What are the best campsites for visiting Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye?
Cabanes de Fontfroide, a haven nestled in the heart of nature and at the foot of the mountains
Perched in the middle of a century-old forest of oak and beech trees, halfway between Grenoble and Valence, Cabanes de Fontfroide welcomes you to a 6-hectare park, close to the charming medieval village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye. Here you will find a variety of tree houses, some perched up to 6.50 metres high, each with a cosy bedroom, a secure terrace and dry toilets. The setting invites you to enjoy peace and quiet, simplicity and reconnection with nature: wake up to birdsong, breakfast or packed lunches delivered to the foot of your treehouse, hiking and mountain biking nearby. It is an ideal experience for those looking to immerse themselves in a peaceful environment for an unusual stay, as a couple, with family or friends, a real break from the usual pace of life.
Camping Lac du Marandan, Mobile home rental by the lake in the mountains
Located in Saint-Romans, just 14 km from the medieval village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, the Lac du Marandan *** campsite offers a peaceful natural setting on the shores of a lake, in the heart of a vast wooded park. The site offers around a hundred pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as rental accommodation such as mobile homes, chalets and gypsy caravans, to suit all types of holiday. On site, campers can enjoy a range of services: snack bar/restaurant, small supermarket, modern sanitary facilities, equipment hire, motorhome area and direct access to the lake for swimming or water sports. Combining nature, relaxation and proximity to remarkable heritage sites, the campsite is the ideal place for a holiday combining outdoor leisure activities and exploring Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye.
Camping du Lac in Roybon, swimming in a lake in Isère (38)
Camping du Lac *** in Roybon, just 11 km from Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, offers a peaceful natural setting between forest and lake, ideal for recharging your batteries and enjoying a stay in the great outdoors. It offers around 90 shaded pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes, as well as several mobile homes for those seeking more comfort while staying close to nature. Just a few minutes' walk away, the lake is the centre of activities: swimming, fishing, walks around the water or relaxing on the beaches and playgrounds. On site, you will also find a snack bar, practical facilities for motorhomes and a peaceful environment perfect for hiking or walking in the surrounding forest. A simple and friendly place to enjoy nature in Isère.
Camping Côté Vercors, the most affordable campsite in the mountains
Camping Côté Vercors **, located in Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, is about 19 km from the medieval village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, making it an ideal stopover for combining nature and heritage. In a green setting, the campsite offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as comfortable accommodation for those who prefer a ready-to-live-in holiday. You will appreciate the proximity of the Vercors landscapes, ideal for hiking, walks in the forest and discovering magnificent panoramas. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and families or groups seeking peace and quiet, fresh air and proximity to the heritage of the Isère region at affordable prices.
Camping La Grivelière, relaxation and swimming in the Drôme
The 4-star La Grivelière campsite is located in the commune of Valherbasse (near Montrigaud), about 13 km from the village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, a good starting point for combining nature and historical visits. In a green setting, the campsite offers shaded pitches suitable for tents, caravans or motorhomes, as well as rental accommodation for extra comfort. On site, holidaymakers can enjoy two swimming pools (including one for children), a large playground for younger children, a snack bar, and various leisure facilities, making it a pleasant option for families. The peaceful setting by the river, the surrounding paths and the proximity to hiking trails and circuits make it an ideal destination for lovers of nature and tranquillity. A charming and friendly place for a relaxing stay in the Drôme, while remaining close to the heritage of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye.
For those who would like to extend their holiday and explore more of the department, you will find all the campsites in Isère here.
Where are the hidden treasures of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye?
Stroll through the medieval village: charm and authenticity
A stroll through the medieval village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is a journey of discovery through a veritable architectural and historical treasure trove. As you wander through the cobbled streets, you will come across magnificent old stone buildings, witnesses to several centuries of history, as well as large, richly decorated mansions that reveal the prestige and refinement of their former inhabitants. The porches, vaulted passageways and narrow streets offer picturesque views and invite you to venture off the beaten track to savour the village's unique atmosphere. To guide your exploration, the "sentier des flâneurs" (strollers' trail), proposed by the tourist office, is an ideal circuit for discovering the emblematic sites and hidden corners of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye. This route allows you to fully immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere, admire the architectural details and enjoy every moment as you stroll through the squares, narrow streets and surprising vistas. A stroll through this village is guaranteed to be both cultural and contemplative, at the tranquil pace of a place outside of time.
