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If you are looking for the quintessential medieval village, you need look no further than Saint Antonin Noble Val in the French department of Tarn-et-Garonne in the Midi-Pyrenees region.




I recently discovered this little jewel in southwestern France quite by accident, then came to realize many simultaneous signposts were leading me to explore this ancient village with its beautifully-restored, half-timbered houses and rugged cobblestone streets.




I first came upon Saint Antonin when an evening of boredom lead me to a Netflix movie search. I selected and watched the 2001 feature film, Charlotte Gray, based on the novel of the same name by Sebastian Faulks. The story focuses on the exploits of SOE's female agents that worked with the French resistance within occupied France during World War II. It's an excellent film shot on location in Saint Antonin Noble Val.

After watching the movie, I couldn't resist the urge to learn more about this fascinating French village.



The town is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Aveyron and the Bonnette. The area was first called Condat (confluence) during the Celtic era, then Nobilis Valis (Noble Valley) in the Roman era. It wasn't until the 8th century that the Abbey of Saint-Antonin was built and the town took the same name.

Although I have traveled to France many times, I have not made my way south of Paris. That really may have to change when hubby and I head to France this year. A detour may be in order since I have already been dream-shopping for a little investment pied-a-terre in the region. The online French Property real estate firm has several listings in Saint Antonin, including the town house for sale below.



The best way to learn what it's like to move from another country (and a major U.S. city, no less) is to hear from a couple who have done just that. Alisa Rosseter and Bruce Anderson initially took a year off from their business and life in Los Angeles, California to begin a love affair with France.

After a year in France, these two intrepid souls came back to the states, sold their business and moved back to France in October 2010 to begin the next chapter of their life in Saint Antonin Noble Val. I just started reading their blog, Notre Vie Juteuse (translated - Our Juicy Life), and every post has me yearning for village life.

Check out Raison d'Art, Alisa and Bruce's art camps in Saint Antonin. I know I have a need to polish my artistic talents, and what better place than this beautiful village.



Photo via Maison Bleue


If I need a place to stay, I have just the spot in mind. It seems that another American couple has made this village home, at least part-time.

Bonnie and Bruce Bishop discovered Saint Antonin in 2000 and purchased an abandoned 'townhouse' overlooking the gorge of the Aveyron River.

They spent the next seven summers re-making it into a jewel of a holiday home that they named Maison Bleue and operate as a rental when they are away.

I'm sensing a need to make reservations! And, just by coincidence, my home is in a city also named after Saint Anthony. San Antonio (Texas) to Saint Antonin doesn't seem like too much of a stretch.