2025 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

//𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬-𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞-𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞 St. Mary’s Mountain Castle// ° ° ° It is only a 10-minute drive from Lake Sainte-Croix. I came to the most beautiful town in my French trip. Mount St. Mary. The mountain town of St. Mary is about 760 meters above sea level. Built along a steep canyon. The town is famous for its production of tin-glazed ceramics. So everyone calls it the Ceramic Town. The town has beautiful scenery. The building is also very distinctive. It feels like being in a fairy tale. In addition to many handmade ceramic shops, There are also small shops selling Provence specialties. Because the scent of lavender is everywhere. We couldn't help but buy some sachets to take back. We walked aimlessly along the winding path. I had a lunch of rich truffle pasta and rice. I ate 𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘰 to relieve the heat, I took a lot of photos for the town. I stayed here for 3 hours without realizing it. I really recommend you to reserve more time here. There will be surprises. ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ #mocha_n_love_travel #mocha_n_love_france #mocha_n_love_provence #FranceTravel #GlobalTravel

There are few tourists here, a very niche small town in southern France, especially romantic and beautiful, I really like it here too much. It's close to Lake Sainte-Croix, you can arrange it in one day. The whole town is full of colorful stone houses, with a strong medieval style, and you can see handmade ceramic shops everywhere, the prices are not expensive, you can take your time. Chatting to know that the town has been making ceramics for generations, each small building is a handmade workshop, the first floor is for sale, a girl in her twenties said her grandfather spent his life with mud, and taught her pottery when she was a child. The town is full of art and stories, which makes people feel comfortable. A winding stream runs through the entire village, like all traditional Provencal villages, there is drinkable spring water on the street to quench your thirst. The town is between two cliffs in the Provence region, so it is also called Cliff Town. A huge Venus badge is hanging between the two cliffs, which is the symbol of the town 💐It is worthy of being called the most beautiful village in southern France 🚗But the traffic is really inconvenient, it is recommended to drive here, follow the navigation, parking is convenient.

When the purple romance of Provence lavender meets the elegant fragrance of Hengzhou jasmine, a cultural dialogue spanning thousands of miles is brewing. Recently, the Digne-les-Bains area in France (often represented by its core city Manosque) released the 2025 lavender blooming forecast in Shanghai and signed a sister city letter of intent with Hengzhou City, Guangxi, marking a new stage in Sino-French floral-themed cultural and tourism exchanges. [The Heart of Provence: A Comprehensive Analysis of Digne-les-Bains' Cultural and Tourism Resources] As the geographical heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France, the Digne-les-Bains area, uniquely positioned as the "Heart of Provence," builds multi-dimensional tourism appeal: ▶ Purple Flower Sea Economic Circle Core Attraction: The Valensole Plateau’s 9,500 hectares of lavender fields form a world-class scenic belt, with the Lavender Festival held annually on the third Sunday of July attracting visitors worldwide. The peak bloom period in 2025 has arrived, with the harvest scheduled from July 14 to 28. Industry Integration: The headquarters and production base of L’Occitane en Provence, the Cuisiat wine grape region, and other sites form the "Fragrance and Flavor" themed tour route. Special events like the Rosé Wine Festival attract over 23,000 visitors annually. ▶ Literary and Artistic Sanctuary Manosque, hometown of Nobel Prize-winning author Jean Giono, preserves a complete literary tradition: Visual Feast: A pastoral landscape woven with lavender, olive trees, apricot trees, and wheat fields. Spiritual Landmark: The annual September Letter Literature Festival gathers publishing elites, and the GR69 hiking trail and "Giono Literary Walk" retrace the writer’s creative path. ▶ Outdoor Sports Paradise The intersection of Verdon Natural Park and the Luberon Mountains offers diverse experiences: Extreme Challenges: Verdon Gorge provides paragliding, rock climbing, canyoning, and other activities, with two classic cycling routes running through the Alps-Provence region. Cultural Exploration: The Canson Prehistoric Museum welcomes 65,000 visitors annually, and the prehistoric rock paintings in Verdon Gorge serve as a natural archaeology classroom. ▶ Wellness and Vacation Destination The spa town of Gréoux-les-Bains centers around a Roman-style thermal spa, creating a "dynamic and tranquil" vacation system: Natural Gift: Adjacent to the entrance of Verdon Gorge and only 40 minutes by car from Lake Sainte-Croix. Business Facilities: The Gréoux-les-Bains Convention Center and the Saint-Child Expo form a conference and incentive tourism cluster, injecting new momentum into regional tourism. [Double-City Collaboration: Cultural and Tourism Strategic Cooperation Through Flowers] Based on the cultural resonance of "lavender-jasmine," the Sino-French sides have established a three-dimensional cooperation framework: Festival Exchanges: The 2026 Nanning Jasmine Cultural Festival will be held in Digne-les-Bains, and the 2027 Provence Lavender Festival will move to Nanning, achieving two-way thematic festival output. Industry Dialogue: Leveraging Manosque’s €1.7 billion annual lavender tourism consumption, exchanges will be conducted with Hengzhou’s jasmine industry in planting technology and derivative product development. Transportation Empowerment: Marseille-Shanghai direct flights operate three times weekly (12 hours direct), Digne-les-Bains is only one hour from Marseille Airport, and combined with the A51 highway and TGV high-speed rail forming a three-dimensional network, a "Lujiazui-Valensole" 48-hour living circle is realized. [Three-Dimensional Transportation Network Extends Tourism Radius] Digne-les-Bains’ "fast in, slow travel" system achieves efficient regional connectivity: Air-Rail Integration: One hour from Marseille Airport / 45 minutes from Aix TGV station, forming a golden triangle with Avignon and Marseille. Land Access: Frequent daily TER trains and buses connect northward within one hour to Alpine ski resorts and southward within one hour to Mediterranean beaches. Intra-Region Circulation: A specialized transport network covering the Lavender Route, Literary Trail, and Wineries supports in-depth development of themed tours. "Chinese tourists already account for 70% of Digne-les-Bains’ summer visitors, and the opening of direct flights makes two-way travel possible," said Gong Jie, Director of the Manosque Tourism Bureau. "From the purple flower sea of Provence to the jasmine fields of Hengzhou, these two fragrances will weave a cross-border cultural and tourism bond." This dialogue, beginning with flowers and culminating in culture, is writing a new romantic chapter in Sino-French tourism cooperation.

#5月好去处2025 Located in the Provence region of France, [Moustiers-Sainte-Marie] is a mountain town embedded in the cliffs. It is known as one of the "most beautiful mountain towns" and is famous for its handmade ceramic craftsmanship. Walking into the town is like stepping into a medieval fairy tale book. Painted pottery plates and handicraft shops can be seen everywhere. It is recommended to reserve time to go deep into each workshop. In some cases, you can also see craftsmen demonstrating glazing or firing on the spot. After strolling through the old town, you can climb the Notre Dame Church on the mountainside and overlook the valley and waterfalls along the way. The scenery is magnificent. If your physical strength allows, you can also walk to the remains of the hanging star decoration on the top of the mountain, which is a symbolic landscape of the local area. After that, you can drive to [Lac de Sainte-Croix], this blue lake like a gem is one of the most popular summer resorts in southern France. The lake water is crystal clear, and there are many rental points on the shore where you can experience canoeing, pedal boats or SUP stand-up paddles. If you just want to relax, you can also spread a picnic mat by the lake and enjoy the sunshine of Provence while tasting local cheese and wine. Recommended photo spots include the "Galetas Bridge" viewing platform, which can capture the magnificent intersection of the canyon, lake and blue sky at the same time. On the way back, you can go back to the ceramic town to buy souvenirs or enjoy authentic southern French desserts such as lavender honey ice cream to put a perfect end to this trip. ⸻ ✅ Tips • Recommended transportation: Self-driving is the most convenient, and the scenery along the D952 provincial road is extremely beautiful • Suitable season: June-September is the best, if you want to see the lavender fields, you can visit Valensole in June-July • Clothing suggestions: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, swimsuits, and hats are essential • Ceramic shopping: Each store has a different style, it is recommended to shop around

📍Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ✔️Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a medieval village located between cliffs in Provence, France, and is considered one of the ‘most beautiful villages’ ✔️The golden star hanging on the cliff above the village is a symbol derived from the oath of the legendary medieval knights ✔️Climb the approximately 260 steps to the 12th-century chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir for a spectacular view of the Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix ✔️You can enjoy activities such as hiking and kayaking in the nearby Verdon Gorge, and you can also swim in the lake in the summer ✔️It is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Nice by rental car, and it is suitable for a day or 1 night 2 days ✔️The most pleasant time to travel is May-June or September-October, to avoid the crowds of the summer peak season. #EuropeGuide

📍Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France 🚘Transportation: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (145 km) by rental car from Nice Airport ✔️Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages (LesPlusBeauxVillages de France)' in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France Perched between cliffs, it is impressive for its medieval architecture, ceramic workshops, and picturesque scenery at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. ✔️Legend has it that the golden star hanging between the two cliffs originated from the oath of the knight Boson de Blacas in the 10th century. The star and chain were restored by helicopter after falling about 50 years ago. #EuropeGuide

📍Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ✔️ Recognized as one of "The Most Beautiful Villages in France," this charming medieval village is nestled between limestone cliffs. ✔️ Famous for the golden star "Étoile de Moustiers" suspended on a 225-meter chain between the cliffs, which is said to originate from the legend of a knight, Bozon de Blacas, who returned during the Crusades. ✔️ At the Musée de la Faïence, you can admire traditional faience pottery, a craft that has been passed down since the 17th and 18th centuries.

Nestled between dramatic limestone cliffs in Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is often called one of the most beautiful villages in France. This charming medieval town is famous for its stunning scenery, centuries-old pottery tradition, and the golden star that hangs between two cliffs above the village. A Village Suspended in Time With its narrow cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses, and cascading waterfalls, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie looks like something out of a storybook. The town has a deep-rooted history dating back to the 5th century, when monks built a monastery here. As you wander through the village, you’ll find beautiful stone fountains, charming cafes, and hidden courtyards, all surrounded by the scent of lavender from the nearby fields. The Mystery of the Golden Star One of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie’s most famous landmarks is the golden star that dangles between two cliffs high above the village. According to legend, a knight from the Crusades, Blacas de Blacas, vowed to hang a star over Moustiers if he returned safely from war. Though the origins of the star remain a mystery, its presence adds to the magical aura of the village. A Hub for Art and Nature Lovers Moustiers is best known for its fine faïence pottery, a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can explore workshops and museums to see the delicate blue-and-white ceramic art still crafted by local artisans. The village is also the gateway to Verdon Gorge, one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders, offering outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. A Perfect Provençal Escape With its breathtaking views, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Provençal experience. Whether admiring the golden star, exploring ceramic workshops, or venturing into the Verdon Gorge, this enchanting village offers a magical retreat into the heart of France’s countryside. #europetrip

A 12-day European adventure, exploring the romantic capitals! This super practical guide will help you travel with ease and avoid detours! Save it now and start your European journey! -- A multi-country European adventure, from ancient castles 🏰 to modern cities 🏙️, where history and present intertwine. Known as the Romantic Road, every step is a scenic view, every moment is worth remembering. -- 🛣️ Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Shanghai and fly to the romantic capital, Paris. 🛫 Day 2-4: Explore Paris in depth, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, and enjoy a guided tour of the Louvre Museum led by a specially hired team of official guides from the French National Museums. Experience the romantic atmosphere of Paris, with a day of free time to enjoy the city's unique charm. 🗼 Day 5-6: Leave Paris and travel to the Palace of Versailles to hear its legendary stories. Then, head to the Loire Valley region and visit the Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord, immersing yourself in the ancient French romance. 🏰 Day 7-8: Continue south to Toulouse, the Pink City, and then to Carcassonne to explore the fascinating blend of city and castle. Afterwards, visit the Pont du Gard, Gordes, and Roussillon, experiencing the unique charm of southern France. 🌄 Day 9-10: Arrive at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of France's beautiful ceramic towns, and then head to Nice to enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze of the French Riviera. Visit Èze and Monaco, experiencing the leisure and luxury of southern France. 🏖️ Day 11: Conclude your delightful French journey and depart from Marseille for your return to Shanghai. 🛬 Day 12: Arrive in Shanghai, marking the end of your journey. 🌟 -- 🧳 Travel Essentials: Must-haves for your European adventure! 📞 Phone Card: Don't forget to purchase a European phone card for convenient communication and online map 🗺 access. 🔌 Travel Adapter: European plugs are different, so bring a travel adapter to ensure you can charge your devices. 🪪 Documents: Passport, visa, and translated driver's license are essential for immigration and car rentals. 👕 Clothing: February in Europe can be quite cold, so pack warm clothes such as thick coats, scarves, and gloves. 🔋 Charger and Power Bank: Keep your phone and camera charged with a power bank for capturing memorable photos. -- ✈ European Adventure: Explore multiple countries and cultures. Plan your itinerary now and embark on your European dream!

#summerdestinations Provence is a feast for the senses. From bustling cities to hilltop villages to the Roman ruins and endless fields of Lavender. This stunner packs a punch for a summer holiday goer. Personally, I can’t think about any better summer getaway like the one i had in Provence, France. There ofcourse are bits that cannot be shared. But during my 4 days in Provence I did see the best of it. Our two days in Valensole were clearly some of the most amazing in my entire life. The long stretches of lavender and sunflower fields were a photographers dream. Then there was the charming French villages and the opportunity to picnic and siesta next to a breathtaking lake. It will leave you mind with some of the most beautiful visual memories for a lifetime. I do recommend visiting when the lavender is in full bloom, which is usually from the beginning of July towards mid July only. Valensole would be the best place to stay but if you wish to save more or say you're on a budget. The. perhaps Manosque should be considered. A little off the way, still nothing beats saving money! Another top tip is to make sure you visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It was by far the most picturesque French town I ever came across. My mind is filled with lavender thoughts. I think you have to see a sunset there for yourself to comprehend what I'm talking about!#summerdestinations #vivelafrance #Provence #USA #Insta

📍Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ✅The village located between two cliffs, 'Moustiers-Sainte-Marie' means 'the monastery that serves the Virgin Mary', and it is also called 'the most beautiful village in France!' and 'the village where the stars never set'.✨ ✅Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is said to have been selected as 'the most beautiful village in France' in a contest held every six years, but the qualifications for application are strict, such as the villagers having to want it and having at least two UNESCO heritage sites. #summertravel

📍Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ✅The village located between two cliffs, 'Moustiers-Sainte-Marie' means 'the monastery that serves the Virgin Mary', and it is also called 'the most beautiful village in France!' and 'the village where the stars never set'.✨ ✅Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is said to have been selected as 'the most beautiful village in France' in a contest held every six years, but the qualifications for application are strict, such as the villagers having to want it and having at least two UNESCO heritage sites. #summertravel

📍Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ✅The village located between two cliffs, 'Moustiers-Sainte-Marie' means 'the monastery that serves the Virgin Mary', and it is also called 'the most beautiful village in France!' and 'the village where the stars never set'.✨ ✅Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is said to have been selected as 'the most beautiful village in France' in a contest held every six years, but the qualifications for application are strict, such as the villagers having to want it and having at least two UNESCO heritage sites. #summertravel

#Verdon Gorge, called the Grand Canyon of Europe‼️ Outside the tent, the beautiful #gorge stands out as the 3rd filming location in southern France. You can trek at the Verdon Gorge, and there are cars and shuttles, so please refer to them when you go! The shuttle April 19 ~ June 30: Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays, Long weekend July 1 ~ September 1: Everyday September 6 ~ November 3: Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays, Long weekend It says it's in operation, so please look it up and go! #Hotel Accommodation Event

