7-9. Take a family stroll and discover the village’s beautiful heritage while having fun at the same time.
Basses Gorges Quinson Pedalo Ad04 Thibaut VergozA must-see that no one can get enough of. Rent a pedalo on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix and take a trip up the gorge. The landscape is simply bewitching, a dreamlike gorge where the golden curves of limestone mingle with the turquoise of water, moss reveals tufa cascades, and birds soar across the vast skies of Provence.
Canyonduverdon Routedescretesad04 Teddy VerneuilFollow the Route des Crêtes at La Palud-sur-Verdon, one of the most beautiful roads in France. It stretches for 23 kilometers, boasts 14 belvederes, and offers breathtaking panoramas of the Verdon gorges. Add to this the dozens of majestic vultures that soar over the dizzying cliffs, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
Ad04 006210 BdThere’s nothing more beautiful in the world than to be able to indulge in an activity that comes as close as possible to bird flight. It’s a completely different way of appreciating the landscapes that lie before us, a rare and powerful experience in a setting that calls for disconnection and contemplation: the Verdon. With paragliding, there’s no sensation of falling or vertigo, just a feeling of flying lightly over the world.
