Moustiers Sainte Marie is a charming village famous for its terraced pottery, stunning scenery, and proximity to some of Provence’s most iconic sights. What makes it especially appealing for tours is its strategic location amid diverse landscapes—mountains, lavender fields, and historic towns—that invite exploration beyond just wandering the streets. We particularly enjoy the horseback riding experience, like the Horse ride in Haute Provence Luberon and Forcalquier, which offers a peaceful way to see the countryside while riding well-cared-for local horses. It’s perfect for those wanting an active, intimate encounter with nature, especially with the small group size of six for personalized attention.
For visitors craving a once-in-a-lifetime view, the Provence Hot-Air Balloon Ride from Forcalquier offers a magical bird’s eye perspective of lavender fields, hilltop villages, and wild herbs—an experience to remember. And for the ultimate day trip, the Verdon Gorge: The Grand canyon of Europe, Lake and Lavender combines natural beauty, charming villages, and outdoor activity into a full-day adventure.
1. Horse ride in Haute Provence Luberon and Forcalquier
At number one, this guided horseback ride offers a fantastic way to experience the quiet beauty of Haute Provence. You’ll travel through either Luberon or Forcalquier, enjoying panoramic views from lush plateaus that are inaccessible by car. The tour lasts about two hours and welcomes beginners, as the horses are well-trained and cared for. Small groups—limited to six—ensure a relaxed, personal experience, with safety helmets and pre-departure instructions included. Reviews highlight the friendly guide Jules, who shares his passion and knowledge, turning a simple ride into a memorable story. Visitors love the blend of gentle adventure and scenic tranquility, with some saying, “It was nice to see how the horses live and are taken care of.” This tour is ideal for those wanting a hands-on experience, combining nature, gentle activity, and a taste of Provence’s countryside.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy animals and outdoor scenery, this horseback ride offers a well-rounded, personal experience for all skill levels.
2. Provence Hot-Air Balloon Ride from Forcalquier
For a truly unforgettable perspective, the hot-air balloon ride is hard to beat. Rising early at 5:00 am, you’ll float over Provence’s most iconic sights, including lavender fields in full bloom, medieval villages, and wild herbal meadows. This roughly three-hour experience includes a gentle flight, a celebratory toast, and private transport to the launch site—making it a seamless adventure. The reviews praise Eddie, Flo, and Anna for their professionalism, with many mentioning that the early wake-up is worth every minute when they see the views from high above. It’s suited for those seeking a serene, picture-perfect experience that combines thrill with tranquility.
This tour delivers an extraordinary view of Provence’s landscape, especially when lavender is in bloom from mid-June to mid-July. The experience’s value lies in the stunning scenery and the peacefulness of floating high above the countryside—an experience that’s both relaxing and exhilarating.
Bottom Line: Perfect for romantics and photo lovers, this hot-air balloon ride offers a memorable way to see Provence’s fields and villages from above.
3. Verdon Gorge: The Grand canyon of Europe, Lake and Lavender
Number three on our list is an all-day tour that gets you into the Verdon Gorge, often called Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Over ten hours, you’ll take in spectacular canyon views, visit the lavender fields (best in June and July), and walk through charming villages like Moustiers Sainte Marie and Castellane. The tour also includes swimming in Lake Sainte-Croix, which is a highlight after a day of sightseeing. The guide knows the area well, sharing insights about the natural formations and local history, making the scenic stops even richer. Visitors rave about the diversity—mountains, lakes, lavender, and quaint towns all in one day.
Ideal for outdoor lovers and families, this tour strikes a balance between active exploration and relaxing moments. It’s a full immersion into Provence’s natural beauty, with plenty of photo opportunities and opportunities to stretch your legs.
Bottom Line: If you have a full day to spare and want a comprehensive experience of Provence’s stunning landscapes, this trip is a top pick.
4. E-bike & Balloon Ride
Next, the combination of a hot-air balloon ride followed by an e-bike tour offers a dynamic way to experience Provence. Starting with a scenic balloon flight from near Forcalquier, you’ll toast with Champagne at altitude. After landing, you’ll rent an e-bike and cruise back along quiet country roads, enjoying views of gardens, villages, and fields. The roughly 3.5-hour experience blends aerial and ground exploration seamlessly, appealing to those who want variety in their adventure.
Guests are particularly taken with the land and sky views, describing the experience as “fantastic” and “perfect for seeing the countryside from two perspectives.” This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy both gentle cycling and serene ballooning, with the added bonus of a relaxed ride back to town.
Bottom Line: If you want a multi-sensory, adventure-filled day that combines flying and cycling, this tour fits well.
$347.91 per person
5. Private Introduction to plant color in Forcalquier in Provence
For those interested in arts and nature, this private plant coloring workshop offers a hands-on experience. Over about three and a half hours, you’ll learn how to create colors from local dye plants and fix them onto paper or fabric in an eco-friendly way. Isabella, the host, shares her knowledge in a friendly, welcoming manner, making it suitable for any skill level. The setting—a beautiful garden and studio—adds to the charm. Families with children over six will find this a creative, educational activity.
Guests leave with their own handcrafted colors and a new appreciation for natural dyes. It’s a fun, relaxing way to connect with Provençal traditions and take home a souvenir that’s truly personal.
Bottom Line: This workshop is ideal for creative travelers who want to learn a traditional craft and enjoy the serenity of Provence’s flora.
