SANCERRE Entre Loire & Coteaux

Its reputation is well established, and its great wine and famous Crottin de Chavignol make Sancerre an unmissable destination and a favorite in Berry. Perched on a hill, the medieval town of Sancerre overlooks the Loire des Îles.

Discover its different quarters as you wander through the narrow streets that bear witness to the city’s rich past. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas and a natural environment ideal for hiking and biking. The Maison des Sancerre will reveal all the particularities of Sancerre wines, from vine to glass.

Office de Tourisme du Grand Sancerrois
Postal address: Esplanade Porte César 18300 Sancerre
Telephone: 02 48 54 08 21
E-mail: accueil@tourisme-sancerre.com

Getting there

What you'll love

Breathtaking panoramas in a natural environment rich in biodiversity

©Sancerre, Church and Belfry｜Philippe Armanet , Territoire Grand Sancerrois

Themed tours of medieval towns, vineyards and local delicacies (Crottin de Chavignol and Sancerre wines)

©Sancerre｜Colinolivero-FFA 2023|colin olivero

A variety of walks: hiking trails, mountain bike loops, trail courses and equestrian circuits

©Sancerre, Château de Pesselières｜Philippe Armanet , Territoire Grand Sancerrois

See all activities

PASS Privilège

Take advantage of over €95 in cumulative savings on all PASS member and partner sites, so you can visit at a smart price!

Sancerre Privilege Pass price: €7 instead of €9 for the Privilege tour

Privilege” tours: torchlight tour of Sancerre, animals hidden in Sancerre

Full price: €9
Reduced rate: €7
Free for children under 10 years of age

Gourmet tours (mornings and evenings) and group tours of the medieval town and vineyards

Upon reservation, the Tourist Office organizes tailor-made tours for groups.

Timetable of historical activities

Several dates throughout the year.

Reservations recommended – Information by telephone on 02 48 54 08 21 or by e-mail at accueil@tourisme-sancerre.com

Cycling in the vineyards

Information and bookings by telephone on 02 48 54 08 21 or by e-mail at accueil@tourisme-sancerre.com

Nature activities timetable

Several dates throughout the year

Cultural and wine-growing season

Apero-theatre, concerts, tastings, entertainment.

With family or friends

Photo rally, Randoland family fun tour.

Recurring events

Pentecost weekend: Wine fair.
June 14: Trail de sancerre.
October: “La Pouilly-Sancerre” epicurean race.

Practical info

Annual opening hours
Grand Sancerrois Tourist Office
MARCH
March 1 to 31: Monday to Friday 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
APRIL
April 1 to 20: Monday to Friday 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
April 21 to 30: daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
MAY, JUNE
May 1 to June 30: daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
JULY, AUGUST
July 1 to 4: daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
July 5 to August 31: daily 10am-6.30pm
SEPTEMBER
September 1 to 21: daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
September 22 to 30: Monday to Friday 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
OCTOBER – DECEMBER
October 1 to December 31: Monday to Friday 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Closed: January/February remote reception only Monday to Friday 10h-12h30 and 13h30-17h30
Access and transport
A77 exit 24 – Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire train station
Saint-Satur marina – GPS 47.33 – 2.84
Host languages
Visitors welcome in English, French, Spanish and German.

With Wivisites, take a free guided tour of the village on your phone, in several languages.
Reduced rates (on presentation of proof of entitlement)
- Young people aged 10 to 18
- Students
- Pass Privilège Route Jacques Cœur
(click here to buy your Pass and benefit from reduced rates)
PMR accessibility
The Grand Sancerrois Tourist Office has been awarded the Tourisme & Handicap label for the mentally, hearing and physically handicapped, and is equipped with an elevator.

The Maison des Sancerre is also accessible.
Contact us

Agenda

Photo gallery

©Sancerre｜Philippe Armanet , Territoire Grand Sancerrois

©Sancerre, Maison des Sancerre｜Route Jacques Cœur

Find out more about the location

City of Sancerre

Throughout the feudal period, Sancerre lived under the rule of the Counts of Champagne, and the first mention of the town dates back to 1116 (Sincerium). In 1152, the County of Sancerre was created: Etienne, son of Thibaud le Grand, first Count of Champagne and adversary of Kings Louis VI and Louis VII, inherited Sancerre. In 1234, the county of Sancerre became part of the crown (Louis IX). The first major figure to leave a visible trace on the town walls was Jean IV, Sire de Bueil: lord of Sancerre since 1451, he had the Halles built in 1456. In 1480, an échevinage was created in Sancerre. By the 1st quarter of the 16th century, Sancerre and the surrounding region had become a Protestant stronghold in Berry.

Between 1618 and 1684(revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685), many Protestant families settled in the town, working as winegrowers and small craftsmen. In 1621, Sancerre’s ramparts were dismantled at the request of the Prince de Condé, governor of Berry. Between 1640 and 1651, the Prince de Condé, then Governor of Berry and Count of Sancerre, banned Protestant worship in Sancerre.

Please note

The hill of Sancerre, the Remparts des Dames, the Remparts des Abreuvoirs, the Remparts de Augustin and the esplanade Porte-César were listed as protected sites on September 6, 1946.

The entire old town was listed on August 22, 1973, with a further extension on May 18, 1976.

Find the city of Sancerre on its website and networks:

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