Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie enjoys an exceptional setting in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Nestled in the heart of magnificent landscapes, this charming village of the Gorges du Verdon and Haute-Provence has a picturesque charm with its hanging star. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Here a particularly pleasant pace of life is offered to you.

Various nature activities await you in the Gorges du Verdon, on the lake of Sainte-Croix and on the plateau of Valensole. Get on your mountain bike or bicycle, take your rucksack and explore the sunny paths of the Gorges du Verdon and Haute-Provence. Various activities are also available in the Gorges du Verdon and Haute-Provence. For example, you can opt for a horse riding excursion, or shiver during a tree climbing session.

Bouillabaisse with fish of the day, tapenade and cold pressed olive oil, socca and fougasse, ratatouille, lamb from La Crau, pistou soup, nougats and calissons… The diversity of climates in southeastern France offers a rich gastronomy. Cuisine is part of the identity of this part of the Gorges du Verdon and Haute-Provence, where producers passionate about their craft perpetuate products.

Romanesque, gothic, classical or rococo churches, fountains and wash houses, museums, abbeys… You can also discover a historical and cultural heritage. The local Tourist Office will provide you with information on the activities to discover and the tourist sites. You wish to stay in Southern France? You prefer to stay in a hotel, camping or bed and breakfast? We will help you find accommodation that meets all your criteria in the region.

One of the most beautiful french villages

The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been awarded the label “Plus Beaux Villages de France”. It rewards villages with character and a preserved heritage. An essential tourist destination at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has many shops, earthenware workshops, cafés and restaurants. You can visit the Ceramics Museum, and admire unique pieces, some dating back to the time of King Louis XIV.

You can stroll through its lively streets, share a drink with friends or family, or go shopping. You can also climb the staircase to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel built in the 12th century and extended in the 16th century. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. A star hangs between two cliffs above the chapel and the village.

This small town is also known for its earthenware production (faïence).

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Nautical activities in Sainte-Croix

Between the plateau of Valensole and the Gorges du Verdon, the lake of Sainte-Croix is a real jewel in Provence.would you like to rent a boat? Are you a speed enthusiast and want to try your hand at towed buoys? These various activities can be practiced on the lake. You can also go to one of the equipped beaches and enjoy a supervised swim.

From the Sainte-Croix lake, you can also discover part of the Gorges du Verdon by kayak, stand-up paddle or canoe.

The Verdon Regional Nature Park

Between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var, the Verdon Nature Park has a surprisingly varied landscape with mountains, hills, deep gorges, forests, green meadows and agricultural valleys. Nature is also a great playground for men: hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, climbing, swimming, water activities, via ferrata, tree climbing… From one valley to the other, you can discover a cultural heritage of sober beauty: historical milestones, bread ovens, wash houses, fountains, wells, medieval castles, oppidums… Producers in love with their land perpetuate a thousand-year-old know-how. Grocery stores and markets will introduce you to local flavors: honey and gingerbread, mountain cheeses, lamb meat, market garden and farm produce, olive oil…

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The Geological Reserve of Haute-Provence

The National Geological Nature Reserve of Haute-Provence was created to protect and enhance geological sites of inestimable value. The ammonite slab, for example, contains more than 1550 fossils. As you explore Haute-Provence, you can discover many remarkable tourist sites. The UNESCO Geopark of Haute-Provence museum interpretation centre, located in Digne-les-Bains, immerses you in a very ancient history.

The lavender fields

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located near the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau. The fields are in flower between mid-June and mid-July. You can admire the large purple fields as far as the eye can see. You can plan a road-trip through the lavender fields, or join a guided tour.

The region is beautiful in all seasons: in March, for example, you can admire the almond trees in bloom.

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Practical Informations

Would you like to stay in this village for the holidays? Discover all the practical information:

Access: the village is located about 100 km north-east of Aix-en-Provence, and is accessible via the A51 motorway (exit Manosque).
Accommodation: hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, campsites…
Market days: every Friday morning
Tourist Office: Place de l’Eglise, 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Phone number : (+33)4 92 74 67 84
Official website: https://www.moustiers.fr/en

Would you like to settle here? You can buy a property nearby. The prices of sales and rentals decrease if you move away from Moustiers-Sainte-marie. Our advice: you’ll love having a swimming pool to cool off in the summer.