MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE, FRANCE: TRAVEL GUIDE TO A PROVINCIAL GEM
One of the most charming villages in the Provence region of France is the remote gem Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Tucked between the cliffs of the Natural Regional Park of Verdon, the unassuming village is quiet, slow moving and utterly charming. It’s the perfect companion to a visit to Verdon Gorge. Below is my complete travel guide to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie including places to visit, historical sights, photo locations, hotels, restaurants, gelato shops and more.
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Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the most charming villages in the Provence region of France.
MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE TRAVEL TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of France is the Euro. Almost everywhere in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie takes credit card, but it’s always handy to have cash for smaller purchases.
- TEMPERATURES – Moustiers-Sainte-Marie sits at the base of two towering cliffs that shade the village for most of the morning. It keeps temperatures relatively cool early in the day, so be sure to pack a sweater.
- LAVENDER FIELDS – If you time your trip correctly, the Provence lavender fields are short journey from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Valensole is one of the best places to see the fields, and it’s approximately 30-minutes away.
- PHOTO TIP – Note that if you plan to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie first thing in the morning to take photos before tourists arrive, the village will be very dark under the shadow of the cliffs (too dark in my opinion). Best to start shooting late morning once the sun pops over the peak.
The South of France has the best postcard selection in the world.
HOW MANY DAYS IN MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MAIRE
TWO TO THREE DAYS. While most tourists visit the village as a long day trip, I highly recommend an overnight stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. You’ll want to enjoy the slow life of the village centre, and not be rushed on your day of boating, swimming and hiking Verdon Gorge. Two to three nights is the perfect amount of time to enjoy everything at a leisurely pace.
The tables at Le Chardon-Marie overlook a picturesque creek.
WHEN TO VISIT MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
- MAY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER – Shoulder season offers warm weather and (slightly) fewer crowds than summer. September particularly is my favorite month of the year in the South of France.
- JUNE-AUGUST – This is the best time of the year to visit the Verdon Gorge – warm temps are ideal for swimming and being on the water. It’s also the busiest time of the year to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Day tripper tourists pour into the little village in the late morning and early afternoon.
- NOVEMBER-MARCH – Crowds thin out this time of the year when the weather is cooler, and businesses close for the off season.
I love the slow life in this little village.
PLACES TO VISIT IN MOUSTIERS-SAINT-MARIE
CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION
This lovely church sits in the heart Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France. The beautiful mix of architectural styles date back to the 12th century with a Gothic choir added in the 14th century. This church’s main attraction is the bell tower that rises above the village with looming cliffs serving up a dramatic backdrop.
MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE VILLAGE
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie offers one of the loveliest strolls in Provence. The little village is a beautiful blur of Provençal style structures that boast colorful window shutters and doorways, all surrounding a little creek, stone bridges and historic churches.
NOTRE DAME DE BEAUVOIR
Small historic chapel that sits perched in the cliffs above Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, reachable via climbing 260+ steps. Notre Dame de Beauvoir dates back to the 12 century with evidence of temple remains that date back even further. This is one of the more significant historical spots in the village, a fun climb with lovely views.
PONT DU GALETAS
This bridge offers a sweeping panorama of both Verdon Gorge and the Lac de Sainte-Croix. While most visitors drive over the bridge and continue onward to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, it’s worth a stop for the view. There is a dirt parking lot on the north side of the bridge, and then it’s a short walk to a spectacular viewpoint of the mouth of the gorge.
VERDON GORGE
This majestic canyon carved by the Verdon River is one of the most epic natural sights in the South of France. On a sunny day, the water that snakes through the gorge sparkles surreal shades of turquoise, ideal for boating, swimming and rock jumping. My favorite way to experience Verdon Gorge is by boat. Paddle boats, electric boats and kayaks are all available to rent for half-day and full-day (no boat license required). The best boat rental locations sit on either side of the shore near the Pont du Galetas bridge. If you prefer to explore Verdon Gorge on foot, there are several hiking trails in the region that take trekkers along and around the canyon.
Gelato break.
WHERE TO STAY IN MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
Quality hotels are far and few between in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, but there’s no need to look further than La Bastide de Moustiers. Once a 17th century farmhouse, the property has been transformed into a boutique luxury hotel by French chef Alain Ducasse. The property is completely lovely surrounded by olive trees, lavender, stone walls, and ceramic pottery. There are only 15 rooms and suites, all beautiful, and the small size adds to the property’s charm and intimacy. La Bastide de Moustiers is located just below the village, a five-minute drive.
I love the colors of this little village.
PLACES TO EAT IN MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
FERMA STE CECILE
Ferma Ste Cecile is a Michelin guide restaurant located just two minutes from the village centre. The cozy space boasts a lovely outdoor terrace during the warm-weather months. The menu is seasonal, but offerings typically include fresh seafood and meats. Reservations recommended.
LE CHARDON-MARIE
Picturesque restaurant that sits over a small waterfall and creek in the heart of the village. The seasonal French menu might include seafood, risotto, soups and meat dishes.
LES DELICES D’ITALIE
Homemade ice cream served on a cone in the shape of a flower. Flavors include cassis (my favorite), melon, citron, pistachio, Nutella, vanilla, praline and more.
L’ETOILE GIVREE – ARTISAN GLACIER FABRICANT
There are only a handful of gelato shops in town, and L’Etoile Givree is one of the best. Flavor menu includes lavender, pistachio, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, caramel and more.
RESTAURANT LES TABLES DU CLOITRE
This gorgeous restaurant set in a former monastery is another Michelin guide restaurant. Food is fresh, presentation is artful and service is wonderful. Reservations recommended.
The aroma of this village is amazing because so many of the little boutiques sell lavender.
It’s a 90-minute drive from Aix en Provence and two and a half hours from Nice.
GET AROUND MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
You’ll need a car to reach the remote location of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, but the town itself you’ll explore on foot. There is a convenient paid parking lot on the edge of town, located here. From the village, it’s a 10 to 15 minute drive to reach Pont du Galetas, the most poplar launch point for exploring Verdon Gorge.
Verdon Gorge is an amazing place to spend the day boating, swimming and hiking.
GET TO MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is best experienced as part of a road trip through the South of France. I visited in between Aix en Provence and Menton for two nights on my road trip five years ago. The closest airport is Nice, a two and a half hour drive.
The village is completely walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