In addition, the medieval city walls are home to several artisans who have set up their workshops there. Visitors can meet the creators, discover their expertise and, in the case of the potters, observe the creation of unique pieces, adding a lively and contemporary dimension to a stroll through this historic village.
The Abbey Church of Saint-Antoine, a jewel of heritage
Listed as a Historic Monument, the abbey church of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, bearing witness to several centuries of religious and artistic history. Its imposing silhouette dominates the village and invites visitors to discover its rich interior heritage. Upon entering, visitors are immediately struck by the beauty of the murals, which depict religious scenes and the life of monks throughout the ages. The finely crafted woodwork adorning the stalls and choir elements adds a touch of warmth and sophistication, revealing the skill of the craftsmen of the time. The treasure preserved in the sacristies is another highlight of the abbey church: it brings together precious liturgical objects, including a Christ carved in ivory, which bears witness to the finesse and artistic sensitivity of medieval creators. Visiting this abbey church means delving into the heart of the history of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, admiring the harmonious, y alliance of sacred art and Gothic architecture, and feeling the spiritual atmosphere that has reigned for centuries in this emblematic place.
The Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye Museum, culture and discovery
The Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye Museum, ideally located in the heart of the medieval village, is a must-see for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of local history and heritage. It blends harmoniously into the former abbey and opens onto a charming medieval garden, where visitors can admire plants and herbs traditionally used in the Middle Ages, offering a peaceful and relaxing setting. Throughout the year, the museum offers a rich cultural programme : concerts, shows and workshops allow visitors of all ages to discover the heritage in different forms and in a participatory way. These varied activities encourage immersion in the world of the abbey and the cultural life of the village. Access to the museum is free, making it a destination that is accessible to all and encouraging curiosity and leisurely exploration of its interior spaces and gardens. Open all year round, it offers the opportunity to return at any time, whatever the season, to enjoy the exhibitions, events and beauty of the place, discovering new details and stories related to this exceptional heritage with each visit.
Miripili, the pirate island, adventures for young and old
Miripili, the pirate island, is a fun and original destination that promises adventure and discovery for the whole family. Located in the heart of an attractive natural setting, this themed island immerses visitors in a world of piracy with interactive activities, water games, adventure trails and entertainment that stimulate the imagination of children and adults alike. Every corner of the island invites exploration and curiosity, turning the day into a real treasure hunt. Miripili opens its doors from Easter onwards, offering the opportunity to enjoy the first sunny days of spring, have fun outdoors and experience unforgettable moments with the family.
Family hikes around St-Antoine-l'Abbaye
Around the medieval village of St-Antoine-l'Abbaye, several quiet trails allow you to explore the Isère countryside with your family, whether on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. The paths wind through gentle forests, open hills and small rural roads, offering beautiful views of the church and the landscapes of southern Grésivaudan. The routes, which are generally well marked, alternate between shaded areas and clearings, ideal for picnic breaks. Thanks to the moderate elevation changes and the variety of routes, everyone can find a walk suited to their pace, for a friendly and accessible outing in nature.
Some ideas for family outings around Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye
Around the village, there are several varied visits combining heritage, nature, walks and gourmet food that will delight young and old alike:
The Château de l'Arthaudière, located 7 km from Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye. This listed château is a former fortified house converted into a Renaissance residence, with fascinating medieval and Renaissance architectural features. Its gardens, terraces and walls steeped in history provide the ideal setting for discovering the past while strolling leisurely.
Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes (in La Sône), 9 km from Saint-Antoine. This remarkable garden, set among cliffs, waterfalls and streams, invites visitors to discover the phenomenon of 'petrifying' waters : objects, mosses and plants are gradually covered with calcite, transforming them into almost mineral-like tufa. More than 800 species of plants (exotic, aquatic, Mediterranean, etc.) make up a lush setting, perfect for a peaceful botanical stroll.
Royans-Vercors paddle steamer, boarding possible at La Sône. Aboard this "Mississippi" style boat, you will sail on the Isère river between reed beds, wooded banks and the cliffs of the Vercors. The guided cruise lasts around 1½ hours and gives you the chance to observe the flora and fauna, admire the valley from the water and discover the local history from a unique perspective. It's a gentle and original nature outing, ideal for families.
Maison Rambert (in Chatte), 8 km from Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye. For decades, this shop and workshop has been perpetuating the tradition of handmade ravioli in the Dauphiné region. Here you will find fresh ravioli — comté cheese, goat's cheese, Vercors blue cheese, etc. — and you can learn about the manufacturing process through an explanatory film. It's a wonderful way to combine tourism, local gastronomy and discovering a traditional craft.