Le Moustier Rock Shelters
A fairytale village clinging to a mountainside, famous for pottery and gateway to the Gorges du Verdon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Le Moustier Rock Shelters
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale village clinging to a mountainside, famous for pottery and gateway to the Gorges du Verdon.
"This village is a stunning, colorful, French hillside town right next to the famous Gorges du Verdon."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Steep, cobblestone streets are common. You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this charming village!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging. Arrive early or use designated lots outside the village center.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Star-Spangled Village
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
A picturesque village clinging to a mountainside, famous for its colorful houses and artisanal pottery.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir
Perched above the village
Hike up to this iconic chapel for panoramic views of the village and surrounding gorges.
Gorges du Verdon
Near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Explore one of Europe's most spectacular canyons, perfect for hiking, kayaking, or scenic drives.
Artisanal Pottery Shops
Throughout the village
Discover the village's centuries-old tradition of faience pottery, with unique handcrafted pieces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hillside Charm
Gateway to the Gorges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Steep, cobblestone streets are common. You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this charming village!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging. Arrive early or use designated lots outside the village center.
🏺 Pottery Treasures
Moustiers is famous for its faience pottery. Browse the shops for unique souvenirs.
🏞️ Gorges du Verdon Access
The village is a perfect launchpad for exploring the Gorges du Verdon. Plan a day trip!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Steep, cobblestone streets are common. You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this charming village!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging. Arrive early or use designated lots outside the village center.
🏺 Pottery Treasures
Moustiers is famous for its faience pottery. Browse the shops for unique souvenirs.
🏞️ Gorges du Verdon Access
The village is a perfect launchpad for exploring the Gorges du Verdon. Plan a day trip!
💧 Find the Reservoir
Look for the reservoir with picnic tables for a relaxing break and great views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for its breathtaking beauty, charming atmosphere, and its ideal location for exploring the Gorges du Verdon. The village's artisanal pottery and historical significance are also major draws. Some find parking challenging and the village can get crowded during peak season.
"Tourist attractions nearby, nice places to stay and restaurants to eat. Excellent location to visit with kids and family. Must try Pakistani vegetarian cuisine in this small village where food can be enjoyed in a beautiful garden."
Inaam Hussain
"Visit thanks to a well-known treasure hunt in New Aquitaine.
Pleasant village and surroundings."
Raphael
"Beautiful walk in town and along the water. Pretty little church. Picnic possible. Visit via TerraAventura. Find the reservoir with picnic tables, rest guaranteed."
Amandine Gouillard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is best reached by car. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Marseille and 2 hours from Nice. Public transport options are limited, so a car is highly recommended for flexibility.
While buses do serve the region, they are infrequent. For most visitors, driving is the most practical way to reach and explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its surroundings.
Parking within the village is very limited. There are several parking lots available at the entrance to the village. Arriving early in the day is advised, especially during peak season.
Yes, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie makes for a beautiful day trip from Nice or Marseille, though it's a longer drive. Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy the village and the Gorges du Verdon.
The roads leading to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie are scenic but can be winding, especially as you approach the village. Drive cautiously and enjoy the beautiful Provençal landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees to wander through the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie itself. Access to the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir may have specific opening hours.
The village is always accessible, but individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically closing for a lunch break. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir has specific visiting times.
The Gorges du Verdon are a natural park and generally free to access. Activities like boat rentals or guided tours within the gorges will have separate costs.
Absolutely! Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a family-friendly destination. The village offers a unique experience with its charming streets and the nearby Gorges du Verdon provides opportunities for outdoor fun.
Yes, there is a tourist office in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie that can provide maps, information on local attractions, and advice on activities in the Gorges du Verdon.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the picturesque streets, admire the artisanal pottery, hike to the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir for stunning views, and enjoy the natural beauty of the nearby Gorges du Verdon.
The hike up to the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir offers breathtaking panoramic views. Many spots within the village also provide lovely vistas of the surrounding cliffs and river.
Yes, the village itself is a joy to explore on foot, with its winding paths. The surrounding area offers numerous hiking opportunities, especially within the Gorges du Verdon.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is renowned for its beautiful hillside setting, its centuries-old tradition of faience pottery, and its status as one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages de France' (Most Beautiful Villages of France).
Yes, there are designated areas for swimming in the Gorges du Verdon, particularly in the Sainte-Croix lake. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find traditional Provençal cuisine, including local specialties. There are also unique options like Pakistani vegetarian cuisine available in a garden setting.
Yes, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie offers several restaurants with fine dishes and good wine in pleasant settings, often with attentive service and reasonable prices.
While traditional Provençal cuisine can be meat-heavy, there are vegetarian options available, including a highly recommended Pakistani vegetarian restaurant.
Dining prices can vary, but many reviews suggest that you can enjoy delicious meals at relatively reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and setting.
Yes, you can find charming cafes and bakeries in the village, perfect for a morning coffee, a light lunch, or a sweet treat while exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful houses cascading down the hillside, the iconic star suspended between cliffs, and the views from the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir. The Gorges du Verdon also offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, both in the early morning and late afternoon, provides beautiful light for photographing the village's architecture and landscapes. Midday can be harsh but still offers vibrant colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the village's charm and the vastness of the Gorges du Verdon. A telephoto lens can be useful for details and distant landscapes. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light shots.
The steep, narrow streets can be challenging to photograph without including too much foreground or background. Patience and creative framing are key. Capturing the star between the cliffs requires a specific vantage point.
While Moustiers is at the entrance, the best Gorges du Verdon photos are taken from viewpoints within the gorge itself or from the shores of the Sainte-Croix lake. The village offers a beautiful context for the gorge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for the Terra Aventura treasure hunt mentioned by visitors, which can add an extra layer of fun and engagement for younger explorers. The presence of a reservoir with picnic tables also provides a great spot for a family break. Remember to pack comfortable shoes for everyone, as the village is quite hilly.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the dramatic landscapes of the Gorges du Verdon. Early morning and late afternoon light (golden hour) will provide the most magical shots. Be prepared for steep climbs and narrow streets, which can add a unique perspective to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Moustiers Pottery
Exploring the pottery shops is a highlight for many visitors. You can often see artisans at work, demonstrating the skill and dedication involved in creating these beautiful ceramics. From delicate plates to decorative vases, the variety is impressive. It’s a perfect opportunity to find a truly special souvenir that embodies the spirit of this charming village.
Exploring the Gorges du Verdon
Popular activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the Lac de Sainte-Croix, the large reservoir at the end of the gorge. For the adventurous, hiking trails wind through the canyon, offering varying levels of difficulty and stunning viewpoints. Scenic drives along the gorge rim provide unforgettable panoramas, with numerous pull-offs for photo opportunities. Remember to check road conditions and potential closures, especially outside of peak season.
A Village Steeped in History
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, perched high above the village, is a significant historical and spiritual landmark. The climb to the chapel is rewarded not only with historical insight but also with unparalleled views of the village and the surrounding landscape. The village's inclusion as one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages de France' (Most Beautiful Villages of France) underscores its enduring appeal and well-preserved heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit