Discover Moustiers Sainte-Marie in South of France
Today, in our series “Belle France” we invite you on a little trip to Haute Provence and more particularly to the area located around Moustiers Sainte-Marie.
A secret wedding spot
This area of France is very dear to our heart – Ingrid was brought up in Les Alpes de Haute Provence – and is a bit of a secret location: although we are here in Provence, it is a very unknown and unspoiled part of it.
Thus, if for your wedding you are after an area of South of France that tourists have not conquered yet, Haute Provence, in the mountains behind Nice, could be a perfect spot for you.
Moustiers Sainte-Marie
Let’s start our tour in Moustiers Sainte-Marie, officially appointed as one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Moustiers Sainte-Marie sits on a narrow stretch and is overlooked by rocky cliffs. Lift your head and in between cliffs you will see a golden little star shining from a great height…Although many versions exist about the origin of the star none have been verified to date. The mystery remains total on the origin and meaning of the star above Moustiers…
The village is also famous for its colourful faïence ceramic.
Photo provided by the Tourism Office of Moustiers Sainte-Marie
Full of character, Moustiers oozes French life at its best: lively bars with terraces, delicious restaurants, ceramic workshops, stone streets and sunny squares…
Moustiers Ste Marie is at the door of the Gorges du Verdon, one of the most spectacular canyons of Europe, and heaven for those who like outdoor and nautical sports.
Photo provided by the Tourism Office of Moustiers Sainte-Marie
Next, head to the beautiful turquoise lake Ste Croix and be dazzled by its blue turquoise colour and the little beaches all around. End your tour of the lake in Bauduen, a lovely village which seems totally preserved from mass tourism.
Finally, if you have time, go a bit further west and discover the Valensole plateau : nicknamed the “food cellar“ of the region, it is dedicated to growing cereals and to the production of lavender. There, you will see these picture-perfect lavender fields stretching to the horizons, but also almond trees in full bloom or sunflowers fields.
Photo provided by the Tourism Office of Moustiers Sainte-Marie
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Wedding venue in Moustiers Sainte-Marie
If you’re searching for the perfect wedding venue in this stunning area of France, you must consider the Provençal Monastery, our venue in Haute Provence. Its tucked away, just above Moustiers Sainte-Marie.
This rustic chic venue, pack full of character can hold a wedding up to 130 people and sleep 80 people on site. The rest can stay in the town of Moustiers Sainte-Marie nearby.
Practical information
How to get there: like many unspoiled places, this area is not on the major roads. You will get to Moustiers Sainte-Marie through a road which can be at times a bit windy.
Moustiers is 1h30 from Marseille airport and 2hrs from Nice airport and many bus companies can help you transport your guests to the venue.
Where to sleep: there is plenty of accommodation nearby for your guests who want to stay before/after the wedding.
Check the website of the tourism office (www.moustiers.eu).
Here are some examples of hotels having a great sleeping capacity:
Hotel le Colombier (22 bedrooms)
Hotel les Restanques (20 bedrooms)
Bastide Moustiers (13 bedrooms)
Clos des Iris (9 bedrooms)
There are many others hotels and b&b in the area.
Interview by Ingrid Chavez
Foodie, chateau hunter and founder of the Chateau Bee Selection.