Moustiers-Sainte-Marie village
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Moustiers - by dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
Description
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in South Eastern France, close to the Lake Sainte-Croix that marks the end of the spectacular Gorges du Verdon canyon. The village was founded in the 5th century by monks and built on platform terraces. It is part of the "most beautiful villages of France" association and is known for its picturesque setting, at the foot of a limestone cliff, and its 14th century church with a distinctive square belltower designed in Lombard style. Other highlights include the Moustiers Star (a medieval ex-voto), a ceramics museum and the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel.
Access & Transport
The village is 45km south of Dignes Les Bains, 90km northeast of Aix-en-Provence and 85km northwest of Fréjus. Castellane, at the eastern end of the Verdon Gorge, is 40km away.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining this activity with a drive along / around the Gorges du Verdon and enjoying some time around Lake Sainte-Croix.
Environmental & Social
Most of the activities have a low carbon footprint and rural tourism is theoretically a positive for local communities but here it has tilted over into over-commercialization.
Conclusion
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is genuinely worth a detour for those who enjoy small countryside villages with plenty of charm. However, if you are coming in July & August you will not be alone, so either you should consider other lesser-known alternatives in the area or you should come early or late in the day to avoid the crowds and get the best light.
Key positive
Amazing setting and surrounding scenery
Key negative
Too touristy
Suitability
Visitors with reduced mobility may need assistance going up some slopes and will not be able to reach the chapel.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo