Why Moustiers is classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France
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Nestled between two cliffs and watched over by a suspended star, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie combines the brilliance of water, the poetry of stone and the heritage of pottery.
Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, this village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is the ideal gateway to the Gorges du Verdon and Lake Sainte-Croix.
Explore its fountains, contemplate the Riou waterfall when it flows, climb to the chapel, stroll through pottery workshops, then extend the magic beside the lake.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie earned the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label for the quality of its built heritage, its outstanding landscape setting and its living crafts, particularly pottery.
This recognition is complemented by its designation within the Verdon Regional Natural Park and the Haute-Provence Geopark.
Press Review — Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
The star’s magic & view from the chapel
The Moustiers star, suspended between the two cliffs, fuels legends and stories.
Tradition makes it an ex-voto linked to the knight of Blacas, displayed in tribute to the Virgin.
Climbing to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, the chapel overlooking the village, you enjoy a panoramic view of the rooftops, the valley and the turquoise shores of the lake. For other outstanding views in the region, discover the viewpoints of the Gorges du Verdon.
Moustiers Pottery: active workshops & museum
Renowned for its fine decoration and bright white finish, Moustiers pottery tells centuries of craftsmanship.
The Pottery Museum features over 300 pieces and traces the renaissance of the art in the twentieth century, while the workshops in the town perpetuate creation with demonstrations and shops.
- Pottery Museum: collection, history and exhibitions.
- Workshops & shops: in the town center, perfect for observing the craft.
Map of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: landmarks for a smooth visit
Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is best discovered on foot. This village map helps you spot the picturesque alleys, access to viewpoints, the Riou waterfall, chapels, as well as practical services (parking, bus stops, restrooms, ATM, defibrillators). Water is everywhere: fountains, washhouses, streams and aqueduct rhythm the walk and compose the village's identity.
What to see & do (Villa OVerdon’s top 5)
- Heritage walk: alleys, ramparts, old gates, fountains.
- Climb to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir: stairs, viewpoints and photo at sunset.
- Pottery: museum + workshops to grasp the village's craft soul.
- Verdon Viewpoints: scenic viewpoints accessible by car from the village.
- Lake Sainte-Croix: pedalo, electric boat or canoeing to enter the gorges.
Stay Ideas: 2 hours, half day, full day
Express – 2 hours
- Town center: square, alleys, fountains.
- Viewpoints of the Riou waterfall (subject to conditions).
- Framing the star from the main street.
Half day
- Heritage walk + climb to the chapel (views).
- Pottery workshops (demonstrations if open).
- Terrace pause & photos in golden light.
Full day
- Morning at Moustiers (heritage + museum).
- Afternoon by Lake Sainte-Croix: pedalo/electric boat/canoeing to enter the gorges.
- Sunset on the Verdon viewpoints.
Practical Info: parking, market, shuttle & best periods
- Parking: several parking areas around the center; easy payment via Flowbird app depending on season.
- Market: Friday morning, with additional summer events.
- Shuttle / little train (by season): rotations between parking and center (check updated info).
- When to visit?: spring & off-season for mild weather; summer very busy; autumn offers beautiful light.
- Riou Waterfall: variable flow depending on rainfall; favor spring / after rainy episodes.
- Water Heritage: fountains & washhouses throughout the village.
Moustiers on the “water” side: Riou waterfall, fountains and washhouses
Water shapes Moustiers. Through the alleys, fountains rhythm the walk and recall engineering of yesteryear.
Above the village, the Riou waterfall comes alive by season and rain episodes; its flow varies and observation is from easy-access viewpoints in the town center.
Moustiers Sainte Marie and its famous waterfall
In a verdant setting, impossible to miss in the heart of the historic village the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie waterfall that finds its way between the cliffs and dwellings.
Short History of Moustiers Sainte Marie’s waters
The city was built on a strategic site and waters from various streams cross Moustiers. This abundance of water participated in the city's rise, with the installation of tanneries, then paper mills in the sixteenth century. Incidentally, the Riu torrent, which splits the center in two, was formerly equipped with several mills.
Village visit, water is present in every street
It is a real joy to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The houses are colorful, built tall and close together. Olive trees dot the paved squares. Water, present everywhere, springs in high cascade or fountain. And craft shops number in the dozens. After this getaway, discover the other villages of the Verdon to organize your stay.
Historic fountains of Moustiers Sainte Marie
The fountains of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie are a collection of several fountains located in the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. The fountains are supplied by a spring found at the foot of the village.
- The Cours Fountain is the largest. Located in the heart of the village, surrounded by a paved square, decorated with four stone lions.
- The Village Square Fountain is smaller but also highly decorated, surrounded by four stone columns and statues.
- The Four Seasons Fountain is the smallest and oldest, decorated with four stone statues representing the four seasons.
The Adou and Riou cascades renaissance in 2018
After heavy rainfall in April 2018, the Adou and Riou waterfalls are reborn and offer Moustierains a sound and visual pleasure unseen in years.
FAQ — Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
When to see the Riou waterfall?
The waterfall flows mainly in spring and after heavy rainfall. In summer, it can be dry.
Where to park at Moustiers?
Several parking areas around the center. Paid April 1 to October 31 (free in off-season). Flowbird app for easy payment.
What day is the market?
Friday morning year-round, with additional markets in summer.
What is the legend of the Moustiers star?
The suspended star would be an ex-voto linked to the knight of Blacas, in tribute to the Virgin.
Charming house (6 pers., 3 bedrooms, ground floor, 110m² with spacious living area) with panoramic view of Lake Sainte-Croix. Quiet, 2 min walk from the village centre. Preserved nature & ideal base for outdoor activities and tourism.
