Moustiers-Sainte-Marie : The Wonder of Haute Provence

Moustiers sainte-Marie Gorges du Verdon

With the charm of a nativity scene, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in France. Anyone who wants to discover the jewels of Verdon must make a stop here!
Moreover, it is situated right near the Verdon Gorge, and offers many surprises to the curious visitor. A visit here is therefore essential and will leave you with lasting memories.

To book your minibus or electric bike tour around Gréoux-les-bains

We propose you to book online at the best price on our website or at the Moustiers Sainte-Marie shop :
Rent an electric boat on the lake Sainte Croix
Book a half-day excursion by minibus
Book the tour of the lake by electric bike
Enjoy an astronomy evening on the shores of lake Sainte Croix
The guided tour of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

 

What to do in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?

The earthenware museum is one of the village’s highlights. And for good reason! Moustiers is one of the most famous places for its faience pottery factory. Here you can learn about unique and highly refined artisanal production methods, and it’s also worth noting that aside from the museum, many faience shops and workshops are open all year round.

Organised Guided tours of the village are available throughout the year, as well as on demand visits and private tours. This is an excellent opportunity not to miss anything that Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has to offer. At the entrance of the village from Riez or Puimoisson, you can visit the workshop of Earthenware Lallier, Christine & Anne Lallier will introduce you to the secrets of earthenware manufacturing, from cooking to hand-decorating.

You will also be able to visit the organic Fabrigoules farm, where they rear goats & cows and where you can discover the secrets of organic cheese making with your family. In addition to this, children are able to practice the art of cheese-making with supervised and fun workshops.

A Perfectly Located Village

Every year, from 31 August to 8 September, the Feast of Diana is celebrated. It’s an unforgettable event. It begins with a procession to lively music, from the village to the “Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir” chapel. During the festival, different entertainment, dances, games and concerts are held every day. In other words, it’s a week where you won’t possibly get bored! If you’re with your family, the kids are sure to have fun and return home with amazing memories of Provence.

Not far from the village, you can climb up to the Valensole plateau where the beauty of our lavender fields await you.

Finally, the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is fortunate enough to be only 5 km from Lake Sainte-Croix, so you can reach the lake’s beautiful beaches in no time at all. It’s also possible to rent a canoe here.  Take a look at our ” Book your activity ” page to find out more.

Where to Eat in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?

Not only is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, unbelievably picturesque, it’s also famous for its traditional Provençal cuisine.
Discover the best restaurants in the village at our dedicated page where you can book a table directly.
Moustiers Sainte-Marie hosts several top-end restaurants including The Bastide of Moustiers, by the famous chef Alain Ducasse. Here you will be welcomed by  director, Sarah Cheilan and  local chef, Frédéric Garnier. You can also choose one of the village’s panoramic restaurants such as “La Cascade” in an exceptional setting in the heart of the village. There are also plenty of quaint, hidden restaurants, including our favorite “Le Jadis”. A small village restaurant between alleyways and cobblestones, with elegant cuisine in a Provencal atmosphere that will leave you with a delicious memory of Haute Provence. Finally, for groups, “La bonne Auberge” prepares quality cuisine with impeccable service at an excellent quality/price ratio.

What Are the Most Beautiful Views?

If Moustiers-Sainte-Marie looks so much like a nativity scene, it’s certainly thanks to the two rocky spurs that surround it, with its star overlooking the village. This star sees its origins in many legends, including romantic, patriotic and even chivalrous stories. We can’t say which one is true today, but it contributes to its charm that amazes children and adults alike!

Mountains, lakes and lavender fields are mixed together here. At the gates of the splendid Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix you will enjoy hiking opportunities to be able to admire breathtaking landscapes. Whether you pass through the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau or climb our majestic mountains, you’ll be amazed from start to finish.

Discover two of the most beautiful holy places in France (as well as unforgettable panoramic views!). Visit the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church and the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel

The Riou Waterfall, a Steep Canyon Overlooking Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Treat yourself to a trip through this amazing canyon where a guide will take you above Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its chapel. After which, you will dive into the waters of the Riou – a small river that flows through a narrow canyon. Not only does this trip take you through a series of refreshing rapids, but you can swim through several pools in a place of mystical beauty.  Appropriate equipment and a guide will be needed. Follow this link for more information and book your guide here.

Take a stroll suitable for the whole family by following the alleyways after Le Jadis restaurant, and join a paved path that takes you to the foot of the last waterfall, where it’s possible to swim in a natural pool of fresh water!

If abseiling down the Riou waterfall is a bit extreme for you, you can also choose another little canyon suitable for families with kids (7 years old) a few steps from Moustiers. It can be covered in half a day and is usually in water until the end of July and sometimes even until August depending on the year.

ARTICLES RÉCENTS

Séjour canoé Verdon

Trek ou Descente aquatique du Verdon sur 3 ou 5 jours

Découvrez nos séjours en itinérance

adventure WILL BE back on APRIL 10th

Most of our activities reopen on april 10th.
To know more about our activities and book online, go to this page. We are working on the new season and reservations are open.
For any question regarding your reservation, please consult our FAQ or the “chat”. We’ll answer in a few hours (just return on our website to see your answer)

Location-bateau-gorges-du-verdon
Séjour canoé Verdon

Découvrez nos séjours en itinérance

Trek ou Descente aquatique du Verdon sur 3 ou 5 jours