France is one of the world’s most popular destinations, drawing tens of millions of visitors each year.
Tourists often come for simple pleasures – whether it’s biting into a fresh baguette, marvelling at the Louvre’s Mona Lisa, whizzing on skis down one of its many slopes, or lapping up the whimsical, romantic vibe often associated with the country.
The European hotspot has it all, from historic landmarks and sunny Mediterranean beaches to fine regional wine and world-renowned cuisine – ask the Belgian guy who cycled over 800 miles to Nice in 2022 just to grab a croissant.
But beyond the crowded streets of Paris and jam-packed beaches of Nice, you’ll find hundreds of quaint, storybook villages that offer a laidback, authentically French feel.
In fact, French locals have highlighted one of these hidden gems as their personal favourite – and it’s as charming as it is crowd-free.
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is a quiet commune in the Isère department of southeastern France.
It was recently voted the favourite French village by viewers of the TV show ‘Le Village Préféré des Français 2025,’ and it’s easy to see why.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Chambaran, the charming medieval town is known for its half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets and Gothic abbey founded in 1297 by the Order of Saint Anthony.
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is a quiet commune in the Isère department of southeastern France
It was recently voted the favourite French village by viewers of the TV show ‘Le Village Préféré des Français 2025,’ and it’s easy to see why
Nestled in the rolling hills of Chambaran, the charming medieval town is known for its half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets and Gothic abbey founded in 1297 by the Order of Saint Anthony
Its appeal also lies in its tiny size. As of 2022, it boasts a population of just 1,258 residents, set over an area of just 36.22 km sq.
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is perhaps most famed for a historic landmark that has been listed as a Historic Monument in France since 1840.
The Abbey Church of Saint-Antoine, a magnificent Gothic institute that once served as the headquarters of the Hospital Brothers of St. Anthony.
Formerly known as La-Motte-Saint-Didier, the church was renamed in the 11th century after it became home to the purported relics of Saint Anthony the Great in the 11th century.
The town itself boasts a tranquil environment, where visitors can wander along its cobblestone streets and historic stone houses, explore its well-preserved medieval quarter or stop by a selection of craft shops and artisan cafes.
At the Musée de Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, those interested in the village’s history can take a deep dive through fascinating medieval displays and interactive exhibitions – including a fragrance exhibit that explores the connection between scent and healing.
As for local delicacies, the region is known for a range of products, from Noix de Grenoble (walnuts), to Saint-Marcellin cheese, to Chartreuse – a green-yellow herbal liqueur that has been made by Carthusian Monks since 1737.
In the height of summer, temperatures soar to 26C, while winters are much colder, with average temperatures in January plummeting to as low as -1C.
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is perhaps most famed for a historic landmark that has been listed as a Historic Monument in France since 1840
The town itself boasts a tranquil environment, where visitors can wander along its cobblestone streets and historic stone houses, explore its well-preserved medieval quarter or stop by a selection of craft shops and artisan cafes
The best way to get from the UK to the Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, which is a 1.5 hour drive from Lyon, is to fly to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport or Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport and travel to the village by rental car or pre-booked transfer.
As for local delicacies, the region is known for a range of products, from Noix de Grenoble (walnuts) to Saint-Marcellin cheese (pictured)
Chartreuse is also produced in the region – a green-yellow herbal liquor that has been made by Carthusian Monks since 1737
The best way to get from the UK to the Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, which is a 1.5 hour drive from Lyon, is to fly to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport or Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport and travel to the village by rental car or pre-booked transfer.
While other small villages and towns across Europe grapple with overtourism, the mayor of Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, Mayor Maryline Longis, described higher visitor numbers as a ‘great honour’.
She told The Times: ‘We haven’t got the problem of overtourism and it won’t happen here. This is a great honour and we’re perfectly well able to handle more tourism. It will help our restaurants, hotels and shops.’
She even claimed that the village will remain ‘calm and untroubled’ even if lots of tourists arrive.
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