Spending a few days in the Gorges du Verdon without stopping off at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie should be a no-go! Clinging to the rock and surrounded by Provencal vegetation, the scent of thyme, olive trees and roses accompanies visitors throughout their stay. If you look up, you can see the little star that has protected the villagers for centuries. It gives the village the look of a Christmas cot and sparkles in the sunlight: hence its nickname of "the cot".
Provence is full of colourful little villages, each more picturesque than the last, and all well worth a visit. But Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has something different, an inimitable cachet, a combination of its architecture, its historic heritage and its superb natural setting, just a stone's throw from the Gorges du Verdon. At the foot of two immense cliffs and dominated by a golden star, this charming village lies at the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park and offers a timeless getaway. Unsurprisingly, it is listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", but it also boasts many other labels, such as "Ville et Métiers d'art" for its famous earthenware. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is considered by many to be the most beautiful village in the Gorges du Verdon, making it the ideal place to set down your suitcases close to the site, and indulge in the area's natural activities: hiking, kayaking or even paragliding! Head to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to discover the village nicknamed "the cot".
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_462314821_5ee0eb7e2e/medium_shutterstock_462314821_5ee0eb7e2e.jpg)
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- © Tomas Marek / ShutterstockMoustiers-Sainte-Marie, the jewel of the Verdon
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_1843420555_3efcacfac7/medium_shutterstock_1843420555_3efcacfac7.jpg)
The colorful buildings of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- © Neirfy / ShutterstockAt an altitude of 630m, the natural setting of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is truly exceptional. The old village dates back to the 5th century: you'll never tire of wandering its narrow streets and admiring the old stone houses. The Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel was already a popular place of pilgrimage in the 12th century: it's a tough climb, but you can't miss the exceptional view.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_610630754_4dc04401d0/medium_shutterstock_610630754_4dc04401d0.jpg)
Notre-Dame de Beauvoir
- © Celli07 / ShutterstockIn the 17th century, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie became the French capital of earthenware, which was snapped up all over the kingdom. After a period of decline, there are now eight workshops still in operation, as well as its Musée de la Faïence. Drop in to one of them to admire the art that has contributed so much to the village's reputation, and take home a typical souvenir!
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_214805989_bbaa2ea08a/medium_shutterstock_214805989_bbaa2ea08a.jpg)
Earthenware store in Moustiers Sainte Marie
- © Oleg Znamenskiy / ShutterstockVisit the earthenware museum
In the 17th century, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie became the French capital of earthenware, which was snapped up all over the kingdom. After a period of decline, there are now eight workshops still in operation, as well as its Musée de la Faïence. Drop in to one of them to admire the art that has contributed so much to the village's reputation, and take home a typical souvenir!
Practical info
📍 Location: Rue du Seigneur de la Clue, 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
⏰ Opening times: April-June and September-October, 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm, July-August, 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-7pm, November, 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-5pm. the museum is open every day except Tuesday, closed in winter (December-March).
👛 Price:
- adults: €5
- concessions: €2
- Free for children under 16
Duration: 1h30
Staying in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: discovering the Gorges du Verdon
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a charming stop-off point around the Gorges du Verdon: lose yourself in the village through the cobbled streets, cross the little bridges overhanging white water and old wash-houses, climb to the top for a breathtaking view, take a tour of the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption... a day's visit is quickly filled. Another fun activity in the village is trying out the local cuisine, which has a strong Provençal flavour. Expect to taste almonds, honey, goat's cheese and delicious olive oil.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_751533811_1_d445ede82f/medium_shutterstock_751533811_1_d445ede82f.jpg)
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie at sunset
- © Stephane Debove / ShutterstockFor its charm and location, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also an excellent base for exploring the Gorges du Verdon, Lake Sainte-Croix, the Valensole plateau... in short, the whole region! Hotels, bed and breakfasts, but also campsites around the village mean you can stop here for a few days, or even for your whole stay around the Verdon.
⭐ Hôtel Le Colombier
![Hôtel Le Colombier / Moustiers-Sainte-Marie](https://ims.ev.mu/large_370807509_87c9ea74ac/large_370807509_87c9ea74ac.jpg)
Hôtel Le Colombier / Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Situated 1km from the village, this 3-star hotel has a spa, 2 whirlpool baths and a tennis court.Take a walk around the village
There is no shortage of sporting activities to occupy your time outside the village. For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous trails (12 in all) starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The Pavillon hike is one of the most enjoyable, with its panoramic views over the Lac de Sainte-Croix and lavender fields. It takes around eight hours to complete, although there is also a shorter version.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_2255953147_a4989e20a0/medium_shutterstock_2255953147_a4989e20a0.jpg)
Lac de Sainte-Croix and Galetas bridge
- © Photo-Saint-Tropez / ShutterstockAnother local classic is a trip on the Verdon, whether you opt for a kayak, pedalo or even a motorboat. To do so, head for the Galetas bridge, which overlooks the entrance to the Verdon canyon, the most spectacular part, and the Sainte-Croix lake, just a 10-minute drive away. The small beaches in the commune of Moustiers are a lifesaver in summer, when the mercury rises!
For more information, visit the Moustiers website