3 days ago
France's best village revealed and the residents are desperate for tourists to visit
Searching for your new favourite holiday destination?
With tourists being sprayed with water pistols in Barcelona, cruise passengers hit with a hefty tourist tax in Santorini and overcrowding in some of the UK's prettiest villages, you might be struggling to pick a summer getaway.
But luckily there's one gorgeous European village where tourists will be welcomed with open arms.
Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, a medieval commune in southeastern France, was just named the country's favourite village.
And rather than worrying about the potential crowds the win could bring to Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, the village's mayor has described it as a 'great honour'.
Mayor Maryline Longis told The Times: 'We haven't got the problem of overtourism and it won't happen here.
'This is a great honour and we're perfectly well able to handle more tourism. It will help our restaurants, hotels and shops.'
She even claimed that the village will remain 'calm and untroubled' even if lots of tourists arrive.
So, what makes Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye France's best village?
Stephane Bern, a royal commentator who presented the award, described it as 'prosperous and well-run'.
Located between Grenoble and Valence, the village is named after Saint Anthony the Great, whose bones are kept in the Abbey.
A Gothic building, the 900-year-old abbey is known for its stunning architecture and as a pilgrimage site for people walking the Santiago de Compostela route.
Tourists can discover more about the abbey's history at its museum which has a 4.3 star rating on Tripadvisor.
But the village's pretty streets and market squares are also well-worth exploring. Tourists will find stone houses towards the upper part of the village which the historic centre has independent shops.
Those who visit in August should try to coincide their visit the La Medievale festival, a medieval-themed celebration.
The village is taken back in time to the 13th century during the event with costumed performers lining the streets.
How to get to Saint-Antoine-L'Abbaye
The nearest airport to Saint-Antoine-L'Abbaye is Grenoble-Isere Airport which is 14 miles from the village.
British tourists can fly direct to Grenoble from the UK on several airlines including easyJet and Wizz Air.
It can also be easily reached from Lyon Airport with easyJet and BA among the airlines offering direct flights from the UK.
