Suspended between heaven and earth, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie appears like a medieval dream clinging to limestone cliffs. This enchanted village, where just 700 residents live amid a symphony of cascading water and ancient stone, might be France’s most perfect hidden gem. Located at the gateway to the magnificent Verdon Gorge, it combines natural splendor with centuries of artistic heritage in a way that captivates even the most seasoned travelers.
The village that dangles from the sky
Moustiers’ most iconic feature is a golden star suspended on a 225-foot chain between two cliffs towering above the village. According to local legend, a knight hung it there after returning safely from the Crusades. As local historian Jean-Pierre Maurin explains,
“The star has fallen several times throughout history, but villagers always restore it. It’s not just decoration—it’s the soul of Moustiers.”
This celestial sentinel has watched over the village since the 10th century, becoming its enduring symbol.
A pottery tradition that captivated kings
Since the 17th century, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been renowned for its exquisite faience pottery. The delicate white-glazed earthenware adorned with distinctive blue decorations once graced the tables of Louis XIV and European nobility. Today, around a dozen workshops continue this tradition, with artisans creating pieces using centuries-old techniques.
“Our pottery captures the essence of Provence—the blue represents our lavender fields and clear skies, while the white mirrors our limestone mountains,” shares Céline Dupont, a seventh-generation potter.
“Each piece tells a story about our landscape and heritage.”
Visitors can explore these workshops and the fascinating Museum of Earthenware to understand why this craft became the village’s claim to fame.
262 steps to heaven
For breathtaking views that justify every labored breath, climb the ancient stone stairway to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel. This 12th-century sanctuary perched dramatically on the cliff rewards visitors with panoramic vistas across the village, surrounding valleys, and distant Lac de Sainte-Croix. The challenging ascent passes through archways and along the mountainside, creating a pilgrimage experience that hasn’t changed for centuries.
Twin waterfalls in one village
Few villages can boast a waterfall flowing directly through their center, but Moustiers has two. The Riou stream cascades down the mountainside before splitting to create dual falls that frame the village center. During spring snowmelt, the falls thunder dramatically; by summer, they transform into gentle ribbons that cool the village air. These waters once powered mills that contributed to the village’s prosperity and now provide a mesmerizing natural soundtrack.
Gateway to France’s Grand Canyon
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie serves as the perfect base for exploring the Verdon Gorge, Europe’s largest canyon. This geological wonder features 2,300-foot limestone cliffs and the emerald-green Verdon River carving through dramatic terrain. Adventure seekers can hike spectacular trails or kayak through the turquoise waters. For a different perspective, visit during sunset when the limestone takes on a golden-pink glow that locals call “the magic hour.” If you’re searching for hidden French alpine villages, this region offers several gems beyond Moustiers.
A culinary journey through Provence
The village’s restaurants showcase Provençal cuisine at its finest, featuring lavender-infused honey, local truffles, and olive oil from nearby groves. Don’t miss trying lavender ice cream—a regional specialty that captures summer in a single spoonful. The Tuesday market transforms the main square into a sensory carnival of colors, scents, and flavors, where vendors sell products that have defined this region for generations.
As chef Marcel Bonnard of La Treille Muscate notes,
“Our cooking reflects our landscape—rustic, honest, and surprisingly complex, just like Moustiers itself.”
This philosophy makes dining here an extension of exploring the village’s cultural identity.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie exists in perfect harmony with its dramatic setting—a place where artistry, nature, and history converge to create an experience that feels outside of time. Like other breathtaking destinations that change your perspective, this village teaches visitors to look upward, whether to its suspended star, cascading waters, or the massive cliffs that cradle it all. In this enchanted corner of Provence, beauty isn’t just observed—it’s experienced with all five senses.