Sancerre, Medieval hilltop town in Centre-Val de Loire, France
Sancerre is a medieval commune in Centre-Val de Loire perched on a hillside. Stone buildings from the Middle Ages form the town's core, with views extending across the Loire River valley toward surrounding vineyards.
The town endured a long siege in the 16th century when Protestant residents held out against Catholic forces. This period of conflict left a mark on local memory and shaped how people later understood their place in France.
Wine production shapes how people here see themselves and their surroundings. The vineyards that cover the hillsides are woven into local traditions and how residents connect with their land.
The town sits in a southern location within easy driving distance of central France. Walking through the area, visitors find high points offer the best orientation for understanding the layout of vineyards and the river below.
A plant disease in the late 1800s forced local winemakers to replant with different grape varieties. They chose Sauvignon Blanc, a shift that eventually became the foundation of what the region is known for today.
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