An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Sancerre

Last Updated on 4th December 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Perched high on a hill surrounded by swathes of vineyards, Sancerre is a delightful medieval town that is best associated with wine making. Easy to visit over the course of an afternoon (or a couple of days if you want to spend some time relaxing), here’s your insider’s guide to the best things to do in Sancerre, as well as what to know before you go.

Where is Sancerre?

Sancerre is located in the province of Berry in the department of Cher in the French Region of Centre-Val de Loire. Nestled within the Loire Valley, a central area which is closely associated with wondrous châteaux, the closest large town is Bourges, which is around a 45 minute drive away.

What is Sancerre known for?

Sancerre is most famous for its impressive position atop of a hill, the only such wine-producing town to bear this distinction (almost every other town and village in the surrounding countryside lies within a valley, alongside a riverbed). A maze of quintessentially French rooftops, much of the town is pedestrianised, meaning that it’s best explored on foot.

Getting to Sancerre

Unfortunately, Sancerre is not served by its own train station directly in the centre of the town. The closest stop to the town centre is at Tracy-Sancerre, which is around a one hour walk from the town. In order to truly discover the region at your own pace, you’ll want to rent a car. Check car rental comparison prices here.

Best things to do in Sancerre

La Maison des Sancerre

If you want to learn more about the history of Sancerre and its surroundings (as well as its rich history in wine production), then you’ll certainly want to visit La Maison des Sancerre.

Once inside, you’ll find a pretty interactive museum (that is fun for all ages), including a 4D cinema (where you’ll join a bee as she flies over the vineyards) and plenty of other interactive exhibitions.

You can even opt to end your tour of the museum with a wine tasting on the terrace. There’s also a shop where you can purchase all sorts of wine-themed products, including bottle covers, tea towels, and baseball caps.

Taste the local wine

Those who enjoy drinking wine should certainly not miss out on the chance to sample some local wine. Many wine producers have their own boutique in town where you can either turn up on the day (vendor dependant) or book a wine tasting in advance.

Crottin de Chavignol goat’s cheese

While you’re sampling the local produce, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to try the local goat’s cheese, which is often said to pair perfectly with the wine. This cheese has been produced since the 16th-century, so you can be assured that the cheese producers have had time to perfect the recipe!

Wander around the town

Truth be told, like many medieval towns in France, one of the best ways to get to know Sancerre is simply to stroll around and allow the town to reveal itself to you. Enjoy the little details of the pastel hued houses, go window shopping at the many estate agents in town, and soak up the ambiance of the sleepy town.

Soak up the views

Of course, thanks to its breathtaking position overlooking the Loire Valley, one of the best things to do in Sancerre is to admire the view (so don’t forget to bring your camera along). The best views in town can be found at Esplanade Porte-Cesar, directly across the street from the tourist office.

La Nouvelle Place

One of the more bustling and busy places in town is La Nouvelle Place, which is translated into English as the New Square. This is where all of the locals hang out in the evenings and is a pretty lively spot, with lots of bars, cafés, and restaurants spilling out onto the street.

Sancerre Town Hall

One of the principle buildings in town is the Sancerre Town Hall, which is known as the Hôtel de Ville in French. This administrative building is located next to the 1590 built l’hôtel de la Thaumassière, which is now home to a language school.

Ruins of the Castle

Like many hilltop villages in France, Sancerre had its very own château, around which the town developed from the 12th-century onwards. It’s thought that the name Sancerre might have developed from the term “Sacred to Caesar,” before it was later Christianised.

The most impressive piece of the castle to survive is the Tour des Fiefs. Unfortunately it is private property, closed to the public, and can only be admired from its exterior. Once upon a time, the tower could be visited, but this is now permanently closed.

Old Church

While strolling around Sancerre, you’ll soon spy vestiges of the past around almost every corner. One of the most historical pieces to look out for is the former church of Saint-Pierre, which is also referred to as Saint-Père-la-None. The former church dates all the way back to the 5th-century, when a place of worship was established by the monks of Saint Satur.

Notre Dame de Sancerre

The most important church in Sancerre is Notre Dame de Sancerre, i.e. our Lady of Sancerre. Located next to the main museum on a particularly pretty stretch of road, the ecclesiastical building dates back to the 18th-century. Free to visit, should you wander inside you’ll find a quintessentially French church with ornate carvings and stained glass windows.

Where to find the best view of Sancerre

Thanks to its prominent position atop of a hill overlooking the surrounding region, there are a number of places where you can enjoy gorgeous views from Sancerre from afar. Here are some of the best places to view the town:

• One of the most beautiful views in the surrounding area if you head to the village of Bue 
• You can see Sancerre from the Point de vue Amigny 
• One of the most popular places to view Sancerre is from the Belvédère sur Sancerre
• From a windmill which is listed simply as ‘Moulin’ on Google Maps
• The final place where you can enjoy views onto Sancerre is from Chemin de la Crele 

Where to eat in Sancerre

Auberge Joseph Mellot: This is one of the oldest restaurants in town and serves up traditional French fare in a cosy setting. On the menu, you’ll find simple food, cooked well (including the chance to try the local goat’s cheese).

La Petite Maison: We personally dined at La Petite Maison and I was especially appreciative that there was a vegetarian option! You can get plates to share or opt for larger single dishes. Be sure to book in advance as space is limited and fills up fast.

Where to stay in Sancerre

If you’re looking for a beautiful stay in Sancerre, coupled with access to an outdoor pool and a view of the endless sea of vineyards which surround the town, then you’ll want to check into the four-star Hôtel le Panoramic. We personally stayed here during our trip and loved looking out onto the vineyards each morning. Check prices and availability here.

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