Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: A jewel of Provence in the heart of the Verdon

Published on 10/06/2025 by CAMPASUN

In the heart of Provence, nestled near the famous canyon of the Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie reveals itself as a treasure. Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, this emblematic place of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region seduces by its spectacular setting, its renowned art craft (faience) and its star; mysterious aerial symbol watching over its inhabitants. This is a must-see for anyone visiting the Verdon Regional Natural Park and the beautiful lake of Sainte-Croix nearby.

The emblem of Moustiers: between history and legend

Impossible to mention Moustiers-Sainte-Marie without mentioning the mysterious golden star that sparkles between the two sides of rocks overlooking the village. Suspended from a 135-meter long chain, this star is the emblem of the town and feeds many legends. The most famous tells the story of the knight Blacas, who vowed to hang a star above his village if he returned safe from the crusades. Whatever its exact origin, the star has been watching over Moustiers for centuries, adding a touch of mystery and poetry. It symbolically guides the steps towards the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir, perched above the village. Contemplating this hanging symbol is an integral part of the magic of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

The faience of Moustiers: an ancestral know-how

Beyond its famous emblem and its natural setting, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is world renowned for its earthenware. This art craft, whose origins date back to the 17th century, reached its peak in the 18th century. The faience makers of Moustiers developed a unique style, characterized by the fineness of the decorations (mythological scenes, grotesques, coat of arms, floral motifs), the brightness of white enamel and the use of delicate colors, especially the famous “green of Moustiers“. After a period of decline, this art was revived in the early 20th century. Today, several workshops perpetuate this ancestral know-how. Strolling through the streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, is to discover these shops-workshops and admire the meticulous work of the artisans. The Faïence Museum retraces the fascinating history of this local production, witness to the strong identity of the town.

Stroll in the heart of the Provencal village

Explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is done on foot, guided by the charm of its narrow and winding streets. The soothing sound of the many fountains accompanies the promenade, leading from a shady square to a surprising point of view. Houses with colourful facades, often decorated with pastel shutters typical of Provence, create a visual harmony full of sweetness. The parish church of Notre-Dame-de-l ‘Assomption, with its Lombard steeple among the most beautiful in Provence, is a must see monument in the heart of the village. Many small shops, art galleries and of course, the faience workshops, liven up the life of the town. The terraces of the cafés and restaurants invite you to a gourmet break, allowing you to taste local specialties while soaking in the unique atmosphere of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie also owes part of its incomparable charm to its exceptional geographical location. Built in an amphitheatre, it is backed by imposing limestone cliffs carved out by time. A torrent, the Adou, crosses the town, creating cascades and welcome freshness during the warm summer days of Provence. This privileged location, between the plateau of Valensole famous for its lavender and the canyon of the Verdon, place Moustiers in the center of a grandiose landscape. The panorama from the heights of the village or from the chapel Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir is striking, offering breathtaking views of the valley, the Romanesque tiled roofs and the entrance to the largest natural site excavated in Europe. Discover Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, it is to immerse yourself in a natural and architectural setting unique in France, in the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park.

The ascent to Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir

A visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie would not be complete without the ascent to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir. Accessible by a paved Way of the Cross of 262 steps winding along the cliff side, this climb promises an experience both spiritual and physical. The effort is widely rewarded by the beauty of the site and the exceptional panorama that reveals itself at the top. The chapel itself, a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles, has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. It exudes an atmosphere of serenity and history. It is also the ideal point to admire the hanging symbol and look at the whole village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the valley of the Adou and, in the distance, the plateau of Valensole and the water of Sainte-Croix. The mild weather of Provence, often indicated by Météo France as sunny, frequently allows you to enjoy unobstructed views of this grandiose landscape of the Alpes de Haute-Provence.

Around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the Verdon and its treasures

The geographical location of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie makes it an ideal starting point to discover the wonders of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. The Verdon canyon, just a few kilometers away, reveals spectacular landscapes and allows multiple activities: hiking, mountain biking, climbing, or discovered by the Crêtes road. The stretch of water of Sainte-Croix, one of the largest artificial dams in France, is a paradise for aquatic activities: swimming, pedal boats, kayaking, paddle, sailing… Its beaches allow you to relax and enjoy the sun of Provence. In season, the nearby Valensole Plateau is covered with lavender, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Visiting the region from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie allows you to combine cultural discovery and natural pleasures in the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

Where to stay near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie? The camping option with CAMPASUN

To fully enjoy your stay and discover Moustiers-Sainte-Marie as well as the treasures of the Verdon, choosing a well located and comfortable accommodation is essential. The outdoor hotels, and especially camping, is an ideal solution to immerse yourself in the exceptional natural environment of the region, while benefiting from an excellent starting point for your excursions.

CAMPASUN, a reference campsite in the south of France, offers you several quality options strategically close to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. These campsites are perfect for exploring the region:

1. Camping de l’Aigle – CAMPASUN : situé à Aiguines, notre camping jouit d’une localisation absolument privilégiée. Aiguines surplombe directement le plan d’eau de Sainte-Croix et se trouve à l’entrée du canyon (rive gauche). Vous bénéficierez de vues spectaculaires et d’un accès très rapide aux activités nautiques et aux routes panoramiques. Il est particulièrement proche, à seulement environ 20 minutes en voiture de Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (environ 16 km), ce qui en fait une base exceptionnelle pour visiter le village de la faïence tout en étant au cœur des paysages les plus emblématiques du Verdon.
2. Camping International d’Aups – CAMPASUN: located in Aups, charming Provencal village famous for its truffles, our campsite is about 32 minutes drive from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (32 km). It is an ideal base for visiting the village of faience, the lake of Sainte-Croix (south side) and see the canyon. You will find quality pitches and accommodation in a green setting typical of Provence.
3. Camping Le Soleil in Esparron-de-Verdon – CAMPASUN: nestled on the edge of the Esparron water body, another aquatic jewel of the Verdon, our campsite offers direct access to nautical pleasures. It is located about 36 minutes drive from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (about 35 km), allowing you to discover the lower part of the canyon and enjoy the tranquility of this expanse of water, while remaining within reach for a day visit in the famous village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Choose one of our CAMPASUN campsites near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you opt for a stay combining comfort, nature and discovery in the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. These establishments often have various services (outdoor hotel with swimming pool, entertainment, sometimes a small restaurant) to enhance your holidays in the Verdon.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: an invitation to travel

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is much more than just a village; it is an experience, an immersion in the soul of Provence. Between its striking natural setting, its history marked by the legend of its emblem and the art of earthenware, and its proximity to the Verdon canyon and the lake of Sainte-Croix, this town has everything to seduce. Art lovers, history enthusiasts, nature lovers or simply in search of beauty and serenity, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie will charm you! Prepare your visit, let yourself be guided by its aerial symbol and come discover this unforgettable jewel of Provence. And for a successful stay, think of the surrounding CAMPASUN campsites, perfect drop-off points to discover this beautiful region of France.