Moustiers St Marie is the most beautiful small village situated near the entrance to Grand Canyon du Verdon. The first settlement established here was an abbey founded in the 5th century. Near to Lac de Ste Croix in Haute-Provence. The surrounding cliffs are very dramatic as is the small medieval church high in the rocky cutting. There is a wonderful golden star suspended across this gap by wires and it is magical the way it sparkles in the sunlight. On the site of the original abbey is now the chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir, built in the 12th century. Looking very Italian it has a multi-storey bell tower. The village is famous for it's handmade blue & white faience (earthenware). Some of the small shops selling this crockery, are literally caves in the side of the cliffs!