Sancerre lies just 45 km north-east of Bourges, and is a veritable nugget of the Cher region. Perched on its rocky outcrop, overlooking the gentle landscapes of the Loire Valley, it's the perfect destination for a green break and a feast for all the senses. The medieval village offers breathtaking views over a 2,800-hectare vineyard that produces exceptional wines renowned the world over. A stay in Sancerre, "France's Favourite Village" in 2021 and "France's Most Beautiful Village" since 2022, means discovering monuments steeped in history, indulging in epicurean delights with local specialities and escaping to the heart of a bucolic countryside. Here are our 11 must-sees in this jewel of Berry.
1. Panoramic views over the village of Sancerre
Like us, the first thing that will catch your eye is the village's exceptional location. Sancerre is perched on a rocky outcrop and dominates the gentle rolling countryside around it with all its elegance. To see the village in its entirety, you can follow the route des vignobles, stopping off at Chavignol or Saint-Satur. We also recommend following the Chavignol loop, on foot, which passes through the vineyards and offers magnificent views of Sancerre.
2. Stroll through the medieval old town
Once you arrive in Sancerre, one of the most beautiful places in Berry, you absolutely must take the time to wander through the streets, alleys and squares of the town. It has a picturesque atmosphere. Being the smart travellers that we are, we loved following the Ariadne's thread, a signposted route leading to 28 points of interest, with panels telling the story of the town and its heritage. You'll come across architectural marvels such as the Maison Jacques Coeur and the Hôtel de la Thaumassière. The old wine-growing quarter is also a real favourite. Guided tours are also available.
3. Stop off in the shops to discover the local specialities
As you stroll through the medieval town of Sancerre, you'll come across art galleries and craftsmen's workshops, as well as some incredible food shops! Don't forget that we're in the Loire Valley, an area renowned for its delicious gourmet products. We recommend trying the unmissable crottin de Chavignol, a delicious goat's cheese, as well as Sancerre ham smoked with vine shoots or croquet de Sancerre, an almond biscuit. Enjoy your meal!
4. What to do in Sancerre Learn about oenology at the Maison des Sancerre
The Maison des Sancerre is a must for anyone interested in oenology. Located right in the heart of the town, it offers visitors the chance to learn more about the history and specific characteristics of the Sancerre wine appellation. A real link between the winegrowers and the public, it is both educational and fun, using animated relief maps, videos and augmented reality, not forgetting the 4D cinema that immerses visitors in the harvest experience. The museum also has a shop and a terrace where you can enjoy a wine tasting.
There's no doubt about it, Sancerre is one of France's top eonotourism destinations!
5. Visit the Tour des Fiefs
The last vestige of Sancerre's feudal castle, the Tour des Fiefs has dominated the hillside since the 12th century. A true testament to the region's medieval past, it is listed as a historic monument. The tower can be visited all year round, and its 194 steps offer a 360° panoramic view of Sancerre and the surrounding area. It is said that you can see the bell tower of Bourges cathedral... Will you manage to catch a glimpse of it?
6. Notre-Dame de Sancerre church, one of the town's most beautiful buildings
Notre-Dame de Sancerre church was built under Louis XV in the 18th century, before being rebuilt at the end of the 19th century. It is in the neo-Romanesque style. Inside, there are 3 naves and numerous statues. Right next to the building, don't miss the old belfry, built in 1509 and serving as the church tower. Fans of religious architecture will be enchanted.
7. Explore the vineyards of Sancerre
If there's one thing you can do in Sancerre, the wine-tourism stronghold of the Berry region, it's put on some good walking shoes or hop on a bike to explore the vineyards. Numerous winding roads criss-cross the gentle Cher countryside, passing through the vineyards and giving you the chance to meet the winegrowers. The best thing to do is stop off at one of the estates to learn about the cultivation of white, red and rosé wines, whose reputation extends far beyond our borders. The estates offer tastings and, of course, sales of their beverages.
8. Take a trip on the Loire in a traditional boat
When you're in Sancerre on a sunny day, the opportunity is too good not to take the time to sail on the Loire. Tours are available aboard toues sablières, traditional Loire boats that can accommodate up to ten people. It's a great opportunity toadmire the magnificent landscapes of the Loire and to hear about the history of one of Europe's last great wild rivers.
