Isère Tourism

Abbey-church of Saint-Antoine

At the edge of the Drôme, midway between Grenoble and Valence, the Abbey of Saint-Antoine is one of the gems of Rhone-Alpine heritage.

A brief history

Thanks to Prosper Mérimée, the Abbey of Saint-Antoine has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1840. It was built in the 12th to the 15th centuries, under the impetus of the Antonians, a monastic hospitaller order which spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. It welcomed pilgrims from all countries who came to meditate near the remains of St Anthony the Egyptian, hoping to benefit from his miraculous healing power.

 

What to see

The Abbey of Saint-Antoine is above all a monumental piece of architecture. Added to that, it is very richly decorated inside, with painted murals, Aubusson tapestries and sumptuous wood panelling. There is a 17th-century organ, comprising 44 registers, which stands facing the nave. The Abbey Treasure fascinates thousands of visitors every year.