The legends of l’Étoile
Suspended 135 m high between two cliffs, the golden star of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie intrigues as much as it fascinates. The emblematic symbol of the village, it floats above the tiled roofs, watching over the picturesque streets for centuries.
The Knight of Blacas
The legend of the Chevalier de Blacas tells the story of a lord named Blacas d’Aulps, who set off on a Crusade in the 12th century. During his journey, the Saracens captured him and held him prisoner. The Caliph then tried to convert him to Islam, using the charms of his harem to convince him. Faithful to his faith, the knight Blacas remained inflexible. Touched by his integrity, the Caliph finally decided to release him. On his return home, the knight hung a star above Moustiers to thank the Virgin Mary for protecting him. The people of Moustiers hung this star, the symbol of the Blacas family coat of arms (a 16-pointed star), as an ex-voto above the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir. In 1885, Frédéric Mistral, founder of the Félibrige, made this legend official in order to preserve and promote Provençal traditions.
You can rediscover this legend on your way up to the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption chapel.
Further information: author Jacques Lecugy has written a historical novel about a Chevalier de Blacas d’Aulps.
© OT MoustiersOther great stories
Another explanation often given to justify the presence of the star above Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the story of two young villagers who fell in love. Their families were enemies and forbade them to see each other. Faced with this impossible love, they decided to commit suicide together by throwing themselves off the cliffs. To seal their reconciliation, their families decided to hang the star above the village.
There are many other legends about the origin of the star, but a simpler version is also worth considering. The local people put up the star to ask the Virgin for protection for their homes and village.
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
© VCC04-Thibaut Vergoz
The mystery remains
There have been at least 11 versions of the star since the Middle Ages. In 1995, the craftsmen installed the current star, measuring around 1.25 m, suspended from a 135 m chain and weighing almost 150 kg. After it fell, Joël Joessel, a gilder in Lorgues, restored it and covered it in fine gold. There is no definitive historical truth about the origin of the star. Between oral traditions, literary accounts and popular beliefs, the mystery remains complete. This multi-faceted symbol, which continues to attract attention and raise questions among visitors, helps to make Moustiers a destination with a unique atmosphere.