9. Visit the Château de Pesselières and its garden
Château de Pesselières is around 15 km from Sancerre, and is one of the most romantic places to visit in the area. Although the château is not open to visitors, it does boast a magnificent park that has been designated a Remarkable Garden. Walkers can enjoy the peace and quiet of the grounds, with its avenue of hundred-year-old box trees, pretty river, maze of hornbeam trees and vegetable gardens. The irises in bloom in May are an incredible sight!
10. Spend some time at the Jardin de Marie
Another place not to be missed under any circumstances, around 14 km from Sancerre. The Jardin de Marie has been awarded the Jardin Remarkable label, and offers a bucolic stroll through the 1,500 varieties of flowers and botanical plants that adorn every corner. Just like Giverny... Those who wish can also enjoy a night's bed and breakfast accommodation in this haven of peace, and locavore cuisine in the colours of the Berry region at La Grange.
11. Take in the view from the pyramid-shaped barn at Vailly-sur-Sauldre
You have to travel 25 km north of Sancerre to see this architectural curiosity. The pyramidal barn at Vailly-sur-Sauldre, made up of 35,000 tiles and huge beams, some of which date back to 1450, is a fabulous example of Pays-Fort country architecture. It's an unusual way tolearn more about the farming traditions of the past, through an exhibition of tools and period reconstructions.
Where to stay in Sancerre
Sancerre, a famous bastion of vineyards and luminous panoramas of the Berry landscape, is home to hotels that are as sincere as they are picturesque. From spectacular views over the hillsides to the intimacy of a boutique setting, each hotel offers a unique experience to discover the local gentle way of life.
- Le Panoramic, the gift of a view
Nestling on the heights of Sancerre, Le Panoramic offers an exceptional panorama of the Sancerre vineyards. Thehotel, which you can book here, combines contemporary elegance with refined comfort. Outside, a heated swimming pool (open in season) invites you to relax. On the wine front, the cellar-bar offers over 500 local and regional wines.
- Hôtel du Rempart, rustic charm
TheHôtel du Rempart is located in the heart of Sancerre. Its rooms, bookable here, are simple and rustic, with an authentic decor. The adjoining restaurant offers generous, passionate local cuisine. Its terrace provides a pleasant setting to enjoy the bustle of the town centre.
- FÓLKLORE, a charming boutique hotel
FÓLKLORE is a boutique hotel with just 4 suites, bookable here, which cultivates an exceptional atmosphere. Each suite combines noble materials, carefully chosen colours and contemporary touches. The establishment is built around a hanging garden and a gourmet snack bar that revisits the region's wine classics.
Where to eat in Sancerre
Sancerre doesn't just seduce visitors with its wines and panoramic views. Its gastronomy also tells the story of the region. Here is a selection of three restaurants to delight your taste buds.
- Le Clos du Maréchal, the perfect bistro address
Le Clos du Maréchal features bistronomic cuisine that exudes seasonality and simplicity. Chef Nathanaël Fromont offers inventive local cuisine rooted in the land. The quiet indoor terrace adds to the convivial atmosphere. A fine, sincere address in Sancerre.
- La Tour, a gastronomic stop-off in the heart of the town
Don't hesitate for a single second to push open the door of this restaurant, now in the hands of Baptiste Fournier. The produce is fresh and in season, and the way each element is assembled on the plates immediately whets the appetite. La Tour offers daring cuisine, which is best accompanied by a good local wine.
- La Pomme d'Or, where the sea meets the vine
La Pomme d'Or is one of Sancerre's most audacious gastronomic concepts. Here, Breton cuisine rubs shoulders with Berrichon produce, in a dialogue between sea and land. Chef Yann Tournier and sommelier Justine Heuzé create an "intuitive gastronomy" where the menus are unique, evolving according to arrivals, and based on local seafood, shellfish, fish and vegetables.
Have you enjoyed your stay in Sancerre? Now check out our top destinations less than 2 hours by train from Paris! You can also read our article on the must-sees in Bourges, a town just 45 minutes from Sancerre.
