Nestled in the heart of Provence, France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a picturesque village that sits at the base of towering limestone cliffs, with a breathtaking waterfall cascading down in the background. Not surprisingly, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France is designated as one of France’s most beautiful villages. This quaint ancient village offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Tucked between two rock faces, owning an ancient legend that dates back to the crusades, famous for its traditional ceramic pottery, and with a church perched on a cliff, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a gem to explore.
Where Is Moustiers-Saint-Marie France?
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France is tucked away in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. It’s well worth a stop on a road trip through Provence.
Driving Distances to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie:
Nice to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Marseilles to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: 2 hours
Aix-en-Provence to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: 1 hr and 25 minutes
Valensole (if you love seeing lavender fields) to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: 30 minutes
The Gorges du Verdon to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: 40 minutes
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France: Don’t Go Unless You Love…
Don’t go to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France unless…
you are partial to ancient medieval villages

tucked neatly into
steep, rugged mountainsides
where soaring limestone cliffs
dominate.

Don’t go to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France unless…
you adore wandering narrow cobblestone streets,
in existence since the 5th century,
that twist past shuttered buildings displaying
the finest glazed earthenware (faïences)
created using ancient traditions.
Don’t go to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France unless…
you dare to clamber up two hundred and sixty-two stone steps
following the trail of countless pilgrims
to a perched Romanesque-Gothic church
where breathless, you encounter
solace and peace.
Don’t go to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France unless…
you treasure expansive views
garnered from hiking to great heights
to marvel at the Provençal countryside
and ruddy rooftops starring
a 4-storey Romanesque bell tower.
Don’t go to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie unless…
you relish an intriguing legend with multiple unverified versions
of a precious golden star suspended on a chain
strung strategically between two imposing mountains
by Sir Blacas in gratitude
for returning safely from the Crusades.
Don’t go to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie unless…
you are curious to investigate one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
and flâner past buildings of golden pink volcanic rock,
dine at Michelin-starred restaurants,
wander over stone bridges crossing the Adou river
and delight in her waterfall’s symphonic overtures.
You’ve been warned!
Don’t go to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie unless…
you are fully aware that this provençal town,
lives up to its nickname “L’ Étoile de Provence” (the Star of Provence)
and is secretly enticing you with the magic that is France.
Pro Travel Tips: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
TheTourist Office:
Located at Place de l’Eglise. Stop by while you are there or check out their website.
How To Get To Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France:
By Car: Follow the windy and scenic D952. You arrive below Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Follow the narrow road up to the main street. Get directions from your accommodation, if you are staying overnight.
If coming from Valensole, follow the D6 and then join the D952 which will take you to Moustiers.
Parking: There is paid parking in Moustiers-Sainte- Marie but if you are lucky enough to find road parking, it is free.
By Train: There is no train station in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The closest towns (which are not close at all) with a train station are Digne-les-Bains (55 km/ 34 miles) and Manosque (56 km/ 35 miles).
By Tour: If you choose not to rent a car, it is possible to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie on day tours from Nice, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.
Where To Stay Near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
These 3-star hotels get fantastic reviews. Try Hôtel le Colombier or situated in an olive grove, La Clorinde.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: The Legend Of The Star
It is hard to believe that the legend of the star that protects Moustiers-Sainte-Marie dates all the way back to the Crusades. The most popular version of the hanging star legend is that Sir Blacas, a knight, promised if he returned safely from the Crusades then he would hang a star to honour the Virgin Mary.
The star that hangs there today is the 11th star and was placed there by a helicopter. How on earth the ingenious French hung it there centuries ago is beyond me!
Tips For Walking Up To Notre-Dame de Beauvoir:
Climbing up to Notre Dame de Beauvoir, the church that sits and watches over the town is a highlight of the visit. Try to go early in the morning or in the evening to beat the heat and the crowds.
Clearly, as you are making your way up to a church perched on a cliff the steps are all up! OUF! There are no facilities along the path or at the top – no washrooms, no refreshments. The summer heat blasts down so bring your own water.
Where To Eat:
Oh…and that Michelin-starred restaurant? There are plenty of places to eat in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie but if you are up for a real splurge then head on over to La Bastide de Moustiers.
Local Beer: After your hike, you might want to try the local beer “Bière de Moustiers,” a Belgian blond.
Market Day: The weekly market in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is on Friday mornings.
More Travel Info…
Read More About Provence:
- Looking for an itinerary through the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur? Here is the perfect 7-day itinerary.
- Planning to visit the City of One Thousand Fountains? Here is What to do in Aix-en-Provence.Tra
- The Gorges du Verdon is a short 40 minutes from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France. Here’s how to go kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon.
