Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Is it worth a visit?

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie clings dramatically to the cliffs at the edge of the Verdon Gorge, a village so beautiful it feels like a dream carved into stone.

With its sparkling waterfalls, winding lanes, and a golden star swinging high above the rooftops, this is one of the most unforgettable places you can visit in southeastern France.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie combines natural beauty, historical architecture, and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination in Provence.

So, Yes – it is definitely worth a visit if you want to see one of the most beautiful villages in France.

12 Things You’ll See When Walking Through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Bougainvillea in Full Bloom: Vibrant pink, purple, and red bougainvillea cascade down walls, draping the village in color, especially during the warm summer months.
Narrow, Winding Cobblestone Streets: The village’s cobblestone streets wind their way through the town, inviting you to get lost in the charm of the narrow, uneven paths.
Mountains Watching Over the Town: The towering, ever-present mountains surround Moustiers, adding a dramatic backdrop to every view — their rugged peaks are never out of sight.
Stone Arches Framing Hidden Courtyards: Stone arches are dotted around the village, leading you into hidden courtyards and narrow passageways, each with its own secret charm.
Pretty Cafés with Outdoor Seating: The charming cafés with tables spilling out onto the streets offer the perfect spot to sip a coffee or enjoy a pastry while people-watching in the sun.
Hanging Petunia Baskets: Flower-filled petunia baskets dangle from balconies and windows, adding bursts of color and a fresh, inviting feel to every corner.
Ivy-Covered Buildings: Ivy creeps up the stone facades of buildings, softening their edges and creating a sense of timelessness and nature’s embrace.
Rustic, Colorful Pottery Shops: Hand-painted faïence pottery in every shade imaginable is proudly displayed in the village’s little shops, a local craft that adds a unique touch to the streets.
Quiet, Shaded Squares: Quiet squares with benches tucked under trees or beside fountains are perfect for a moment of rest, surrounded by the stillness of the stone walls and greenery.
Scent of Lavender in the Air: he sweet, earthy scent of lavender fills the air in the warmer months, especially near the nearby fields and small gardens, adding to the town’s sensory charm.
Brightly Colored Doors and Shutters: Brightly painted doors and shutters in hues of blue, green, and mustard yellow stand out against the neutral stone, giving the town its iconic Mediterranean flair.
Sunlight Glinting off the Waterfall: The sound of running water from the waterfalls and streams, with sunlight reflecting off the glistening water, creates a serene atmosphere as you explore.

These elements combine to create a quintessential summer experience in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The mixture of vibrant flowers, the rugged mountain backdrop, and the timeless charm of the cobblestone streets is what makes this village so captivating year-round!

Getting there and getting around

The easiest way to reach Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is by car.
The nearest airport is Marseille Provence, about 1.5 hours away.
Public buses are rare, so driving gives you freedom to explore nearby sights like the Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix.

Renting a car is strongly recommended to explore the area properly and it is the easiest way to get there.

Can you explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie on foot?

Yes — you can absolutely explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie entirely on foot. In fact, walking is the only way to properly enjoy it.

Here’s why:

The village is very small — you can cross it in about 15–20 minutes without stopping (but you’ll want to stop often!).
No cars inside — most of the center is pedestrian-only, with narrow, cobbled lanes and stone stairways.
Steep but beautiful — many paths are uphill or involve steps, especially if you want to walk up to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel (about 262 stone steps).
Shops, pottery studios, cafés, fountains — everything is close together. You just wander lane to lane, discovering hidden corners.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes (steep streets).
Bring a refillable water bottle (fountains around town).
Most shops close for a long lunch (typically 12:00–14:00). Long lunch breaks are standard practice in rural southern France, including Moustiers.

Village streets are steep and cobbled — sandals won’t cut it. Bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and patience for slow, sunny afternoons.

best time to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Late May to early July is the most breathtaking time to visit — think warm days, fewer crowds, and fields of purple lavender stretching to the horizon. August can be extremely hot and it’s a busy time of year, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Late May to early July is excellent: warm weather, lavender starts blooming, fewer tourists before peak summer .

Perfect Walking Route through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Starting point:
Main car park (Parking de la Clappe) — easy to find and close to the village entrance.

1. Enter the village
Walk along the main street (Rue de la Bourgade) — this is where you’ll find cute little shops selling pottery, lavender products, and local sweets.

2. The Central Square
In just a few minutes, you’ll reach the small heart of the village:
Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption — the 12th-century Romanesque church with a beautiful square tower.
Right next to it is a pretty stone fountain — one of many you’ll see.

3. Waterfall Viewpoint
Walk towards the visible cascade (waterfall) that runs right through the village.
Pause on the small bridge — it’s a perfect photo spot with the cliffs rising up behind you.

4. Climb to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir
Take the staircase path (signposted) leading uphill.
About 20–30 minutes of climbing (262 ancient stone steps).
At the top: the tiny chapel and breathtaking views over the village rooftops, Lake Sainte-Croix in the distance, and the Verdon mountains.

5. See the Golden Star
On your climb (and especially from the top), you’ll see the famous golden star hanging between the cliffs — a symbol of the village.

6. Return via a Different Path
Instead of walking straight back, take one of the small side alleys (they lead back down into town in a loop).

7. Explore Hidden Streets
Wander Rue du Seigneur Berthet and Rue de la Clappe — peaceful, shady streets where locals live, with colorful doors, old stone houses, and secret courtyards.

8. Treat Yourself
End your walk with a treat:

Grab lavender ice cream at a small café.
Sit at a terrace with a coffee or glass of rosé.
If you’re hungry, local specialties include ravioles and honey pastries.

How long does it take?

A leisurely 2–3 hours including the chapel climb, shopping, taking photos, and a coffee break.
If you skip the climb to the chapel, about 1.5 hours is enough.

Tip:
Do the climb early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
The stone steps can be slippery if it rained — watch your footing.

Accommodation

Want to stay in Moustiers Sainte Marie?

For that fabulous French countryside feel in an authentic Maison – book a room in a house in the mountains, but close enough to easily explore!

“Angouire is a B&B, located 1.5 km from Sainte-Croix Lake in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, offers guests rooms and self-catering apartments. Situated in a natural setting, the property features garden and mountain views. There is a canyon in the property with a pond where guests can swim.”

Reserve Domaine d’Angouire >>

Camping Manaysse: actual campsite located near the village, very well-rated for budget travelers. Reserve your spot >>

Top 10 hotels

There are a few fabulous places to stay right in the heart of the village. You’ll find charming boutique hotels, cozy guesthouses, and beautiful old stone houses converted into stylish accommodation. Many places offer rooms with balconies overlooking the mountains, gardens filled with lavender, or even small courtyards shaded by olive trees. Staying overnight lets you experience the village in its most peaceful moments — early morning when the streets are quiet, and evening when the cliffs turn golden under the setting sun.

Rent your own beautiful 2-Bedroom villa in Provence: Villa Bello Visto (Entire villa)

This charming property is situated in a fabulous location between Verdon Gorge & the Valensole lavender fields and a great view over Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Enjoy dinner with a view from your own garden. Make the reservation >>

If you’d like a more luxurious stay… look no further >>

History: “Founded in the 5th century, Moustiers grew rich from pottery in the 17th century. Today, it’s better known for the golden star strung between its cliffs — a promise made by a knight returning from the Crusades.”