Visiting the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church in Moustiers
Published on 01/10/2025 by CAMPASUN
In the heart of Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a must-see destination to discover the Verdon Gorge. The village is home to a treasure: the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church. For an ideal stay, our Campasun Camping de l’Aigle in Aiguines is just a 15-minute drive away, offering breathtaking views over Lake Sainte-Croix.
Informations pratiques pour votre visite
To best prepare your visit, here is the essential information. Good organization will allow you to fully enjoy your discovery of the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church in Moustiers and the village.
| Information | Détails |
|---|---|
| Adresse | Place de l’Église, 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France |
| Horaires d’ouverture | Ouvert toute l’année, habituellement de 9h00 à 18h00. |
| Tarifs | L’entrée pour une visite libre est gratuite. Les concerts et visites guidées peuvent avoir des tarifs spécifiques. |
| Messes & Célébrations | Les horaires des offices sont variables. Il est recommandé de consulter les informations du diocèse ou l’affichage sur place. |
| Accessibilité | L’accès à l’église se fait par des escaliers. Le village étant en pente, l’aide d’un accompagnant est conseillée pour les personnes à mobilité réduite. |
| Parking | Le village dispose de 3 parkings payants et de zones bleues (disque européen nécessaire). Il est conseillé d’arriver tôt en haute saison. |
| Restauration à proximité | De nombreux établissements (restaurants, brasseries) avec terrasses se trouvent dans les ruelles autour de l’église, comme La Cascade ou Le Couvert. |
| Contact utile | Office de Tourisme de Moustiers : 04.92.74.67.84. |
An Architectural Treasure in the Heart of the Verdon
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has proudly held the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” label since 1981. The parish church stands at the center of this exceptional setting, within the Verdon Regional Natural Park and the UNESCO Geopark. It is not just a monument; it is the meeting point of history, the culture of faience, and the spiritual life of this corner of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The heritage of Moustiers is exceptionally rich, and the church is its jewel.
What is the history of the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church?
The history of the site goes back long before the building visible today. As early as the 5th century, monks from the Lérins Abbey founded the first monastery here, giving the village its name (from the Latin monasterium). The current church took shape in the 12th century with the construction of the nave and bell tower, built in the pure Provençal Romanesque style.
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The heritage value of the building was officially recognized with its listing as a Historic Monument on March 18, 1913.
What to Discover During a Visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?
A visit to the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church in Moustiers reveals remarkable architectural details. Take the time to observe:
- The Lombard Romanesque bell tower: standing 22 meters high and built of tuff, a local limestone, it is considered one of the most beautiful in Provence. It was once one of only three so-called “moving” bell towers recorded in Europe, as its structure used to sway with the sound of the bells, before being reinforced in the 17th century.
- The nave and the choir: inside, the contrast is striking between the sobriety of the five-bay Romanesque nave and the verticality of the Gothic choir. The walls of the nave widen upwards, a characteristic feature of Romanesque art, compensated by external buttresses.
- The altar-sarcophagus: the main altar is a piece of exceptional historical value. It is a reused 4th-century white marble sarcophagus, finely depicting the crossing of the Red Sea.
- The sculpted capitals: in the choir, look up at the columns. Their capitals, delicately decorated with oak leaves, bear witness to the care given to the decoration of the building.
Together, these elements form a unique testimony to early Romanesque art and Gothic art in Haute-Provence.
What events bring this heritage site to life?
The Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is not a static museum. Its remarkable acoustics make it a privileged venue for concerts held throughout the year. You may have the chance to hear Gregorian chant or classical ensembles, such as performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Village life also revolves around this monument. The Church Square, at its foot, regularly hosts events such as summer tango dances that light up the evenings under the star. These moments of sharing reflect the deep integration of the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church into local life.
A Stay in the Heart of Provence
Visiting the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church in Moustiers is an encounter with centuries of history, art, and faith in Provence. It is a place to be discovered as much as to be felt, between the coolness of its stones and the light of the Verdon. After this immersion in heritage, imagine returning to the peace of your pitch at our campsite near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The sun sets over Lake Sainte-Croix, the view is clear. Your adventure in the Verdon is only just beginning.
