Les Veillants in Chavignol: The Côte des Monts Damnés Artwork

On the Côte des Monts Damnés, facing Domaine Henri Bourgeois, three steel arches now watch over the vines of Chavignol. Named "Les Veillants" ("The Watchers"), this monumental artwork by Famille Bourgeois celebrates 330 years of winegrowing heritage, honoring the past while looking toward the future.

An Artwork Born from the Dialogue Between Metal and Terroir

On the Côte des Monts Damnés — one of the most renowned terroirs of the Sancerre appellation — three steel arches now rise among the vines, facing Domaine Henri Bourgeois and the Sancerre hilltop. This permanent installation, named "Les Veillants," marks a new chapter in the landscape of the village of Chavignol.

Designed by Domaine Henri Bourgeois in collaboration with Metal'Art (Cosne-sur-Loire), the three arches stand between 2.80 and 3 meters tall. Their pointed, arch-like silhouette draws loose inspiration from the windows and main entrance of the Chavignol church, creating a visual link between the village's historic heart, the steep vineyard, and the Sancerre hilltop.

Their open, latticed structure lets sunlight through without obstructing the view, allowing the terroir to express itself through this new metal adornment. The three arches also evoke the three Sancerre terroirs cultivated by Famille Bourgeois — the estate's geography translated into form.

A Tribute to Winemaking Heritage

"Les Veillants" is more than a sculpture: it is a reflection on the passage of time in winemaking. From one generation to the next, the mission remains the same — to preserve the vineyard, express the terroir, and pass on generations of know-how. Methods evolve, tools change, but the philosophy endures.

As Arnaud Bourgeois, CEO of Domaine Henri Bourgeois, explains:

"With this heritage artwork, we wanted to pay tribute to the role of watcher that each generation takes on, in turn. It is both a celebration of our legacy and a window open to the future we continue to write here."

Part of the 330th Anniversary Celebrations

The unveiling of "Les Veillants" is part of the program marking 330 years of Famille Bourgeois in Chavignol (1696–2026) — a year highlighted by an exclusive anniversary cuvée, a dedicated wine tourism program, and gastronomic events held in the heart of the village.

Extending the Visit in Chavignol

To complete the experience on site, two addresses are available in Chavignol:

Hôtel Famille Bourgeois, for a stay at the heart of the vineyard
La Côte des Monts Damnés restaurant, for a gastronomic stop overlooking the terroir

Winegrowers in Sancerre since 1696, Famille Bourgeois produces certified organic Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines, celebrated worldwide for their precision, aromatic purity, and true expression of terroir. Domaine Henri Bourgeois is among the pioneers of wine tourism in the Sancerre region, making "Les Veillants" one more reason to explore the Côte des Monts Damnés.

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FAQ

"Les Veillants" in Chavignol

Where is "Les Veillants" located?

The artwork stands on the Côte des Monts Damnés, one of the most renowned terroirs of the Sancerre appellation, facing Domaine Henri Bourgeois and the Sancerre hilltop, just a short distance from the village of Chavignol.

How do you get to "Les Veillants"?

Access is on foot only, through the vineyards from the village of Chavignol. There is no parking on site.

Do you need to book in advance to see the artwork?

No, "Les Veillants" is freely accessible year-round, with no booking or guided tour required, independent of the estate's tours and tastings.

Is the installation permanent?

Yes, "Les Veillants" is a permanent installation, designed to remain on site for the long term.