La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye
Immersive medieval festival in the heart of one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, the cradle of the Order of the Antonines
About La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine
La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye: A Journey to the Heart of the Middle Ages
Nestled in the foothills of the Vercors, the medieval city of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye offers an exceptional setting for one of the largest medieval festivals in the Isère region. Voted France's Favorite Village in 2025 and listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France since 2009, this historic town founded in 1070 around the relics of Saint Anthony the Egyptian transforms every first weekend of August into a living medieval city, attracting over 10,000 visitors over two days.
An Exceptional Historical Heritage
The village owes its existence to the noble Geilin, who brought back the relics of Saint Anthony from Constantinople. Around this sacred treasure, the Order of the Antonines was born, hospital monks renowned for treating the arson fever (Saint Anthony's Fire), whose influence spread throughout Europe. The Gothic abbey church, built between 1280 and the end of the 15th century, dominates the village with its 32 meters width and 22 meters height under the vault. Its 14th-century frescoes, 87 carved wooden stalls, and 1648 silver reliquary constitute remarkable heritage classified as a Historic Monument.
Grand Spectacles on Twelve Stages
The artistic program, entrusted for over thirteen years to Rue Haute Productions, features professional companies on twelve stage areas throughout the village. Over 60 performances per day punctuate the festival: street theater, storytelling, equestrian shows, circus arts, musicians, singers, and dancers take over the alleys, squares, and courtyards of the medieval village. The final evening show, with a capacity of over 5,000 spectators, is the highlight of each day with breathtaking pyrotechnic and acrobatic performances.
Knight Tournaments and Medieval Camp
The knight tournaments, inaugurated during the 2023 edition, have become one of the festival's highlights. In the recreated medieval camp, visitors immerse themselves in daily medieval life through numerous participatory workshops: archery and crossbow shooting, sword fighting, medieval cooking, rope making, embroidery, basket weaving, chainmail making, calligraphy, metallurgy, as well as the art of apothecary and the use of medicinal plants, in homage to the Antonine hospital tradition.
An Artisanal Market and Four Thematic Routes
The medieval market brings together specialized artisans offering handmade items, period costumes, jewelry, leather and wood work, with demonstrations of ancestral know-how. To guide visitors, four thematic routes identified by colored badges traverse the village: performing arts, family activities, heritage and historical immersion, and medieval gastronomy. Taverns and food stalls line the route for tasting medieval-inspired dishes.
A Family and Festive Event
La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine is designed for all generations. Children have adapted workshops and dedicated activities, while adults enjoy high-quality shows and a unique festive atmosphere. Wearing medieval costumes is strongly encouraged for total immersion. From noon to midnight, the festival is in full swing in the narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, and paved squares of this authentic village, a historic stop on the Way of Saint James of Compostela.
La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine — edition 2026
The 16th edition of La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye will take place on Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, from noon to midnight, in the village classified among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. On the theme of the link between East and West, centered around the return of the relics of Saint Anthony the Egyptian, more than 60 shows per day, knight tournaments, a medieval encampment, a large craft market, and numerous participatory workshops will bring the historic city of the Antonins back to life, in the heart of Isère.
2026 Edition — In the Footsteps of Saint Anthony the Egyptian
On Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, from noon to midnight, the village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye hosts the 16th edition of La Médiévale. The 2026 program, designed in partnership with the AFAA (French Association of Friends of the Antonins) and the departmental museum, highlights the link between East and West, through the return of the relics of Saint Anthony the Egyptian.
Professional companies bring the medieval village of the 13th-14th centuries back to life with artisans and artists (singers, musicians, heralds…) and all forms of live arts: theater, music, dance, acrobatics, horses. More than 60 shows are offered daily on a dozen scenic spaces, from the abbey gardens to the forecourt of the Abbatiale, where the grand final show takes place every evening.
Programme La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine 2026
Program for August 1st and 2nd, 2026
- Street shows — theater, music, dance, juggling, acrobatics: more than 60 performances per day on a dozen scenic spaces, provided by professional companies
- Knight tournaments — jousts and armored combat
- Equestrian shows
- Medieval encampment — immersive historical reenactment of the 13th-14th centuries
- Participatory workshops — archery, crossbow, sword handling, medieval cooking, embroidery, basketry, calligraphy, apothecary
- Large medieval craft market — artisans, costumes, jewelry, leather, wood
- Concerts — notably in the abbey church
- Evening final show at the foot of the Abbatiale (by the Zoolians company), a highlight of each day
Continuous entertainment from noon to midnight on both days. Medieval catering on site.
Highlights La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine 2026
- More than 60 shows per day on a dozen stages
- Grand final show in the evening at the foot of the Abbatiale
- 2026 Theme: the East-West link and the return of the relics of Saint Anthony the Egyptian
- Village classified among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, Village préféré des Français 2025
Prices La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine 2026
Practical information — La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine
Practical Information
Dates and Times
La Médiévale takes place every year on the first weekend of August, Saturday and Sunday, from noon to midnight. The gates of the medieval village open at 12:00 PM, and activities continue until midnight with the final evening show.
Prices
- Adult: €16
- Child (6 to 15 years old): €11
- Child under 6 years old: free
- Person with disabilities: €11
- Group (from 20 people): €11 per person
Online ticketing available on the official website and on the BAM-Ticket platform. Payment on-site by cash, credit card, and checks.
Access
By car: Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is located 25 km northwest of Saint-Marcellin and 60 km southwest of Grenoble. From the A49 motorway, take the Saint-Marcellin exit, then follow signs for Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye via the D27. Free parking is available around the village with a shuttle service to the center.
By train: Saint-Marcellin SNCF station (25 km), then taxi or carpooling.
Accessibility
Accessible areas are provided for people with reduced mobility and strollers. However, the medieval village has steep and cobbled alleys; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Practical Tips
- Medieval Costumes: wearing a costume is strongly encouraged for total immersion in the festival atmosphere.
- Pets: leashed animals are welcome.
- Food: medieval taverns and food stalls on site. Picnics are not allowed within the festival grounds.
- Weather: the festival takes place outdoors; bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle in case of high temperatures.
Contact and Organization
Organizing Association: Saint Antoine Développement, in partnership with the Departmental Museum and the Municipality of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye.
Artistic Direction: Rue Haute Productions
Phone: +33 4 76 36 44 46
Website: medievale-stantoine.fr
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Where does it take place — La Médiévale de Saint-Antoine
Village médiéval de Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye
Village de Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, 38160 Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye