Moustérès

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, commonly known as Moustiers, is a village located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Situated at the entrance to the Verdon Gorge, it is renowned for its picturesque setting nestled between two rocky cliffs. The village is officially listed as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages of France).

The history of Moustiers dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement from the Neolithic period. It gained prominence in the 5th century when Saint Honorat founded a monastery there, giving the village its name. Over the centuries, Moustiers developed into a significant center for faience (tin-glazed pottery), a craft that continues to be a vital part of its identity today. Many artisan workshops still produce and sell their distinctive ceramics.

A striking feature of Moustiers is the star suspended between the two cliffs above the village. According to legend, the star was placed there in the Middle Ages by a knight who was held captive by the Saracens and promised to hang a star if he was freed. The current star is not the original but a replica. The village itself is characterized by narrow, winding streets, stone houses, and fountains. The Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church, a Romanesque building, stands as a prominent landmark. Moustiers serves as a popular base for exploring the Gorges du Verdon, a major tourist destination for hiking, climbing, and water sports.