Perched on hillsides and vineyards as far as the eye can see, Sancerre is an enchanting village. Labelled"France's favorite village" in 2021, the charm of this village is revealed through its picturesque squares, medieval heritage and breathtaking views over the Loire Valley.
Here's our guide to the must-see places in the village of Sancerre in the Centre-Val de Loire region, and some useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Sancerre worth a visit?
Yes, Sancerre is well worth a visit for its picturesque streets, medieval heritage, panoramic views over the Loire and, of course, its famous wines. For us, it's one of the most beautiful villages on the Loire!
1. Admire the panorama from the top of the village
Before discovering the village from the inside, we recommend you take the time to observe Sancerre from afar to understand its layout. Situated on a rocky outcrop, Sancerre is surrounded by vineyards and proudly overlooks the Loire Valley. The best viewpoint is at the Moulin de Chedigny, but you can also enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the villages of Saint-Satur and Chavignol along the wine route. Once in the village, you'll also find other lookouts.
La boucle de Chavignol is a looping circuit that winds its way through the vineyards and offers superb views over Sancerre (more info on the tourist office website here).
If you don't have a car, you can discover the village on an organized tour from Paris: see prices, info and availability.
2. Discover Château de Sancerre
Recently reopened to the public, Château de Sancerre is well worth a visit for its historic gardens, temporary contemporary art exhibitions and, above all, its medieval remains dating back to the 14th century. The most impressive is the Tour des Fiefs, which from its 404-metre height offers a breathtaking view of the village and its surrounding vineyards.
- Opening hours: Open from April 17 to September 22, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm; in summer, open Tuesdays and Fridays until 10 pm.
- Price: €12.50 (adults) and €7 (children aged 7-14)
- See the latest news on the official website here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Stroll through the medieval old town
We loved wandering through the picturesque streets of Sancerre. To leave nothing to chance, we recommend you follow "le fil d'Ariane" (Ariadne's thread), a route of 28 points of interest, signposted on the ground and enriched with numerous explanations. See the 15th-century Maison Jacques Coeur, the residence of the Lords of Donzy (built between the 12th and 15th centuries), the 15th-century Hôtel de la Thaumassière and the old winegrowers' quarter.
We also recommend taking the time to explore the artisan boutiques and art galleries. And don't forget to visit the local food shops to sample local specialities (such as crottin de Chavignol, croquet de Sancerre, an almond cookie or Sancerre ham smoked with vine shoots).
If you'd like to discover the village from a different angle, the tourist office offers torch-lit guided tours (more info here).
4. Introduction to oenology at the Maison des Sancerre
The Maison des Sancerre is a must-see for all wine lovers. Housed in the former Maison Farnaut, this museum invites you to explore the secrets of winemaking through an interactive tour. Special mention for the 4D cinema, which immerses visitors in the harvest experience.
The best part of the visit? Put into practice with a wine tasting, to appreciate the richness of Sancerre's terroirs.
- Opening hours: daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. without interruption
- Price: €10 (tour + 3 tasting glasses)
- See the latest news on the official website here
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
5. Spend the night in the village
If you want to enjoy the charm of the village for longer, we recommend staying at Hôtel Le Panoramic. This establishment in the heart of the town is worth booking for its incredible view of the village and its vineyards, and its excellent breakfast featuring local produce. In fine weather, you can even enjoy the refreshing swimming pool in the heart of nature.
Book a room with a view at Hôtel Le Panoramic now!
6. Explore the vineyards of Sancerre
Your visit to Sancerre would not be complete without a tour of its vineyards. According to the tourist office, "more than 300 winegrowing families provide the livelihood for the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée area, which covers almost 3,000 hectares". Some wineries offer vineyard walks and even picnics.
If you're short of time, you can also take a trip to one of the village's many wine cellars to pick up a few bottles as a souvenir.
- Schedules and prices vary according to domain
- See the latest winery news on the tourist office website here
A LITTLE MORE patience
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7. Discover the church and its belfry
Don't miss a short detour to Notre-Dame de Sancerre church.
Built under Louis XV (from 1754 to 1762), it was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century. We appreciated the elegance of its three naves and the antique clockwork on display. Right next to the church stands the belfry and its octagonal spire, built in 1509 and now an integral part of the Sancerre skyline.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday, 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
- See the latest news on the parish website here
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
Other attractions around Sancerre
Sancerre is close to many other interesting places to visit:
- Château de Pesselières: for its romantic park (more info here).
- Jean-Linard Cathedral: for its stunning mosaic architecture.
- The village of Apremont-sur-Allier: for its castle and picturesque center.
The iconic Châteaux of Chambord and Chaumont-sur-Loire are also just a 2-hour drive away.
Finally, we recommend completing your discovery of the Sancerre terroir by exploring the Loire wine route. Read our article on the best circuits.
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How to get to Sancerre + parking
Where is Sancerre
- In the Centre-Val de Loire region
- Driving time from Angers = 3h15
- Driving time from Tours = 2h20
- Driving time from Orléans = 1h40
How to get there
You can also reach the village of Sancerre:
- By car: The village is well served by the A77 freeway (Sancerre exit). It will take you 2 hours from Paris or 4 hours from Lille.
- By public transport: You can reach Sancerre by train from Paris, taking the train to Cosne-sur-Loire and then taking the ter to Sancerre (more info on the public transport website here).
- By bike: The village is also accessible from the legendary Loire à Vélo cycle route (website here). Find out all our tips for making the most of the Loire à Vélo.
Parking in Sancerre
Parking is available on the Nouvelle Place near the tourist office.
Useful tips for visiting Sancerre
How long and when?
Allow 2 hours to explore the village sites (château, old town, wine house), discover the stores, admire the panorama and, above all, have time to stroll!
Sancerre is at its most beautiful during the summer months, between May and September, but this is also the time when tourist numbers are at their peak.
We therefore advise you to arrive early in the morning, to appreciate the calm of the village and then take time for lunch.
The village also organizes numerous events, including the Sancerre Lumière photography festival in September (more info here).
Tour directions, map and difficulty
The village is relatively small and easy to explore. However, please note that the floors can be uneven and many passages are on slopes.
We recommend good walking shoes to explore the whole village. Note that the city offers a pedestrian loop marked out on the ground, enriched with historical information to guide you through the city. The detailed brochure is available free of charge from the tourist office (more info here).
Visiting with children
We didn't spot any specific attractions for children.
Restaurants
We have tested two addresses in Sancerre that we warmly recommend:
- Restaurant La Petite Maison for a relaxed, original meal with different influences (on the day we came, we opted for hummus and chicken with sweet and sour sauce) in a beautiful room with contemporary decor.
- Restaurant La Tour (formerly 1 Michelin star) offers a refined menu full of flavors, accompanied by a fine selection of local wines, all served in a beautiful room with exposed beams.
Hotels
As mentioned above, we recommend Hôtel Le Panoramic for its excellent location and breathtaking views over the valley, but there are many other fine addresses in the village. Discover the best-rated accommodations in Sancerre.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
