River Cruise - Sancerre

Sancerre

Sancerre is a town and commune of the Cher département, in central France. It is a medieval hilltop town overlooking the Loire River in the former province of Berry. Some evidence points to the existence of an early hillside Roman temple dedicated to Julius Caesar; located on the Roman road from Saint Thibualt to Saint Satur. Name possibly derived from "Sacred to Caesar" and later Christianized to "Saint-Cere".

Known principally for the production of red wine from the Pinot Noir grape until the 20th century, the Sancerre area was devastated by phylloxera in the late 19th century. The vineyards were replanted in Sauvignon Blanc. The area now produces white, red and rose wine. The area is also noted for its goat cheese. The nearby village of Chavignol, which gave its name to the cheese - Crottin de Chavignol - is located on the territory of the commune.Of architectural significance is the Belfry of St. Jean, a 16th century bell tower built by the prosperous merchants of Sancerre; the Tour des Fiefs (1390), the lone remaining tower of the feudal chateau; and the ruins of Saint Romble, a medieval church destroyed by the English. The city is a cobweb of twisted streets with many buildings surviving from the Middle Ages.