The Rooftops of Moustier-Sainte-Marie

I saw a painting of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in La Musee Grene in Aix-en-Provence, and I knew I had to go to the city overlooked by two mountain tops, and a star.

Known as one of France's most beautiful towns, a group of buildings are nestled into the base of the mountain, a star to evoke Saint Mary hangs between the two. The star that currently hangs above the town was made in 1957. It is the eleventh star to put up, though in 1995 it had to be recovered in gold leaf after having a fall, but ultimately was put back up to look over Moustiers once again.

Moustiers, though I came to see the star and the gorgeous town, is also quite known for its china. Still they have potters that emulate the china with small patterns that you definitely want to spend some time looking at, and if the price alright to you, maybe take home a piece that seems to be from another century.

Imagine sitting down to that at the kitchen table.

Moutstiers is a lovely place I could only imagine the most beautiful of love stories to be told. Lovers could be walking down the narrow streets and kisses shared in all the little nooks and crannies this town has to offer.

There was a story here, I knew it, though I am still not sure what exactly it was. Maybe one day, it will come to me during another hazy summer day.

Within the town, we hiked up the rocky roads to where a small well was. Slipping water bottles out from bags everyone began to fill their bottles.

"Miracle water," one said.

It is true in a way. It is said that one should fill their bottle of water and drink it while hiking up the Moustiers' Notre Dame, a chapel high between the two mountains. Once one made it to the top to the chapel under the star, you were told to make a wish.

Though I had not planned on hiking, I couldn't pass the opportunity to get to the top and see the star a little closer. Plus, I could always use a wish.

Step by 262 stone steps, I made the twenty minute trek to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel. The view from the top was definitely worth the trip, the view of Provence and Moustiers rooftops before me.

The day however was not over as I strained to wander and see all Moustier had to offer. Rushed from the beautiful town to the next event, I definitely recommend taking your time, or at least an hour or two to enjoy Moustiers.

Even if, like me, it was time to go to the beautiful lavender fields Provence dreams are made of.