$63.88 per person
6. Guided tour of the old town of Moustiers Sainte Marie
For an introduction to the village itself, this guided tour of Moustiers Sainte Marie lasts about an hour and a half. Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll explore narrow streets, discover the architecture of its famous church, and learn about the village’s centuries-old pottery tradition. This tour offers a lively, informative look at the village’s secrets, perfect for first-time visitors eager to understand the place’s character and history.
Reviews are positive about the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, making it a good choice for travelers who want context as they stroll. It’s a light but meaningful way to familiarize yourself with the heart of Moustiers.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want a meaningful introduction to Moustiers’ unique charm, this tour is a smart choice.
$11 per person
7. The Gorges du Verdon, departing from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
This half-day tour is ideal for travelers who want to see the Verdon Gorge without the full-day commitment. Departing from Moustiers, your driver-guide will take you along scenic roads to enjoy prime views of the cliffs and river. With a focus on comfort and scenery, it’s a relaxed way to experience the majesty of this natural wonder in about 3.5 hours.
Reviewers mention the driver’s professionalism and the breathtaking cliff views, making this a popular choice for those with limited time. It’s suited for those who prefer sightseeing over active hikes or lengthy excursions.
Bottom Line: For a quick, scenic overview of Verdon Gorge, this tour provides excellent value with minimal fuss.
$129 per person
8. Visit of the Artemisia museum
The Artemisia museum offers an aromatic, sensory experience focused on Provence’s herbal traditions. In about an hour, you’ll explore an exhibition of 250m² showcasing perfume, aromatic, and medicinal plants from the UNESCO-listed Lure mountain. The museum’s queue-free tickets mean you spend more time appreciating the exhibits and less time waiting.
This activity is perfect for those interested in Provence’s botanical heritage, with a focus on scent and tradition. It’s a quiet, educational visit that appeals to curious travelers of all ages.
Bottom Line: If you’re into plants, perfumes, or herbal remedies, this short visit enriches your understanding of Provençal culture.
9. Theatrical tour: Moustiers in the time of Marcel Provence
In this theatrical tour, you’ll step back into 1929 to meet Marcel Provence, the pottery revivalist. This interactive experience combines storytelling, acting, and exploration, making it a lively and engaging way to learn about Moustiers’ pottery heritage. Designed for families and those looking for a fun activity, it lasts around 1.5 hours.
While reviews are limited, the concept promises an entertaining approach, especially for kids and history enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of role-playing. It introduces the village’s cultural importance in a playful manner.
Bottom Line: Great for families and those wanting an active, theatrical way to connect with Moustiers’ past.
$11 per person
10. Lavender Fields Tour
The Lavender Fields Tour is a 9-hour adventure that takes you to the famous Valensole plateau during its peak bloom. You’ll stop at scenic spots for photos, enjoy guided walks, and visit the village of Moustiers Sainte Marie. The highlight, of course, is wandering through endless rows of lavender, with plenty of time for pictures and relaxation. The tour also includes visits to Lake Sainte-Croix, making it a comprehensive day among Provence’s most iconic sights.
Ideal for lavender lovers and photographers, this tour provides a blend of scenic beauty and cultural visits. It’s a longer day but full of fragrant, colorful moments.
Bottom Line: If your goal is to experience the quintessential lavender Provence in bloom, this tour offers both beauty and variety.
$1,638 per group up to 8
11. Wild Alps, Verdon Canyon, Moustiers village, Lavender fields
Finally, the Wild Alps & Verdon Canyon tour combines mountain scenery, canyon exploration, and village visits in one 8.5-hour trip. Starting with a scenic drive through the Alps, it includes stops at the Verdon Gorge and Moustiers, plus a chance to stroll the lavender fields and taste local wines. The itinerary’s variety makes it attractive for travelers wanting a full-day, multi-faceted experience.
With reviews and personal touches from the guide, Anne, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Provence’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. It’s suited for those who appreciate a mix of nature, history, and cuisine.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a thorough, scenic adventure that covers mountains, gorges, and villages, this tour delivers.
$1,276 per group up to 8
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, time, and budget. For a relaxing, scenic experience, the hot-air balloon ride is unmatched. Active travelers who want to see the countryside from horseback or on an e-bike might prefer the horse ride or the E-bike & Balloon. History buffs or those interested in local culture might opt for the guided village tour or the theatrical experience.
Longer, more comprehensive trips like the Verdon Gorge or the Lavender Fields Tour are perfect if you want to pack a lot into a day. Budget-wise, the guided village tour and Artemisia Museum are affordable options, while private and full-day tours are better suited for travelers with more time and funds.
Booking early is always wise, especially for popular activities like the balloon ride or lavender tour, which fill up quickly during peak season.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Moustiers Sainte Marie offers a range of tours that suit different interests—from peaceful horseback rides and aerial views to full-day explorations of Verdon Gorge and lavender fields. For those seeking a romantic highlight, the hot-air balloon provides stunning vistas, while active explorers will appreciate the horseback ride or e-bike & balloon. Culture and history lovers will enjoy wandering the old town or discovering local crafts at the Artemisia Museum.
No matter your preference, these tours can enhance your experience of Provence’s beauty and character. Remember to book early, especially for seasonal highlights, and choose the activity that best fits your interests and travel style. With so many excellent options, your trip to Moustiers Sainte Marie will surely be memorable.