Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the village suspended between sky and rocks

In 1983 it was recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France and, year after year, it continues to attract numerous visitors in search of a romantic atmosphere, away from the crowds. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie , with its church, the ancient village walls, the chapels, the aqueduct and the fountains, together with the pastel colors of the tiles and the limestone, is considered a vibrant and evocative architectural gem .

With only 700 inhabitants , it is the ideal destination both as a stopover, where you can spend a quiet afternoon, and as a base for those looking for a different destination where you can slow down . These, however, are not the only qualities that make it a special village to visit during your trip to France: discoveries, here, are always around the corner.

Where is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie located

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located in the south of France , in theProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, within the Verdon Regional Natural Park . It is a village suspended between the sky and the rocks because it is perched at the foot of two imposing rock faces, thus dominating the valley below. It is an ideal stop to include in your itinerary because it is close to the famous Sainte-Croix lake and the spectacular Verdon Gorges , one of the largest canyons in Europe.

Why Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the most famous villages in France for both its landscapes and its artisanal traditions.

Indeed, one of the most striking features of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the imposing cliff that rises above the village. This extraordinary natural formation is known as the “Star of Moustiers” and is one of the most recognisable symbols of the region. According to legend, it was a knight who was taken prisoner during the Crusades who placed it. The knight promised that if he were ever freed, he would hang a star above the village. Upon his return, he kept his promise: he hung a star between the rocks and it has remained there ever since.

The second feature that makes it famous is its tradition of pottery , which has been produced in the village for centuries. The local clay is considered to be of exceptional quality and, over the years, the artisans of the village have refined their skills, creating some of the finest ceramics in all of France . As you wander through the village you can visit numerous workshops, where you can admire the detailed patterns and designs on the plates, bowls and vases on display.

Not only for the village itself, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also famous for its surroundings . In addition to its cultural heritage, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding countryside is crisscrossed by hiking trails that wind through lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards. You can also take a relaxing walk along the nearby Sainte-Croix lake and easily reach the Gorges du Verdon .

Here you can walk along scenic trails or venture out in kayak or raft along the Verdon River. The deepest canyon in Europe offers breathtaking views of the turquoise river that flows between the rocks and, after an adventurous day, there is nothing better than letting yourself be pampered by the atmosphere of the village.