Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has its roots in the close relationship between Man and his environment. The village is surrounded by terraced hills planted with olive trees and guards the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon.

Monks arrived around 433 from the Lérins islands, and sheltered in cavities in the tuff before founding a monastery. Proudly located at the edge of a ravine, the church of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, or Entremont, has a Romanesque porch, crowned by a little bell-tower dating back to the same period; the wooden door dates back to the Renaissance.

The local resources and particularly the triad — water, wood, fine clay — encouraged the early emergence of a pottery tradition. In 1929, the Historic Museum of Faience was opened. At present, the Museum of Faïence has 5 rooms where the most beautiful XVIIth century and contemporary items are shown. The glazed tiles room exhibits historical pottery and an assortment of items in clay such as glazed tiles, pipes, etc.

Today a number of Master Faience makers offer quality items with original decoration. The faience and pottery activity contribute to regional economic dynamics along with local produce such as honey, lavender, and olive oil.