- The hill towns of the Luberon are a highlight of a trip through Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Here is the down-low on a day trip to the Luberon (L’Abbaye de Sénanque, Gordes & Roussillon)
- Bormes les Mimosas: An enchanting hilltop town on the French Riviera.
- St Remy de Provence: Looking for Provençal charm? Head to St Rémy!
- Is there a guidebook I recommend? This one on Provence & the Côte d’Azur is a winner as is this on France.
Travelling Elsewhere In France?
Heading to Paris? Don’t forget to check out my tips for visiting Paris
Here are all my posts on France, including Normandy and Brittany
Very informative and inspiring post! I’m thinking of going to France next year and I love traveling to small towns like this. This is so perfect for me! Thanks. 🙂
The small medieval towns of France are breath-taking. Make sure you check out Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
We adored Moustiere as we headed for the Gorges de Verdon. Beautiful destination, especially in Lavender season.
Yes, it really is! It is the perfect stopover between the lavender fields of Valensole and the Gorges du Verdon.
This is a hidden gem 😀
Y E S -it is!
Dam it! I go to the French Riveria/Provence region once every year and I never heard of Moustiers Sainte Marie! Now I know (and I always have a car), I am so checking out this place. It looks stunning,.
So glad to be able to uncover a new destination for you, Danik. Enjoy… it is lovely!
We’ve never heard of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, but it sure is a lovely village! France has so many of these charming villages with narrow cobblestone alleys, picture-perfect stone houses, and little shops and nice gastronomy restaurants. That’s also why we moved to France many years ago, and ended up living there for a decade. Although Southern France has not yet been on our radar so far, because we’ve been exploring Paris, the southwest and the northeast for the last 15 years. But someday we’ll travel to Provence and the Côte d’Azur, and when we do, we’ll certainly go to Moustiers-Ste-Marie. Thank you for inspiring us with this post!
Lucky you to have lived in France for a decade. It is one of my dreams. There are so many beautiful parts of France and Provence is just lovely. You read about Provence and it sounds delightful but in person, it is even better than expected. Enjoy!
I absolutely love little French villages. This one is gorgeous. Market day is always my favorite.
Me too! They are all unique but have the French flair in common. I need to start bringing an empty suitcase for market days!! 🙂
Well I hope other people “DONT GO” because I would love to explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie without the crowds! The idea of walking around a quiet town in france buried in the rocks or climbing all those steps to the pilgrimage church site & then taking in all the amazing views sounds amazing to me. I am glad they have a great town life too but I don’t really need Michelin stars to get lost in the local streets and just find the serenity they are known for!
Well truth be told, it is quite a busy little town in the summer months. Despite that, it is the perfect place to wander and enjoy…
There are so many beautiful villages in France… I imagine it must be packed in summer and really quiet in the off season, like many villages… Either way, your photos are really beautiful and I hope to read more about French villages
Thanks Delphine. You would know way more about French villages than I do but I absolutely love exploring them. No matter the region of France they all are a delightful snapshot of French life.
Though it took me a minute to realize it was intended, I loved the “poetry” of the format as you led me by word and visuals through Moustiers Sainte Marie. Medieval villages tucked into rocky cliffs … yes please.
Thank you, Michael. Yes please is right! Add the vino or the local beer and you’re good to go!
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in France really looks wow with those ancient style of houses with backdrop of limestone rocks. The cobbled-stoned streets are worth to stroll around. The golden pink volcanic rock really looks beautiful.
Moustiers-Sainte- Marie is just lovely and so worth a stroll!
Lovely and poetic post – makes us want to buy a ticket and go NOW!
You won’t regret it!
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is so gorgeous. I’ve been eyeing a Viking River Cruise that goes to Provence and I’d get to see it that way. 🙂 The history and photo-ops intrigue me greatly, while the cobblestone streets and Michelin-star restaurants beckon to me. Thanks for sharing.
I am sure a River Cruise through Provence would be beautiful. Provence is a large region with many beautiful cities, towns and landscapes! Hope you enjoy it!
Stunning photos, this looks like an incredible destination. I´ve been to France a few times, but I´m always finding posts like this about charmingly beautiful towns I never even new existed. Moustiers Sainte Marie is another one to add to the neverending list!
Yes… that neverending list of wonderful places to visit!
I am quite partial to medieval villages, especially in France! I love Dinan and Fougeres and am very sure that I would like Moustiers Sainte-Marie as it looks quite beautiful!
I also love Dinan and Fougères! Just love all the medieval villages in France as well.