Moustiers-Sainte-MarieLocated near the gorges of Verdon, Moustiers is renowned for the quality of its earthenware. Moustiers owes its existence to water and its fame to an Italian monk. Water flows from the Adou; springing from a source in Vaucluse, it allowed Moustiers to become a village of drapers, potters and paper-makers. An Italian monk from Faenza revealed to the village the secret of enamel in the 17th century, and so Moustiers became the capital of the "finest and most beautiful enamel in the kingdom". The production of enamel vanished in the 19th century but has been recently revived in some 20 workshops. Enamel museum: individual guided tour on Thursdays from June to Sep.; groups all year round on booking. What to discover?• Chapelle N.-D.-de-Beauvoir: everyday. • Church N.-D.-de-l'Assomption: everyday 9h-19h. • Museum of la Faïence: everyday except Tuesday from 1st of April to 31 oct., and X-Mas holiday and February. • Village: guided visit |
Where to stay?La Bonne AubergeIn the very heart of Moustiers, la Bonne Auberge is well named. Warm welcome and modern comfort are the assets of this hotel. La Bastide de MoustiersFamous chef Alain Ducasse is the genius behind the magnificent restoration of this 17th century country house, pleasantly surrounded by gardens and fields full of lavender and olive trees. The fine cooking takes on a southern accent: vegetables, herbs and fruit are picked fresh from the garden. |