Between Castellane (45km) and Gréoux les Bains (34km), on the D952 road which joins Aix en Provence (72km) and Grasse (100km) passing to the north of the Lac de Ste Croix (at 5km).
In the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie awaits you for an unforgettable getaway. This village in Provence, recognized as one of the most beautiful in France, is distinguished by its famous cross suspended between two cliffs and its exceptional earthenware.
Where to stay
Nestled between the Lac de Sainte-Croix and the majestic Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is much more than just a place to visit: it is a true immersion in the Provençal way of life. The pottery workshops perpetuate age-old craftsmanship, while hikers can set off to discover the breathtaking landscapes that surround this exceptional site.
Your visit to this village, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, naturally begins with the earthenware museum. You will discover more than 300 exceptional pieces that tell the story of this local craft. The remarkable parish church of Notre-Dame is worth a thorough visit for its golden altarpieces and 18th-century organs. Then climb up to the chapel of Saint-Antoine, perched on the cliff. The effort is well worth it: the view over the valley is breathtaking. In the heart of this medieval city, every stone tells a story, making up a unique heritage that you will discover as you lose yourself in the steep alleys.
Moustiers is fortunate to be only 5 km from Lake Sainte Croix, a perfectly landscaped 2,200-hectare lake. It is the largest of the Verdon lakes (10 km long and 2 km wide). In summer you can swim, go pedal boating, canoeing and kayaking and boating (electric only). There are also some lovely walks to be had all around the lake.
The history of Moustiers goes back to the monastery founded in the 5th century by monks seeking refuge in the cliffs. A beautiful legend tells of a knight returning from the Crusades who had a star suspended between the rocks in thanks to the Virgin Mary for protecting him. The true history of the village begins at this time. But it is the tradition of earthenware that has made Moustiers famous. This art and craft enjoyed its golden age until the middle of the 19th century, attracting the greatest collectors in Europe. The historical heritage of Moustiers still bears witness to this sumptuous period, with its workshops that perpetuate this unique know-how.
Moustiers Sainte Marie is therefore the mecca of earthenware. With 14 workshops and nearly 22 earthenware shops, Moustiers remains an internationally renowned French manufacturing center thanks to the finesse of its earthenware and its unique and recognizable decorations.
Moustiers earthenware remains the undisputed star of the village. But Moustiers is not just about its ceramics! The local terroir is full of gustatory treasures. The olives of Haute-Provence produce an exceptional oil, while the surrounding lavender fields yield a fragrant honey that enchants the taste buds. The local gastronomy is fully expressed in the village restaurants, where the chefs enhance these local products in an authentic cuisine that combines tradition and creativity.
Events punctuate village life throughout the year. The most eagerly awaited is the potters' market, a gathering that attracts the best artisans in July. This festival offers the opportunity to discover the earthenware workshops and to attend demonstrations of their know-how. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, such as pottery courses where tradition is passed on in a friendly atmosphere. The artists open their workshops during the European Artistic Crafts Days in the spring.
The Provençal market on Wednesday mornings is an unmissable event. It is an opportunity to discover local products and crafts. In summer, musical evenings in the alleyways bring the village to life and create moments of authentic sharing.
Don't miss the Transhumance Festival in June, when the herds pass through the village in a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the region's ancestral traditions.
In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie you will find a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. The village hotels offer rooms with views of the cliffs or the valley. For those looking for more privacy, the old renovated country houses offer modern comfort while preserving their authentic character. The guest houses are distinguished by their personalized welcome and family atmosphere. The campsites on the outskirts of the village allow you to fully enjoy nature, with some even offering unusual accommodation. For groups, several gîtes can accommodate up to 15 people, ideal for a stay with friends or family. Remember to book several months in advance during the high season, as the village is very popular. You will find our accommodation recommendations further down this page.
Le musée de la faïence.
The medieval church.
Hiking, horse riding.
Mountain biking. Climbing, gliding. MICROLIGHTING. Hang-gliding.
Sailing. Windsurfing. Canoeing.
River rafting.
A charming hotel with beautiful décor, a lovely pool, and views of the surrounding hills. Generous breakfast and friendly staff. The ideal hotel for a relaxing stay in Moustiers!
