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Moustiers-Sainte-Marie village

7123 Chemin Marcel Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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.

Meta review

Online reviews confirm that the village is considered one of the most beautiful in Provence with its picturesque setting, narrow cobbled streets and the great views from the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir. There are plenty of restaurants and stores for tourists to while a few hours away but that also comes with some drawbacks during the peak season as parking becomes really difficult and service much less patient and friendly. The advice is of course to avoid the July & August period.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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