Charming Villages of Verdon Gorge: Moustiers, Castellane and More!

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Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Verdon Gorge is not only famous for its turquoise Verdon River and dramatic cliffs but also for the charming villages that dot its landscape. From the picturesque streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to the historic center of Castellane, each village offers a unique glimpse into the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re walking cobblestone streets, admiring medieval buildings, or admiring in the sights, these villages make Verdon Gorge a memorable trip.

Castellane

The village of Castellane is the first medieval village you’ll encounter on the way to the Verdon Gorge from Nice. The Verdon River flows alongside the village, its striking turquoise color created by mineral-rich limestone dust and glacial deposits from the surrounding cliffs.

In earlier times, before the Castellane dams were built, the river’s strong currents often caused flooding. 

Beyond its natural beauty, Castellane also plays a role in French history—Napoleon stopped here during his famous Hundred Days march to Paris after returning from exile on Elba. As you approach Castellane from Nice, you’ll spot the old bridge on the right side of the road, the very one Napoleon crossed over the Verdon River in 1815.

Today, Castellane is also part of the scenic Route Napoléon (N85), which runs from Golfe-Juan near Cannes all the way to Grenoble.

Overlooking the village from a limestone cliff is the Notre Dame du Roc Chapel. Closed for renovations for several years, the chapel reopened to the public in 2025. If you have time, take the Roc Trail—a 45-minute hike from the village center.

The path rewards you with panoramic views of Castellane, the Verdon River, and the surrounding landscape.

Within the village itself, don’t miss St. Victor’s Church and the many medieval stone buildings that give Castellane its timeless charm.

Plan your perfect day trip from Nice to Verdon Gorge with scenic routes, activities, recommended stops, and a full itinerary—check out my article How to Plan the Perfect Verdon Gorge Trip from Nice

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Just a short drive from Lake Sainte-Croix, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ranks among the most beautiful villages in France. Situated on a hillside, it is renowned with its long tradition of faience (ceramics) with a timeless medieval charm.

As you enter the village, you first cross the striking medieval stone bridge, Pont de Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. 

Next, the village features winding cobblestone streets, stone houses, and scenic views. Together, these elements create magical atmosphere that captivates every visitor.

Similar to the Notre Dame du Roc Chapel in Castellane, Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel is nestled between two cliffs overlooking to the village.Blending Gothic and Romanesque styles, the chapel is both historic and picturesque. The climb from the village takes about 15–20 minutes, but the views at the top make it well worth the effort.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a great stop on your Verdon Gorge trip, whether for a leisurely walk or lunch. There are numerous restaurants and cafes here, along with specialty stores providing local ceramics and regional specialties such as lavender honey, lavender ice cream, truffle products, olive tapenade, and so on.

Best Stops and Shops in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestled near Lake Sainte-Croix, is celebrated for its picturesque hillside setting, medieval architecture, and artisanal traditions. Visitors are enchanted by its cobblestone lanes, scenic vistas, and the iconic Pont de Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The village stands out for its renowned ceramics and local delicacies, including lavender honey, lavender ice cream, truffle products, and olive tapenade. With its welcoming cafés, shops, and restaurants, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie offers an authentic Provençal experience, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the Verdon Gorge region.

• Lavender flavor (parfume) ice cream– One of the top things to try in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is lavender honey (miel de lavande) ice cream (glace), a local specialty you won’t find everywhere. Head to L’Etoile Givrée Artisan Glacier or Glaces Artisanales la Solanée for this unique flavor, along with other artisan ice creams like pistachio, lychee, or almond.
• Faience (ceramics)-For authentic Moustiers faience (ceramics), visit L’Atelier Bondil or L’Atelier Soleil, two of the village’s most renowned ceramic workshops. These shops offer handcrafted pieces that make perfect Provençal souvenirs.

• Lavender Products– If you love lavender products, don’t miss local honey and lavender shops such as Rucher de Para Lou, La P’tite Ruche d’Aure, and Folies de Provence. Here you’ll find not only lavender honey but also a wide range of Provençal goods, including:
• Lavender essential oils
• Herbes de Provence for cooking
• Lavender sachets for your home
• Traditional Marseille soap (savon de Marseille)
• Lavender hand creams and other toiletries 
• Lavender scented purple teddy bears and stuffed animals

The lavender in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is fresh and of good quality due to its proximity to the famed lavender fields in Provence. And if you are like me and can’t get enough lavender honey, good news—Folies de Provence also accepts online orders and ships internationally, including to the US and Canada.

Where to Eat in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Thanks to its proximity to Lac de Sainte-Croix, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a perfect spot to pause for lunch or grab a quick snack before continuing your trip. Here are some popular places to eat in the village:

• Restaurant Chez Dan – Known for fresh seafood dishes like linguine vongole, seabass, and octopus. Don’t miss their desserts—the raspberry cheesecake is especially popular.
• La Grignotière – A favorite for both breakfast and lunch, with options ranging from pissaladière (a Provençal onion tart) to duck, lamb chops, salads, and more.
• La Table du Chevalier – A great stop for charcuterie boards, fresh salads, and a classic croque monsieur (the French hot sandwich).

• Le Michon – Perfect for something lighter, serving sandwiches, French pastries, and baked goods.

Whether you’re looking for lavender honey, Provençal souvenirs, or traditional Moustiers ceramics, this charming hilltop village is a perfect place to shop local during your Verdon Gorge trip.

Gréolières 

Gréolières is another small medieval village on the D2 route in Gourdon, about 10 miles from Saut du Loup and 15.5 miles from Grasse. During our drive, we stopped briefly to see the ruins of the older Gréolières village situated above the newer settlement. Originally, the older village was abandoned after an earthquake; as a result, the inhabitants rebuilt it in its current location. Today, the only restored structure that remains in the former village site is the Chapelle Sainte-Pétronille.

The lower, newer section of Gréolières village features the remains of a medieval castle. Additionally, the village serves as a convenient stop for hikers during the summer months and for skiers in the winter season.

The villages around the Verdon Gorge offer more than just beautiful views and outdoor adventures. Each stop offers a unique glimpse into Provence’s history and culture, from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie’s pottery shops and cliffside charm to Castellane and Gréolières’ history. These villages make the Verdon Gorge experience more unforgettable, whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer.