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The heritage of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages since 1983, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie boasts an exceptional heritage in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park. With its history, sacred architecture and traditional craftsmanship, this clifftop village is home to a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered.

Church Notre-Dame de l’Assomption

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1913, the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption stands out for its remarkable 12th-century Lombard bell tower, an emblem of Romanesque art in Provence. Its nave, dating from the same period, comprises five bays with pointed barrel vaults, supported by pilasters whose progressive widening towards the top is typical of the Romanesque style.

In 1336, part of the building was rebuilt. In order to orient the choir towards the east, in accordance with liturgical tradition, the new alignment deviated slightly from the original axis. Inside the sanctuary, the altar is a 5th-century white marble sarcophagus, sculpted with a biblical scene depicting the crossing of the Red Sea, adding to the symbolic and historical richness of this place of worship.

Chapel of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir

Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel has stood on the cliffside since the 12th century. It evolved until the 16th century, harmoniously blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1921, it is an essential part of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie’s spiritual heritage. In days gone by, pilgrims would come here for an exceptional Christian ritual: the ‘suscitations’, which were supposed to allow stillborn babies to return briefly to life to receive baptism and enter paradise. To get to this place steeped in emotion and mystery, you have to climb 262 steps lined with a Way of the Cross. From the esplanade, the view over the village and the Verdon valley rewards every effort.

The heritage of Moustiers

The aqueduct spans the Adou to distribute water from the spring to mills downstream. This vestige now serves only as a reminder of the irrigation systems.
Like many villages in the Middle Ages, Moustiers protected itself behind ramparts. In addition to the cliffs, they surround and protect the village.
Drinking water fountains line the narrow streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, providing a place for visitors and animals alike to quench their thirst. In the village squares, magnificent wash-houses bear witness to daily life in days gone by, when the washerwomen used to gather there to wash their clothes and exchange the news of the day.

The star of Moustiers

Mysterious and emblematic, the star suspended between two cliffs above Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has intrigued visitors for centuries. This golden star hanging from a 135 metre long chain is at the heart of many legends, combining faith, history, superstition and romance. Passed down from generation to generation, each version recounts a piece of the past or a collective dream that helped forge the village’s identity.

The legends of the star

Discovering Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

There are several ways to discover the history of Moustiers and learn more about its heritage. Throughout the year, the Tourist Office offers guided tours to reveal the secrets of the village. During the high season, you’ll be surprised by the dramatised tours: a fun way to explore the narrow streets in the company of Marcel Provence. For families and younger visitors, there are treasure hunts to discover the village while having fun. Finally, to explore at your own pace, you can download our mobile app, which will guide you through the major points of interest.