48 hours in and around Sancerre
Centre-Val de Loire - Pays de la Loire/2026
Lovers of wine, and of Loire Sauvignon in particular, often only know Sancerre from its appellation contrôlée label. From New York to Sydney, we toast to the pleasure of this pure, pale gold color, delightfully offering its tangy notes that often evoke spring flowers as well as autumn fruit.
However, discerning travelers - and not just wine tourists - won't want to miss a visit to this jewel perched high above the Loire Valley. Ancient remains, 19th-century houses, a pretty central square, a calm and precious atmosphere and, above all, great harmony between architecture and environment, give this special village a unique charm, consecrated by its inclusion in the list of France's Most Beautiful Villages since 2022.
Take time out for an instructive stroll, look up at thehistoric rooftops, contemplate the majestic river from the esplanade, and stroll through the old townhouses.ambling along admiring theold gables, discovering a few pretty tables, winegrowers' signs and gourmet stores, before finding yourself, with young and old alike, on the Nouvelle Place, which concentrates part of the local life.TheprettyPlace du Connétable district, dominated by the old Tour des Fiefs, and the lovely Notre-Dame de Sancerre church on the Place du Beffroi are also well worth a visit. and if the weather's right, we'll take you on a few visits to the cellarsas we criss-cross the region's vineyards and hillsides .
It's worth remembering that Sancerre wines are not only white and made from Sauvignon Blanc alone, but that the reds and rosés, made from Pinot Noir, are also renowned. The AOC label was obtained in 1936 for the whites, and 1959 for the reds and rosés. the emblematic terroirs, which can also make attractive destinations for visits, are spread around Sancerre, on the left bank of the Loire, opposite the Pouilly wines on the otherbank, and adjoining the Menetou-Salonappellation . The appellation area covers 3,000hectares and fourteen communes. some of the greatest names are to be found in Bué, Crézancy, Verdigny, Chavignol...The exceptional quality of the soils, which arethe exceptional qualityof the soils , whichrange from white, marly and chalky to more clayey, stony soils called caillottes or containing flint,provide the conditions for exceptional wines.
A number of well-known winegrowers, such as Serge Laloue, Roland Tissier et fils and Joseph Mellot, who also run a well-known restaurant in the square,are well established in Sancerre itself, allowing visitors to taste their wines on the spot without having to go to the winery. among the stars of the appellation who are well worth a visit are domaines Lucien Crochet, François Cotat, Vacheron, Vincent Pinard and others.and don't forget the other star of the Sancerre region, crottin, as you make your way to the heart of Chavignol, a commune adjoining Sancerre that is as famousfor its wines as it is for its cheeses.
