moustier

Moustier is a small commune situated in the Aveyron department of the Occitanie region in southern France. The municipality covers an area of approximately ten square kilometres and lies at an elevation that ranges from 250 to 480 metres above sea level. Its geographical coordinates are 44°46′N latitude and 2°37′E longitude. The surrounding landscape consists of gently rolling hills, interspersed with patches of forest and pastoral farmland, characteristic of the broader Massif Central foothills.

The origins of Moustier date back to the medieval period, when the site was first documented in the 12th century. Historically, the term “moustier” was associated with monastic sites, and the village’s early development was closely tied to the establishment of a modest priory. Over the centuries, the community has witnessed various phases of growth and decline, with surviving medieval architectural features such as the 13th‑century stone church dedicated to Saint Guérelt reflecting its long heritage.

According to the most recent census data, Moustier has a population of roughly three hundred residents. The demographic profile is typical of rural French communes, with an aging population and a small proportion of young families. Economic activity in the area is largely agricultural, centred on livestock rearing and the cultivation of cereals and vineyards. Small-scale local commerce and tourism related to the village’s historical sites also contribute to the local economy.

Points of interest in Moustier include the Norman‑style parish church of Saint Guérelt, which features original stonework and a 15th‑century pulpit. The village hosts an annual fête that showcases regional culinary specialties and traditional arts performed by local artisans. The surrounding countryside offers walking routes that provide panoramic views of the Aveyron valley and adjacent natural parklands.