Sancerre and the Loire
Sancerre, vines, hillsides and a gourmet paradise
"It was definitely worth getting up early … The hillsides of the Sancerre vineyards are a magical sight at sunrise" (Nicolas and Marie’s travelog). The tranquil character village of Sancerre and its amazing hillsides have many natural and gourmet attractions in store. Capital of two globally-renowned gastronomic AOC (PDO) products (Sancerre wine and Crottin de Chavignol goat’s cheese), Sancerre also benefits from a magnificent setting with some of the most beautiful wine-growing scenery in the world. Its vines, which border the River Loire in its untamed beauty, are the starting point for a cycle ride along the Loire à Vélo cycle route. In the village itself, don’t miss the breathtaking views from the Esplanade de la Porte César across to the foothills of the Morvan region.
Visit the medieval town of Sancerre by following the Fil d’Ariane (Ariadne’s thread). Go past the bell-tower and climb the hill to the 40-metre high Tour des Fiefs, all that remains of the original 6-towered feudal castle, which looks out proudly over the Sancerre vineyards and the winding River Loire at the foot of the summit. Make a stop at the Maison des Sancerre, a unique venue ! In a magnificent setting and offering amazing views, the Maison des Sancerre has become THE place to visit to discover the Sancerre wine-growing area. Marking the gateway to the vineyards, it was created by AOC Sancerre wine-growers to make the wonderful world of wine accessible to everyone. It houses a 4-D cinema which takes you on a fun adventure at the heart of the vineyards, an 8-minute journey across 15 geological ages, a Sancerre wine garden and a ‘jeu de l’oie’ (snakes and ladders) game through the vines.
Sancerre and gastronomy
Don’t forget to take some delicious croquets and lichous home with you (almond biscuits). Sporting enthusiasts can make the most of the proximity of the River Loire by cycling beside it along the Loire à Vélo route or kayaking down it. There is also a golf course on the banks of the Loire with views across the vines.
Outside the town centre lie two emblematic hamlets : Chavignol well-known for its Crottin goat’s cheese and the Garnier-Delaporte gallery of contemporary art and Amigny, a wine-growing village with typical narrow streets. Further upstream along the Loire and its Canal Latéral, stop off at the Maison de Loire du Cher, a centre devoted to the River Loire and its environment which aims to promote awareness of the river. Further south, go for a walk in the Réserve Naturelle du Val de Loire, a national nature reserve of 1,454 hectares which protects 19km of the Loire. Other attractions include the Romantic-style Jardin de Pesselières (garden) at Jalognes, the Tour de Vesvre at Neuvy-deux-Clochers, a fortified manor house dating back to the Middle Ages, and the Grange Pyramidale de Vailly-sur-Sauldre, a curiosity and object of local heritage conservation.
"What I like doing in Sancerre, is to stroll through the streets and watch the sun setting over the most beautiful vines in the world, or go walking among the vines along one of the many footpaths, remembering to take my ruck sack and a Crottin de Chavignol goat’s cheese".
To get to Sancerre, allow 2¼ hours from Paris via A77 or 3¾ hours from Lyon via N7, then A77.
