Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye Joins Vercors Park and Saint-Marcellin Cheese to Create the Ultimate Dream Travel Destinations in Isère, France, Prepare to Be Amazed by the Beauty and Flavor!

Published on November 16, 2025

Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye joins the Vercors Park and Saint-Marcellin cheese to create the ultimate dream travel destinations in Isère, France. This remarkable region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. As you explore Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, you’ll be captivated by its medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and stunning abbey. Just a short distance away, the Vercors Park unfolds a world of breathtaking landscapes, with rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and diverse wildlife. Not to be missed, Saint-Marcellin cheese is a creamy delicacy that has earned its place as one of the region’s most famous offerings.

Whether you’re hiking through Vercors Park, admiring the historic allure of Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, or tasting the best of Saint-Marcellin cheese, this region offers a truly unforgettable experience. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and flavor of Isère – it’s a place like no other!

Isère: A Region Full of Hidden Treasures

Isère is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. From the vibrant city of Grenoble to the calm, quiet countryside, this area is diverse in both geography and culture. The region is home to mountains, forests, rivers, and beautiful valleys that create the perfect mix of natural beauty. It is a place where you can ski in the winter, hike in the summer, and enjoy the perfect climate in between. Isère’s tourism strategy focuses on showcasing its rich cultural heritage, its stunning natural landscapes, and its delicious food.

A Medieval Village Like No Other: Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye

One of the best-kept secrets of Isère is the village of Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye. This medieval gem, recently voted the favourite village of France for 2025, is a must-see. Its cobbled streets, charming homes, and the stunning Abbey give it a magical, timeless feel. The village has been a popular spot for visitors for centuries, and its beauty continues to attract people from all over the world.

Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is nestled between the bustling cities of Grenoble and Lyon, offering a peaceful retreat with the beauty of nature right at its doorstep. The village sits among rolling hills that seem to stretch forever, and the nearby Vercors Regional Natural Park provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether you love hiking, cycling, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, this village offers it all.

Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye isn’t just about the scenery. The village is famous for its rich history, with its abbey being a key part of its identity. Built during the 12th and 15th centuries, the abbey is a stunning example of medieval architecture. It stands proudly at the heart of the village, and its towering spires can be seen from far and wide. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the annual medieval festival held in the first week of August, you’ll experience the village at its best. The festival brings together performers, musicians, and artisans, creating a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of the Middle Ages.

Vercors Regional Natural Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Just a short distance from Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye is the Vercors Regional Natural Park, a vast area of protected nature that spans across the departments of Isère and Drôme. With over 200,000 hectares of forests, plateaus, and mountains, the Vercors Park is a paradise for nature lovers. The park is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including more than 70 species of mammals and over 140 bird species. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the outdoors, Vercors offers endless possibilities.

Vercors is also known for its stunning landscapes, including dramatic limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and wide open plateaus. The park is dotted with charming villages, each offering something unique. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful walk along one of the many nature trails or taking part in a more adventurous activity like rock climbing or skiing, you’ll always find something exciting to do in Vercors.

Saint-Marcellin: The Cheese That Puts Isère on the Map

No visit to Isère is complete without indulging in its world-famous cheese. The town of Saint-Marcellin, located just a short drive from Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, is known for producing some of the finest cheese in France. Saint-Marcellin cheese is creamy, delicate, and rich in flavour, and it has earned the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which ensures that only cheese produced in this specific region can be sold under the Saint-Marcellin name.

The cheese has a long history, dating back to the 15th century during the reign of King Louis XI. Over the centuries, it has become an integral part of the region’s culinary heritage. Today, Saint-Marcellin cheese is still made using traditional methods, with the milk coming from local cows and goats. Whether you enjoy it on a slice of fresh baguette, paired with a glass of wine, or as part of a delicious cheese platter, Saint-Marcellin is sure to leave a lasting impression.

But cheese isn’t the only thing that makes Isère’s gastronomy so special. The region is also famous for its wines, cured meats, and other locally-produced delights. From rich, creamy cheeses to freshly baked bread, Isère is a place where food is not just a meal—it’s an experience.

Bread Culture in France: A Rising Concern

While France has long been known for its bread culture, particularly the iconic baguette, the country is currently facing a crisis in its baking traditions. Despite being recognised by UNESCO as an essential cultural symbol, bread consumption in France has been steadily declining in recent years. The daily ritual of visiting the local boulangerie for a fresh loaf is slowly becoming a thing of the past.

This decline in bread consumption is particularly concerning in regions like Isère, where bread is a cornerstone of the local diet. However, the country is making efforts to preserve this important part of its culinary heritage. In Isère, bakeries are embracing innovation while staying true to the traditional methods of bread making. The region continues to produce delicious loaves that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

A New Life in the Old World: Moving to Isère

For those seeking a new life in France, Isère offers a unique opportunity. While the cost of living in major cities like Paris and Lyon can be prohibitively expensive, Isère provides a more affordable option. Retirees and people seeking a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle have been flocking to the region in recent years.

One example is Debra and Eric Stillwell, a couple from California who moved to Isère’s Dordogne Valley five years ago. Despite their modest budget, they were able to purchase a home for just 70,000 euros. They now live in one of the region’s charming medieval towns, surrounded by castles, forests, and vineyards. The cost of living in Isère is significantly lower than in other parts of France, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a more affordable life in Europe.

Additionally, the picturesque Italian village of Radicondoli offers up to $23,000 for anyone willing to buy and live in one of its vacant homes. This type of relocation plan is becoming increasingly popular in both Italy and France, as small towns look to attract new residents to help boost their local economies.

Why Isère Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Isère is a region that has it all. From the charm of medieval villages like Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye to the natural beauty of the Vercors Park, this part of France is an undiscovered gem waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, Isère offers something for everyone.

The combination of stunning landscapes, rich history, and mouthwatering food makes Isère the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the best of France. So, if you’re planning your next getaway, consider Isère—it’s a place that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Isère is one of France’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions. With its historic villages, breathtaking natural parks, and delicious cheese, it offers a truly unique travel experience. Whether you’re looking to relax in the countryside, explore medieval history, or indulge in some of the best food and drink that France has to offer, Isère has something for everyone. So pack your bags and head to Isère for your next adventure—you won’t regret it!

Source: CNN, Alpes Isère