Wine tourism

Sancerre is one of the most emblematic villages in the Centre-Val de Loire — and one of its best-kept secrets off the classic tourist circuit. Celebrated for its wines, it offers far more than a simple tasting: vineyard landscapes, medieval architecture, terroir-driven gastronomy, and unique wine tourism experiences.

This article is built from what we tell visitors who arrive at the estate and ask: "We're here for the day — where do we start?"

Walking in the Vines

Before any tasting, walk in the vines. It's the advice we give every visitor — and it's usually what they remember most.

The paths that cross the Sancerre vineyard let you observe the diversity of the terroirs directly: the limestone, the Kimmeridgian marl, the flint zones. From the hillsides, the views over the Loire and the Berry landscapes are exceptional.

No guide is needed for a free walk — the marked trails are plentiful. But a guided walk with a winemaker turns the stroll into an educational experience.

Visiting a Wine Estate

An estate tour means understanding wine from its foundations. At Domaine Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol, we offer guided tours of the vineyard and cellars, along with structured tastings — for all levels.

La Maison des Sancerre

Located in the heart of the village, La Maison des Sancerre is an interactive educational space presenting the appellation as a whole. In 45 minutes, you'll understand the terroirs, the grape variety, and the history of the wines — ideal at the start of a stay, before the tastings.

We particularly love the 4D cinema, which lets you fly over Sancerre... whatever the weather is doing outside!

Wandering the Medieval Streets

The village of Sancerre was built in the Middle Ages on a hill overlooking the Loire. Its cobbled streets, stone houses, and views over the vineyard make it a particularly photogenic village.

Take the time to get lost in the small streets — you'll find wine cellars, artisans, and cafés with terraces overlooking the hillsides.

The must-see viewpoints:

• La Tour des Fiefs: the only remaining part of Sancerre's medieval castle, offering a panoramic view over the vineyard and the Loire.
• L'Esplanade de la Porte César: a 180-degree view over the hillsides and the Berry plain.
• The ramparts: a full walk around the old town ramparts lets you see the vineyard from every angle.

Gastronomy: Eating and Drinking in Sancerre

Crottin de Chavignol

Goat cheese is inseparable from Sancerre. Crottin de Chavignol — an AOC cheese made in the village of the same name, 4 km from Sancerre — is the classic pairing with a glass of white Sancerre. Fresh, semi-aged, or fully dry: each stage of aging calls for a different pairing.

Restaurant "La Côte des Monts Damnés"

Our restaurant in Chavignol offers cuisine built around Berry traditions. The food and wine pairings are worked out with precision — every dish is paired with a specific cuvée. It's the address we systematically recommend for a memorable evening in Sancerre.

Cycling & La Loire à Vélo

La Loire à Vélo cycling route runs close to Sancerre. A dedicated cycling path follows the Loire and lets you take in the vineyard landscapes at just the right pace. Bike rentals are available in the region.

Canoeing on the Loire

In summer, the Loire is also worth discovering from the water. Local operators offer canoe and kayak trips on the wild Loire — a different experience that lets you see the vineyard from the riverbank.

Hot-Air Ballooning

Seeing the vineyard by hot-air balloon from above Sancerre is an unforgettable experience. Several local operators offer sunrise or sunset flights, with the vineyard as the backdrop.

To really make the most of Sancerre, sleep in the vineyard itself.

Hotel Famille Bourgeois in Chavignol lets you wake up with the vines outside your window, and walk to the restaurant and the estate.