The Romanesque tower, built of travertine stone, used to shake noticeably each time the bells rang. Fearing collapse, Jean de Bertet had the structure streghtened in the 17th century. The nave has three side chapels : north, south and a smaller chapel beneath the tower. A visitor may wonder why the choiris not aligned with the nave. In 1336, during  Pierre de Pratis ordered the reconstruction of the building in a style more contemporary with the gothic architecture of the time. The reconstruction started – and ended, with the choir, but on a different axis from the Romanesque nave. There are two possible explanations : Perhaps the prior wished to have the building aligned in the traditional east – west direction, or was it a symbol of the Christ tilting his head on the cross ? After Pierre de Pratis’ death, no one had the means, nor the will to continue the colossal project. The result is a harmonius combination of both Romanesque and gothic architectural styles.

Floorplan of Moustier Ste-Marie’s church. J Molinatti and J Lecugy

 

Notre-Dame chapel At the end of the 12th century, the monks in Moustiers erected a small chapel with two barrel vault bays which are now part of the chapel’s nave. In 1536, two additional bays were added as well as the gothic chancela nd sacristy. Until the 15th century it was known as Notre Dame d’Entreroches or d’Entremonts (literally « between the rocks »). The chapel is accessed by a stone trail of 262 steps winding up the crag above the village. Seven oratories, decorated with faïence artwork, mark the stations of the cross.

 

The aqueduct The small stone arch straddling the Adou stream was designed to collect water from the power station and feed a series of mills further down on the right shore. It can be seen looking down from the main bridge.

 

The Sainte-Anne Chapel This small chapel from the 17th century was built with stones scavenged from a watchtower on the city wall.

 

The city walls The cliffs overlooking the village formed a natural obstacle but Moustiers, like many Provençal cities in the Middle Ages, errected a fortified wall defended by watchtowers and guarded doors. Shown left is the Porte du Riou, or north door, one of the few remaining doors in Moustiers.

 

Fountains Moustiers is fortunate to have a generous spring supplying the homes and fountains with fresh, natural water. In addition to fountains, Moustiers has several « lavoirs », public washtubs made of limestone. Originally, these tubs used to provide water to the inhabitants and their animals as well as provide a place for laundry making.

Guided tours of Moustiers   group rates (by reservation only) : village less than  20 pers. 57 € / group over 20 pers. 3 € / pers.   group rates (by reservation only)  : village + museum less than  20 pers. 133 € / group over 20 pers. 7 € / pers.   regularly schedules summer tours July and August, every tuesday 10am and thursday 5:30pm adults 3 € / pers. children under 12 ans free