A 10-minute walk from Lake Sainte-Croix, in a 4-hectare shaded park
2- or 3-bedroom mobile home rentals, with a patio and barbecue.
The property is bordered by a stream and is 4 km from Moustiers.
Between Moustiers and Lake Sainte-Croix, we offer mobile home rentals, cottages with TV, and camping sites for caravans, RVs, and tents in a 2-hectare nature park bordered by two small rivers.
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Located between Moustiers and Lake Sainte-Croix, this 2-hectare campground is surrounded by lush greenery and bordered by two small rivers. We offer mobile home and chalet rentals (with TV), as well as campsites for caravans, RVs, and tents.
900 meters from the village center and 4 km from Lake Sainte-Croix
Caravan rentals, camping sites, and RV sites
1.5-hectare family campground with a panoramic view of the village
A 10-minute walk from Lake Sainte-Croix in a 4-hectare shaded park
Mobile home rentals and campsites
Barbecues - Bordered by a stream - 4 km from Moustiers
300 meters from the village and 4 km from Lake Sainte-Croix, on 2.7 hectares
Camping sites and mobile homes for rent
Playground - Snack bar
Nestled between Lake Sainte-Croix and the charming village of Moustiers. A campground with a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a vacation with the kids. Campsites, cabins, and mobile homes. Restaurant and playground.
Hotels.
Bed & Breakfasts.
Vacation rentals.
Campsites.
After reading this guide to Moustiers, you sent us a few questions by email. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
To visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, start by looking up at the golden star. Then climb the 262 steps to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, built into the cliffside from the 12th century. The view over the rooftops and the valley rewards the effort.
In the center, the parish church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption raises its bell tower, listed as a historic monument. The faience museum displays more than 300 pieces that tell the story of the village. Ramparts, fountains and wash houses complete a heritage that earns this superb village its place among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Moustiers is also the gateway to the Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix, a 15-minute drive away.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is an ideal starting point for hiking. From the village, a trail climbs to the Vénascle plateau, facing Lake Sainte-Croix. Farther on, the Blanc-Martel trail takes you deep into the Verdon canyon.
Mountain bikers will also find trails in the heart of the regional nature park. For leisure, the lake is perfect for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. A guided tour of the village rounds off a nature-focused weekend.
By car, take the A51 to exit 18 Manosque, then follow the road to Valensole and Puimoisson. You can also take the Vinon-sur-Verdon exit and follow signs for Gréoux-les-Bains and Riez. Several parking lots, free or paid, are located at the entrance to the village.
Without a car, ZOU bus line 450 connects Riez to Moustiers, and continues to Castellane in season. The nearest train stations are Manosque, Digne-les-Bains and Aix-en-Provence. For any information, the tourist office welcome desk is on Place de l'Église. Its website offers a map and a parking plan.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie offers accommodation for every travel style. The village's hotels and bed and breakfasts put you at the foot of the cliffs. Gîtes and vacation rentals suit family vacations.
Camping remains a popular option, in the village or on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix. In summer, book early: availability goes fast. A warm welcome in the heart of the Verdon makes every night a unique experience.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. May, June and September bring mild weather and fewer crowds. In late June and early July, lavender blooms on the Valensole plateau, about 20 minutes away.
In summer, July and August draw the crowds. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the village in peace. On weekdays, the faience workshops are easier to visit. One day is enough for the village and the chapel, a little more if you add the lake.
Faience is the great specialty of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The craft arrived in the 17th century, and several workshops keep the know-how alive today. You can watch the artisans at work and take a piece home.
The local cuisine draws on the land. The village is surrounded by olive trees, and olive oil is among the products worth bringing back. The Friday morning market offers olives, goat cheese, herbs and delicious cookies.
The Moustiers-Sainte-Marie calendar follows the seasons. In July, fireworks and a dance liven up the evening of the 13th. All summer, a crafts market adds to the Friday market.
The biggest local celebration is the Diane, from August 31 to September 8. Every morning at 5 a.m., the Dianaïres march through the village to the beat of drums. On September 8, the procession climbs to the chapel before dawn, true to tradition. In the fall, culture takes over with the "Moustiers à la page" book fair.
