Sancerre, Medieval hilltop village in Centre-Val de Loire, France
Sancerre is a hilltop village in the Centre-Val de Loire region sitting at 312 meters above the Loire Valley. The settlement features narrow streets and old stone buildings from the 15th century that cluster around the elevated terrain.
The village played a key role during the French Wars of Religion when its Protestant population endured an eight-month siege in 1573, resulting in heavy losses. This period left deep marks on the site and its inhabitants.
The area is known for its white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in vineyards surrounding the village. Visitors can taste the local cheese Crottin de Chavignol, traditionally made from goat's milk and paired with these wines.
The site works well for walking, especially when starting at the Tour des Fiefs, the remaining tower from the medieval castle. From there, you can access viewpoints over the Loire Valley and surrounding vineyards.
After the phylloxera crisis in the late 1800s, the focus shifted from Pinot Noir to Sauvignon Blanc, completely redefining the site's wine identity. This transformation made the place a recognized center for white wines in France.
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