Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, a quaint village nestled in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, has earned the prestigious title of France's Favorite Village of 2025. This recognition, awarded by a French television channel, highlights a location often overlooked by typical tourist itineraries, yet rich in historical and cultural significance. The village stands as a testament to France's deep-rooted heritage, offering visitors a window into a bygone era with its remarkably preserved medieval architecture and a prominent Gothic abbey. This award is not only a win for Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye but also marks a significant achievement for the Isère department, emphasizing its appeal as a year-round destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Far from the vibrant coastal cities and the bustling Parisian districts, Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye offers a tranquil escape, transporting visitors centuries back in time. With a population of just over 1,200, the village has maintained its architectural integrity, presenting a landscape seemingly untouched by the passage of time. Its success defies the common plight of many rural French villages facing economic decline and population shifts, instead demonstrating a thriving community bolstered by its recent acclaim. This surge in popularity has prompted local officials, including Mayor Maryline Longis, to consider expanding infrastructure to accommodate the growing influx of tourists, ensuring the village can sustainably manage its newfound recognition.
The centerpiece of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is undoubtedly its magnificent Gothic abbey, a structure completed in 1490 after four centuries of meticulous construction. Dedicated to Saint Anthony, an Egyptian monk, the abbey became a pivotal pilgrimage site following the arrival of his relics in France in 1070. Believed to possess healing properties, the site attracted the ill and devout, particularly those afflicted by a widespread disease causing hallucinations and lesions. In 1297, the establishment of the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint-Antoine transformed the village into a comprehensive healing center, equipped with hospitals, monasteries, and guesthouses, further cementing its historical importance.
As a classified Historic Monument since 1840, the abbey welcomes visitors free of charge, inviting them to explore its profound artistic and architectural treasures. The abbey church is distinguished by its intricate shrine, ancient wall paintings, exquisite walnut woodwork, and a grand 17th-century organ. Its nave is adorned with 45 stunning glass windows, each contributing to the sacred atmosphere. The abbey's treasuries house a collection of sacred artifacts, including vestments, surgical instruments, and ivory Christ icons, accessible through guided tours from April to September. Ascending the 18th-century grand staircase, past an arched entryway, rewards visitors with panoramic views of the abbey and its surroundings. Additionally, the Museum of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, spread across five distinct locations, offers interactive exhibits that delve into the rich history of both the abbey and the Hospitallers' order.
Beyond the abbey, the village's streets serve as living arteries of its medieval past. The historic core features traditional squares and shops, characterized by their distinctive half-timbered facades. The houses along the Grande Rue, the village's longest street, showcase a greater elegance compared to those in the lower parts, reflecting their former inhabitants' noble and affluent status. Despite its modest size, Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is remarkably well-appointed, boasting a school, a pharmacy, various restaurants, guesthouses, medical offices, and even a co-working space. Along the Grande Cour, leading to the abbey's entrance, artisans specializing in pottery, sculpture, leatherwork, and stonemasonry can be observed practicing their crafts. The highly-regarded Taverne du Bélier Rouge, known for its beef and pork dishes, is also located in this vibrant area.
Accessibility to Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is convenient, with Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport approximately 30 minutes away and Lyon's Saint-Exupéry Airport just over an hour's drive. For train travelers, the closest high-speed station is Valence TGV, from which a 30-minute regional SNCF train to Saint-Marcellin is followed by a taxi ride to the village. Renting a car remains the most flexible option for exploration, with two dedicated parking areas conveniently located at the village's entrance. This enchanting medieval village, with its blend of historical grandeur and modern amenities, promises an unforgettable journey through time for all who visit.