Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
that there are two turnoffs for the Route des Crêtes. To make the entire loop, take the second turnoff, after the tiny
hamlet of La Palud-sur-Verdon. If you're tight on time, or if traffic is terrible, take the first turnoff, see a few over-
looks, then turn back towards Moustiers. But pay close attention, as the road soon becomes one-way in the wrong
direction.) En route, the most thrilling view is from
Belvédère de l'Escalès
- one of the best places to spot vul-
tures overhead.
After rejoining the D952, the road corkscrews eastward, past
Point Sublime
, which offers a wide view of
serrated rock formations falling away to the river. At Point Sublime, from D952, narrow D317 scales 3km north-
ward to the mountain hamlet
Rougon
. Without stops or traffic, that's about two hours' driving. You could rest
in Chasteuil, at cosy
Gîte de Chasteuil
, or forge onward. If considering a river expedition - or if you're just
passing through, headed to the Côte d'Azur - aim for
Castellane
. Otherwise, return towards Moustiers Ste-
Marie (in two hours) along a different, heart-palpitating route,
La Corniche Sublime
(D955 to D90, D71 and
D19). It twists along the southern rim, taking in spectacular landmarks including the
Balcons de la Mescla
(Mescla Terraces) and
Pont de l'Artuby
(Artuby Bridge), Europe's highest bridge. On the return to Moustiers
Ste-Marie, you'll pass the emerald-green waters of the
Lac de Ste-Croix
.
Sights & Activities
Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir
CHURCH
(guided tours adult/child €3/free; 24hr)
Lording it over the village, beneath
Moustiers' star, this 14th-century church clings to a cliff ledge like an eagle's nest. A
steep trail climbs beside a waterfall to the chapel, passing 14 stations of the cross en route.
On 8 September, Mass at 5am celebrates the nativity of the Virgin Mary, followed by
flutes, drums and breakfast on the square.
POTTERY MUSEUM
Musée de la Faïence
( 04 92 74 61 64; rue Seigneur de la Clue; adult/child €3/free, admission free Tue Jul
& Aug; 10am-12.30pm & 2pm-7pm daily Jul & Aug, shorter hr rest of year, closed
Jan)
When silver was reclaimed by Louis XIV and melted for war, Moustiers' decorative
faïence
(glazed earthenware) graced the dinner tables of Europe's palaces. Today, each
Moustiers' 15 ateliers has its own style - from representational to abstract. Antique mas-
terpieces are housed in this little museum, adjacent to the town hall. Village galleries sell
new pieces; working ateliers are down the hill - ask the tourist office to direct you to the
meilleurs ouvriers
(French government-listed master craftspeople).
