Guided Tour: The Awakening of the Sleeping Beauty

Museum Overview

"The Sleeping Beauty," a nickname for Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye in the 19th century, as its history faded into obscurity over the decades. Today, the village has awakened and invites you to discover its past and present.

Following the dissolution of the Hospitaller Order of Saint Anthony in 1777, the village of Saint-Antoine-en-Dauphiné, like the rest of France, experienced the events of the French Revolution and the political upheavals of the 19th century. The history of this important pilgrimage site, this renowned center of healing during the Middle Ages, was gradually forgotten and lost. At that time, historians described the old abbey church as "the sleeping beauty," a building deserted by its monks.

Fortunately, its revival began with its classification as a Historical Monument in 1840, and through efforts to enhance the narrow streets of the medieval town. Today, Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye shines once again, a recognition proven by its inclusion in the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" list in 2009, and by the honorary title of "Favorite Village of the French" since 2025.

But the question remains: how did the transformation take place? What actions were taken? By whom and how? And first of all, what is the history of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye?

To learn everything, the guide invites you to follow her and discover how residents came together to revive the heritage of an entire village. A discovery that is rich, historical, and above all, vibrant.

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