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, often referred to as the Ceramic Town, was famous for producing a type of white glazed pottery with exquisite designs that captivated Europe for 200 years during the 17th and 18th centuries. The town is dotted with ceramic shops, serving both as the place of origin and a distribution center. In the morning, without the hustle and bustle of crowds, one can truly appreciate the charm of the Ceramic Town. Where does this charm come from? It comes from the details.

Welcome to the famous Verdon Gorge! In the heart of Provence, there is a route that brings you close to nature. It allows you to shuttle through the gorge, feel the beauty of Lake Sainte-Croix, and experience the ancient town hidden in the mountains. 1. Panoramic route of the northern line. On the north side, D952 connects Castellane to Lac de Sainte Croix. At the end of this road is the Sainte Croix Lake, which is the main route to experience the canyon. The canyon road is narrow, allowing you to experience the vastness of the canyon and the vertical steepness of the cliffs. Climbing all the way up to an altitude of 700 meters, you may also have the opportunity to see many bald eagles. 2. Panoramic route of the southern line. On the south side, I also recommend taking the D71 that connects Trigance and Aigines. It runs south along the Gorges du Verdon, and is much quieter with fewer cars than the D952. The panoramic views here are also very beautiful, whether it's at the Balcons de la Mescla on the Martell path or at the pass of Illoire. It's worth stopping and staying for a while. 3. The town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. I am impressed by the beauty and charm of this village, which is located in the center of Verdon Park and ranks among "the most beautiful villages in France". When you first see Moustiers, the first thing that catches your eye is the cliff. The town is built on the mountain, and this small village exudes the atmosphere of Provence: the fragrance of lavender permeates the streets, and the maze-like alleys give you the opportunity to discover beautiful fountains, pottery shops, and more. The Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel is located between the cliffs, and the climb to the church overlooks the entire town. This is the first time I have felt like I have found a paradise on earth. An impulse to stay. Navigation address: Place de l'Eglise 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Four, swimming in Lake Saint Croix. The Sainte-Croix Lake, built in the 19th century, is an artificial lake known for its emerald green water. I was really fascinated by its color. I sincerely recommend driving around the lake. Along the way, you can see beautiful villages by the lake... such as Bauduen and Aiguines. On the map, look for the small path down to the lake, have a picnic by the lake, go for a swim, and it's so comfortable. Another important activity on the lake is canoeing, and the boat rental point is at the Galetas Bridge. No input provided. Five, travel. The canyon has no buses, it is recommended to rent a car to go. You can plan to visit Sainte-Croix Lake and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for one day, and drive along the lake, have a picnic and go boating on the second day. This trip can be combined with Valensole and Grasse to make a bigger circular tour. Sixth, accommodation. 1. Auberge des Salles is located across from Lake Sainte-Croix. This hotel is very comfortable and offers magnificent lake views! Address: 18 rue Sainte Catherine, 83630 Les Salles sur Verdon 2. Hotel and Spa des Gorges du Verdon located on the banks of the Verdon Gorge in La-Palud-sur-Verdon. It features a scenic swimming pool, a spa center, and modern decor. Address: route de la Maline, 04120 La Palud-sur-Verdon Verdon River, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Valensole, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix Auberge du Seigneur des Serres Restaurant des Gorges du Verdon (Hôtel&Spa) Hotel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

How to get there: By car Attraction: Stars hanging on both sides of the cliff Recommended food & restaurant: La cantine with a spectacular view It is a small village in the Provence region of southern France. Many people travel to the Provence region mainly on southern tours, so this is a must-see course. It is located in the ‘Geological Park of Haute Provence’, which is registered as a UNESCO natural cultural heritage, so it has a very beautiful natural environment and is a quiet and cute town that is healing. I recommend it!