Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a must-visit in Provence. It’s just 10 minutes from the Verdon Gorge and about an hour from the Valensole lavender fields.
We visited Moustiers in late June, right in the middle of peak lavender season, as part of a road trip through the French Riviera and Provence. We were short on time, so we spent the morning at the Verdon Gorge, the afternoon exploring Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and the evening chasing lavender fields.
If you can, I suggest spending at least one night in Moustiers or somewhere near the Verdon Gorge (like around Lac de Sainte-Croix), so you have time to enjoy a full day on the lake and explore the village without feeling rushed. Moustiers is pretty small, you only need about three hours to see it, but it’s absolutely worth the stop.
I fell in love with this little town. The setting is spectacular, with dramatic cliffs rising behind it, waterfalls and a river cascading through it, and stunning views over the Provençal valley below.
This guide outlines how we spent one day in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, including where to stay, best things to do and other practical information.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Quick List
Stay: La Bouscatière; Le Bastide de Moustiers
Do: Rent a boat at the Verdon Gorge; climb to Notre Dame de Beauvoir in Moustiers; see the lavender fields at golden hour
Eat: Le Bastide Moustiers Restaurant
Shop: Local faïence pottery
One Day in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Morning: The Verdon Gorge
The Verdon Gorge is an incredibly vibrant blue river that flows into Lac de Sainte-Croix. It’s one of the most spectacular natural spots in the Provence region and only a 10-minute drive from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
To beat the crowds, aim to get to the Verdon Gorge in the morning. By mid-afternoon, parking gets chaotic and it can be difficult to find a last-minute boat rental. We arrived around 11:00am on a weekend in late June, and it was already quite busy.
Note: mornings are cooler and less ideal for swimming. If lounging in the sun and taking a dip in the lake are your priorities, then I’d recommend visiting later in the afternoon, after your visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Renting a Boat
You can rent a paddle boat or a small motorized boat from one of the operators along the lake’s edge. We didn’t make a reservation, so we just walked along the shore until we found someone who had boat available (we got one of the last ones). I suggest booking ahead of time to avoid having to wait.
Boat rentals typically run from 2 to 4 hours. We rented a boat for 2 hours at €35, but I wish we had for 3 or 4 hours. It goes by fast!
Parking is available in this parking lot. Plan on spending 3-6 hours at the Verdon Gorge.
Tip: Pack your own lunch! We grabbed sandwiches from a local bakery and ate them on the boat, which was perfect. There aren’t many food options nearby, so it’s best to come prepared.
Afternoon: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Climb to Notre Dame de Beauvoir
Built into the cliffs high above the town, this church has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Making the climb yourself is one of the best things to do in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. You’ll find signs around town pointing you to the path. It’s a steep climb and takes about 20 minutes to reach the top.
Just a heads-up: the path is quite slippery. I had on tennis shoes and ended up gripping the handrail the entire way up to avoid slipping. If you have hiking shoes with good tread, definitely wear them. Walking sticks could help too, or just be prepared to take it slow, like we did.
You’ll find the best views of the village along the walk. It’s one of the most picturesque settings I’ve seen. No wonder Moustiers is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France!
Wander the streets
You can easily walk through the entire village in an hour. But I recommend giving yourself at least a couple of hours to stroll around, peruse the shops, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this village.
A small stream, the Ravine de Notre Dame, cascades through the village. One of the best viewpoints is from the Archos Bridge Saint Mary.
Shop for Faïence
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has a history of pottery making that dates back to the 17th century. The town is known for its faïence, a traditional style of tin-glazed earthenware, and there are several shops where you can browse and buy local pieces.
This was a huge highlight for me, as I’m a ceramicist and love collecting pottery on my travels. I especially loved the pieces at Atelier Bondil. They work with a local team who handcraft everything in a nearby workshop. Mufraggi was another shop I popped into, and they also had a beautiful selection.
Read also: 25 Best Things to do in Provence, France
Visit the Faïence Museum
Take a deep dive into the history of Faïence at the Earthenware Museum. Over 500 pieces are on display that take you through the history of this craft all the way back to the beginnings.
Tickets are €5 per person. For updated opening hours and prices, learn more here.
Evening: Dinner in Moustiers or Visit the Valensole Lavender Fields
You have two options for the evening.
We ended up driving to the Valensole Plateau that evening (about 45 minutes from Moustiers) to catch the lavender fields at golden hour and spent the night there instead. Personally, I’d recommend spending the night in Moustiers.
While you can do all three in a single day like we did (the Verdon Gorge, Moustiers, and the lavender fields), I wish we had more time to split it over two days. One full day for the Verdon Gorge and Moustiers, and another for the lavender fields and exploring another small town nearby.
Dinner in Moustiers
We unfortunately didn’t have time to eat in Moustiers, however, there’s one restaurant I’m dying to try in Moustiers. I’m sharing it here in case you’re also interested.
Le Bastide de Moustiers is a one-Michelin-star restaurant by Alain Ducasse, featuring a Provençal-inspired, farm-to-table menu. Set menus start at €90 per person, but à la carte options are also available.
Drive to Valensole to see the Lavender Fields
We headed straight to the lavender fields after our afternoon in Moustiers, so we could see them at peak golden hour. The drive took us about 45 minutes to the Valensole Plateau, where we hopped around to a few different fields.
The lavender is at its peak usually between mid to late June through July, but it really depends on the season. I think late June is the best time to go because the lavender still has that vibrant color. I’ve also been in mid-July and the lavender fields weren’t nearly as full or bright.
Where to Stay in Moustiers
- Le Bastide de Moustiers: Surrounded by olive groves and lavender plants, this 4-star hotel is owned by famed French chef Alain Ducasse and is my top pick for Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. You can also dine at the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant.
- La Bouscatière: A charming boutique hotel right in the heart of the village, featuring an infinity pool with lovely views.
- La Clorinde: Set on a beautiful property surrounded by olive trees, Clorinde welcomes guests into her home, offering two rooms for rent. A great option if you’re looking for an intimate, local stay.
- Le Logis des Cascades 2: A one-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and cozy living area. Perfect if you’re planning a longer stay or want the option to cook your own meals.
How to Get to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
The best way to get to get to Moustiers is by car. There’s really no other convenient way to get there unless you book a tour, like this day tour from Aix-en-Provence.
Driving distances to Moustiers:
- From Nice: 2 hours
- From Aix-en-Provence: 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Marseille: 2 hours
- From Cannes: 2 hours
There are a few paid parking lots, like this one close to town, or this one a bit further away. We lucked out and got a free parking spot here on Calade Tempesta leading up to the village.
When to Visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Moustiers is lovely to visit from spring through fall. April, May, September, and October tend to be less crowded. But if you want to see the lavender fields in bloom and spend time on the Verdon Gorge, June and July are ideal.
Based on my experience, I recommend visiting in late June during peak lavender season, so you can see it all.