Moustiers Sainte Marie: One of the Most Charming Towns in France
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France is full of small, charming towns that look like they were created right from a storybook and Moustiers Sainte Marie is one of the best villages in France to visit for this very reason. I visited Moustiers Sainte Marie village back in May of 2016 when I was vacationing in the French Riviera. When planning my itinerary prior to my trip, this town wasn’t even on my radar. My friend and I knew we wanted to take a day trip from Nice to explore the nearby countryside and to see the lavender fields of Provence and the Gorge du Verdon, but hadn’t done much pre-planning for our day trip which turned out to be quite the adventure. While we were on a small-group day tour of the French Riviera the day prior to our Provence adventure, we had told our amazing tour guide what our plans were, and he said we must stop by the beautiful village of Moustiers Sainte Marie and that it was something that shouldn't be missed!
Overview of Moustiers Sainte Marie
Situated between two very rocky slopes, Moustiers Sainte Marie, otherwise known as Moustiers, dates back to the 5th century, and over time more and more structures began being built along the cliffs. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is most famous for their pottery workshops which were successful until 1873 and then later resurfaced in 1925. There are currently only about 700 residents living in Moustiers Sainte Marie and it’s actually one of 46 other small French villages that are a part of the Verdon Natural Regional Park. Today, the village has a variety of things to do like visit shops owned by local artisans, historical churches, small winding streets, a few museums, and some amazing restaurants! You can easily spend the day here getting lost in the winding streets or even just a half day after exploring the nearby popular Gorges du Verdon and its insanely blue, green waters.
How to Get to Moustiers Sainte Marie
Moustiers Sainte Marie is located in the department of Alpes de Haute Provence which is in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France. We drove from Nice and it’s a pretty easy drive so I’d recommend this as a day trip to anyone staying in the French Riviera area. Antibes and Cannes are further South from Nice so your drive time would be a little less.
When renting a car in France, be sure to triple-check with the company to ensure you have unlimited mileage. I didn’t realize car rental rules are different there and was used to having unlimited mileage in the US and even though I verbally confirmed with the attendant, I had a rude awakening when I received a bill for more than triple the amount of the car rental the day after returning it. Save yourself the headache and make sure it’s in writing before signing.
Nice, France to Moustiers Sainte Marie takes slightly over 2 hours by car and is 145km or 90 miles. You can either rent a car like we did or you can book a small-group tour that leaves from Nice that will take you to Moustiers Sainte Marie, the Verdon Gorge, and the lavender fields (you really can’t go wrong with this one!). There are also similar small-group tours that leave from Cannes if that’s where you’re staying.
Paris to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is much more difficult. By car, it would take over 8 hours and it’s more than 500 miles. The easiest way to get there would be to take the train from Paris to Les Arcs which is another village in the same region as Moustiers Sainte Marie. From there, you will have to either take a taxi or a bus. If you’re coming from Paris, I highly suggest staying in a hotel or rental to make the most of your trip.
Where to Stay in Moustiers Sainte Marie
While this is a great day trip option, you might want to consider spending at least one night in this lovely village so you have time to wander the streets and see the nearby Gordes du Verdon. Hotel accommodations are limited in this quaint village, but there are still amazing options for Moustiers Sainte Marie hotels.
La Bouscatière
If you’re looking for a true Provençal experience, you’ll want to stay here! It’s hard to convey the beauty of this family-owned bed and breakfast in words. There are five guest rooms available with the newest being the private La Chapelle suite. The property is complete with a garden and infinity pool, as well as common areas for guests such as the living room. This building was constructed in the 18th century and renovations by its current owners were completed in 2021.
La Bastide du Paradou
Another beautiful hotel option is located at the base of the village. La Bastide du Paradou is a small hotel housed in a 16th-century building offering 10 guest rooms. There is a restaurant on site and the hotel also provides complimentary parking for guests.
La Bastide De Moustiers
This gem of a hotel is as mesmerizing as it is beautiful! The property is owned by French chef Alain Ducasse and offers an on-site restaurant that has even received a Michelin star. You can take in the stunning valley views as you sit on the shaded terrace, stroll in the stunning park filled with lavender, or take a dip in the heated swimming pool after a day of exploring the surrounding area. This picturesque inn offers 11 guest rooms and two larger suites and is the perfect place for an authentic French getaway!
Things to do in Moustiers Sainte Marie
Museum of the Earthenware
Moustiers Sainte Marie is primarily known for its pottery-making. Here, at the Museum of Earthenware, you’ll learn about pottery’s significant role in the village’s history and the different techniques used to make it. Tickets to this museum are 5 euros per person and you can plan to spend about 30 minutes to an hour here.
Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir
Climb to the top of this ancient chapel, perched on a rocky cliff, for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir is a popular destination for both religious pilgrims and avid photographers. The chapel's stunning facade, adorned with intricate details and historic significance, serves as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.
Eat at Restaurant Cote Jardin
This was hands down our favorite meal of the entire trip. You won’t find a ton of restaurants in Moustiers Sainte Marie as the town itself is quite small, but the ones you will stumble upon are absolute gems. Cote Jardin is located on a hill with a private patio surrounded by beautiful flowers. You don’t need a reservation, but it doesn’t hurt to make one in advance if you can.
Shop for faïence pottery
Faïence pottery holds significant importance to the village of Moustiers Sainte Marie. The art of faïence pottery has been a cornerstone of this Provençal village for centuries, with its distinct blue and white patterns adorning traditional ceramics. Skilled artisans meticulously craft each piece, showcasing intricate designs that reflect the area's natural beauty and vibrant heritage. This centuries-old tradition has not only contributed to the village's economic livelihood but has also helped preserve its unique identity. Visitors are drawn to Moustiers Sainte Marie to admire and purchase these timeless creations, making faïence pottery an integral part of the village's allure and pride. And it also makes for a unique souvenir!
Experience the Nearby Gorge du Verdon
Stop and take in the sights of the Gorge du Verdon (also known as the Verdon Gorge) which is about a 40-minute drive from Moustiers Sainte Marie. This natural gorge is the Grand Canyon of France and it is stunning! Carved by the Verdon River, the limestone canyon boasts striking turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs that provide a picturesque backdrop for activities such as hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and kayaking. If you don’t have time to partake in these activities, don’t worry! There are numerous scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the gorge and surrounding landscape.
Visit a Lavender Field
This region is also known for its fragrant lavender fields. Drive just an hour west to see the lavender fields from a bird’s eye view and splurge on a hot air balloon ride through Provence. You can find tons of lavender tours that leave from Nice that will also make a stop in Moustiers Sainte Marie if you’re staying in Nice, or make your own adventure finding them yourself! The lavender fields are in bloom from June-August so plan accordingly and they’re something definitely worth seeing!
Happy travels!
- Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
