Saint Antoine l’Abbaye: France’s Favorite Village for 2025
Historical and Cultural Significance
Saint Antoine l’Abbaye, a medieval town located between Grenoble and Lyon in the Isère region, was voted the top village in France by viewers of the TV show Le Village Préféré des Français for 2025. With over a million votes, it outshone 13 other contenders due to its well-preserved architecture, absence of modern intrusions, and vibrant events. The town’s 11th-century abbey, once home to monks treating pilgrims, now offers tours featuring ancient wall art and serene halls.
Annual Events and Community Life
The village comes alive with the annual Festival Médiéval in early August, featuring street performers, medieval music, and cultural reenactments that transport visitors back in time. Summer markets sell local honey, bread, and herbs, creating a lively yet uncrowded atmosphere. The festival attracts around 20,000 visitors annually, boosting local businesses.
Surrounding Natural Beauty
Nestled in the Vercors Regional Natural Park, the town is surrounded by rolling green hills, hiking trails, rivers for kayaking, and winter ski spots. Nearby attractions include the cliffside houses of Pont-en-Royans overlooking the Bourne River and Saint-Marcellin, renowned for its creamy cheese, where factories offer tours and tastings.
Global Recognition of Cheese Excellence
2025 World Cheese Awards Highlights
In a surprising turn, a Swiss Gruyère won the title of best cheese at the 2025 World Cheese Awards, scoring 98 out of 100 from over 4,000 entries judged blindly by experts from 45 countries. Praised for its fruity aromas, funky notes, and subtle coal-like burn, it edged out competitors like a Dutch Gouda at 97. French varieties such as Roquefort, Comté, and Camembert maintained strong positions, underscoring the fierce global competition.
France’s Cheese Legacy
France remains a cheese powerhouse with hundreds of varieties tied to its culinary heritage, exporting around 8 billion euros annually. The Swiss win highlights excellence across borders, but French cheeses like Saint-Marcellin continue to draw enthusiasts for their smooth, melting qualities, often paired with crusty bread and wine.
The Science Behind Cheese Flavors
Strong cheese aromas stem from bacteria breaking down fats, creating bold, layered tastes that enhance the sensory experience.
Challenges and Innovations in Bread Traditions
The Iconic French Baguette
Symbolizing French life and recognized by UNESCO, the baguette—described by President Macron as “250 grams of magic and perfection”—faces declining consumption. From 120 baguettes per person annually in 1900, intake has dropped to about 30 today due to fast food trends and busy lifestyles, leading to bakery closures.
Adaptations in French Baking
Some bakers innovate by using ancient grains, adding seeds or nuts, selling online, or incorporating cafes to sustain traditions.
Germany’s Bread Diversity
Germany boasts 3,200 registered bread varieties, also UNESCO-recognized, with regional specialties like Bavarian pretzels and northern rye. Nussbrot, featuring walnuts and hazelnuts, was named Germany’s bread of the year for 2025, typically enjoyed with butter or jam as a breakfast staple.
Relocating to Europe’s Countryside
Expat Stories from France
Debra and Eric Stillwell, retirees from Burbank, California, moved to the Dordogne Valley five years ago for its slower pace, affordability, and rich culture. Their home cost just 70,000 euros, with weekly groceries at about 50 euros per person and meals out at 15 euros—half the price of California. They emphasize that not all American expats in France are wealthy, enjoying gardening, local clubs, and integration despite challenges like language and visas.
Appeal of French Rural Life
Regions like Dordogne offer historic towns, castles, and landscapes at low costs, with high-ranking healthcare adding to the draw. France’s pre-pandemic tourism of 90 million visitors is rebounding, with small towns gaining popularity to avoid crowds.
Incentives in Italy
Neighboring Italy combats depopulation with programs like Radicondoli in Tuscany, offering up to $23,000 for buyers to renovate abandoned homes and relocate, plus aid for heating and travel. Similar initiatives, such as 1-euro homes in Ollolai, Sardinia, require renovations but promise stunning views, fresh pasta, and a revitalized community life.
Broader Trends and Timeless Charm
Shift Toward Simple, Authentic Living
Amid global hype, there’s a growing preference for genuine experiences, as seen in the revival of rural Europe through remote work, incentives, and a desire for history, local customs, and fresh air. Villages like Saint Antoine l’Abbaye embody this, with personal stories of serendipitous discoveries—like stumbling upon a goat cheese farm—adding to the magic.
Europe’s Rural Revival
Trends indicate population shifts to countryside areas to preserve traditions while blending modern lifestyles, fostering hope for depopulated regions. France continues to captivate with its blend of history, cuisine, and affordability, drawing both locals and visitors seeking timeless connections.
