40 Enchanting European Villages Straight Out of a Fairytale

Lisette Marie

March 12, 2026

32. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France: Star of Provence

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Inga Tomane

Nestled dramatically at the base of towering limestone cliffs in Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is instantly recognizable by the golden star suspended on a chain high above it, a centuries-old enigma. This village is famed for its exquisite faience pottery and its cascading waterfall. Cobblestone streets wind past charming artisan workshops and fragrant lavender shops, leading up to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched even higher. The combination of its stunning natural setting, rich craft tradition, and the legend of its hanging star makes Moustiers an unforgettable fairytale stop.

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40 Enchanting European Villages Straight Out of a Fairytale

32. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France: Star of Provence

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