Saint‑Antoine‑l’Abbaye captured the hearts of viewers of the show “France’s Favorite Village 2025,” thus becoming the first winner from the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region. This charming medieval village, perched between Grenoble and Valence, stands out above all for its preserved heritage and its timeless atmosphere.
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France since 2009, it reveals cobbled lanes, half‑timbered houses, an elegant medieval market hall and above all… a majestic Gothic abbey from the 13th century, classified as a Historic Monument since 1840.
But beyond its stones, it is the involvement of the local community, artisans, residents, and elected officials that made all the difference. Their collective mobilization around the competition, coupled with its beauty, helped the village secure a prime place in the hearts of the French.
An Authentic Medieval Immersion
Arriving in Saint‑Antoine‑l’Abbaye instantly drops you into a bygone era. The village is an open book: tangled lanes, stone and half‑timbered façades, markets of yesteryear. The Gothic abbey church rises at the center, a testament to a century and a half of construction (13th–15th centuries), with its vaults, murals, and reliquaries.
You can embark on the “Flâneur Path” and uncover the secrets of this heritage. Each neighborhood tells a chapter of history, from old‑time shops to the majestic tree‑lined courtyard. A true immersive experience for architecture and medieval enthusiasts.
Saint‑Antoine‑l’Abbaye: a Village that Lives and Shares Its History
Being named France’s Favorite Village triggers a real shift in tourism. But here, the victory is no surprise. Since 2009, the municipality, artisans, and volunteers have been dedicated to highlighting their heritage through festivals, museums, and exhibitions. The departmental museum, free since 2004, lets visitors relive the history of the Antonins, between medieval care and spiritual traditions.
The mayor, Maryline Longis, underscores a calm preparation for a reasonable influx of visitors. The village welcomes it with confidence, ready to turn this victory into a driver of the local economy.
Saint‑Antoine‑l’Abbaye isn’t merely a time machine: it’s a living, authentic, and fully embraced collective momentum. Its victory as France’s Favorite Village 2025 isn’t by chance. It’s the result of strong commitment, an exceptional heritage… and a generous cultural life.
It’s this alchemy, balancing past and present, heritage and sharing, that makes Saint‑Antoine‑l’Abbaye an unforgettable village. And that is worthy of all the votes.
