Wine tourism

The Loire is the last great wild river in Western Europe. No dam blocks its main course between its source in Ardèche and the Atlantic. In the Sancerre region, it flows wide and free between banks that are still largely undeveloped, forming sand islands, secondary channels, and alluvial forests that shelter remarkable wildlife. Descending the Loire by canoe or kayak from Sancerre means experiencing the river differently — at water level, at the rhythm of the currents, with the vineyard-covered hillsides scrolling by in the background.

This experience is accessible to all levels: the Loire between Saint-Thibault and Cosne-sur-Loire is a calm section, without rapids, classified as Class I to II whitewater depending on the season. Here's everything you need to know to organize your descent.

The Loire Valley has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, for the combination of its landscapes, architecture, and river. The section that runs along the Sancerre region is one of the best-preserved stretches: sparsely urbanized, it retains natural characteristics that most European rivers have lost over the course of the 20th century.

The Loire is a flood-prone river — its water levels vary considerably depending on the seasons and rainfall. In summer, the river is low, and its sandbanks appear several meters wide, creating natural beaches accessible only from the water or on foot along the banks. In contrast, the significant flows of spring or autumn can make navigation inadvisable for the uninitiated. The best time for canoeing is generally from June to September.

The most accessible launching point from Sancerre and Chavignol is the commune of Saint-Thibault, on the right bank of the Loire, 4 km from Chavignol. Saint-Thibault has a boat ramp and a parking lot. From there, several descents are possible depending on the time available.

You can also rent your boats and have them dropped off at your starting points (itineraries to be confirmed with the rental company).

Navigating the Loire between Pouilly and Sancerre or between Sancerre and Cosne means experiencing atmospheres that change with the bends in the river. White sandbanks appear around every curve — some form real islands, inaccessible except by boat, perfect for a picnic break away from the world.

Loire wildlife near Sancerre

The kingfisher is the emblematic bird of the Loire banks. Its blue-orange plumage and low-level flight make it one of the most beautiful sights regularly encountered on this stretch. By paddling gently and silently, it is not uncommon to get within a few meters of them.

Among other species regularly observed on the Loire near Sancerre: the grey heron (often standing still on sandbanks), the great egret, the cormorant, the black-headed gull, and, during migration season, several species of waders on the sandbanks. The European beaver, reintroduced to the Loire since the 1970s, is present on this stretch — its characteristic cuts on the willows and poplars along the banks bear witness to this, even if the animal is nocturnal and discreet.

The European otter, rarer, has been recorded on several nearby tributaries. Its presence is a strong indicator of the river's ecological quality.

Sandbanks: the river's natural beaches

In summer, the low waters of the Loire reveal fine sandbanks that form wild, undeveloped beaches. These sandbanks are accessible from the river and are natural resting spots during a canoe trip. The Loire's water is shallow on the sandbanks — sometimes 20 to 30 cm — and warm enough in July-August for swimming, although this is not an officially marked activity (wearing a life jacket and exercising extreme caution are strongly recommended).

What hikers and cyclists see from the hillsides of Chavignol — the Loire winding at the foot of the vines, wide and calm — canoeists experience from the other side of the picture. On the water, it is the vineyard that appears high up, with the limestone hills that bear the great cuvées of Domaine Henri Bourgeois. This change of perspective on the same landscape is one of the things our visitors describe best: "You don't recognize the same place from the river."

The descent also provides access to the view of Sancerre from the plain — the medieval town perched on its hill, with its castle overlooking the vineyards, is one of the most photographed panoramas in the region.

An ideal day in the Sancerre region, exploring the Loire and its wine:

• Morning in Chavignol for a visit to the Domaine Henri Bourgeois winery and a tasting of its Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines, as well as stocking up on crottins and other local specialties for your picnic
• Departure at 12 p.m. from Saint-Thibault for the launch point at Pouilly-sur-Loire
• Descent to Saint-Thibault (approx. 4 hours) with a picnic stop on one of the Loire's many sandy islands
• Return to Chavignol in the evening for dinner at the restaurant "La Côte des Monts Damnés" (reservations recommended)

The contrast between the verticality of the vineyard and the horizontality of the river, between the precision of the wines and the freedom of the current, makes this combination one of the most unique experiences the Sancerre region can offer.