Read our 7 tips for your visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This Provencal village is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Moustiers is located a stone's throw from Lac de Sainte Croix and the Gorges du Verdon.
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7 tips for your visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with these 7 tips!
- View the events calendar;
- Bring good walking shoes;
- Discover the pottery history of Moustiers;
- Support local entrepreneurs;
- Visit the chapel that stands above the village;
- Treat yourself at the local catering industry;
- Admire the water.
Why Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The Provencal village is known for its typical glazed pottery, the chapel above the village and the cozy atmosphere.
You will find Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France, in Provence. It is a small village (about 650 inhabitants year-round). Despite the small size of the village it is very lively, especially in the summer. Many tourists know how to find their way to the Provencal village. In the summer there are many local entrepreneurs who display their goods in the narrow streets, the restaurants are filled with coziness and many people discover the village.
The village is located approximately 90 minutes from the Mediterranean coast and 10 minutes from the Lac de Sainte Croix and the Gorges du Verdon. A short distance from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie you can see the lavender bloom in the months of June and July. Click here for a location.
Please note that you have to pay for parking in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Tip 1. Check out the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie events calendar
The weekly market takes place on Friday mornings in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
In addition, many activities and festivities are organized throughout the year. The most up-to-date overview can be found on the website of the municipality.
In the summer there are “evening markets” with products from local entrepreneurs and craftsmen. But there is also a recurring market focused on products & flavors from the southern Alps. In addition, an open-air cinema and various musical concerts take place regularly in the summer.
Tip 2. Bring walking shoes
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is best explored with good shoes on your feet. The village is built in the hills, which means it has many differences in height. There are several stairs, uneven surfaces and descents or climbs throughout the village. Of course it is great fun to put on your summer heels, but it is not really practical.
Tip 3. Discover the faience of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
The faience of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the typical earthenware with glaze decoration. This earthenware has been produced in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for many centuries. The inhabitants are rightly proud of it and keep the craft alive.
In Moustiers you will find several potters who offer their products. In the heart of the village there are several shops with the most beautiful and precious pottery.
Discover the history and present of faience in the “Musée de la Faïence“. You will find more than 300 pieces of pottery, dating back 5 centuries.
Tip 4. Support local entrepeneurs
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is known for its typical glazed earthenware: faience. In the village you will find several local potters who offer their products.
In addition, there are several local entrepreneurs who offer regional products such as lavender and honey.
In the summer period, all the shops in the streets of Moustiers are open. The entrepreneurs display their wares in the narrow alleys and different smells spread through the village. It is very cozy and a real discovery to see what is on offer.
Tip 5. Visit the chapel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Above Moustiers-Sainte-Marie stands the Notre-Dame-de-BeauvoirkapelThis chapel has its origins in the 12th century.
The chapel is built between the rocks and can only be reached on foot. In about 20 minutes you climb 262 steps up. Once at the top you can see the simple but impressive chapel. But not only that. From the chapel you also have a beautiful panoramic view of the wide region.
In the summer period the climb can be a real battle of attrition. Due to the bright sun & warm temperatures the climb is a lot harder than in other seasons.
Tip 6. Treat yourself to restaurants & bars in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
In the village centre of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie you will find many restaurants & bars. You can enjoy a gastronomic evening, grab a quick bite or have a drink on the terrace.
In addition to the restaurants & bars, there is also a small supermarket in Moustiers. You can also score ice creams in the village centre.
Please note that the hospitality industry follows a seasonal pattern. In the winter, there are fewer restaurants open, as well as shorter opening hours. It is advisable to orientate yourself and make a reservation in advance.
Tip 7. Admire the waterfalls
A river with several waterfalls flows through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. You can cross the water at various points. For example, on the route to the chapel, or at the restaurant La Cascade. At restaurant La Cascade you can have lunch or dinner on the terrace just past the waterfall.
You can also take a walk that follows the water into the hills. For example, this 5 kilometer walk that takes you 2 hours.
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