The Loire, the destination’s guiding thread, invites us to add a little water to our wine and dive into four AOCs: Pouilly-Fumé, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Sancerre and the Coteaux du Giennois.
Shaped by Europe’s last wild river, this land of wine reveals itself at full scale, following the flow of the water and the doors of its wine cellars.
A triangular world of vineyards and discoveries
An exceptional wine-growing destination
Right bank of the Loire: Pouilly-Fumé & Pouilly-sur-Loire
Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
On the right bank of the Loire, in the Nièvre département, the wines of Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire share the spotlight without ever stepping on each other’s vines.
Beyond their names and the terroirs in which they are grown, these two vineyards are in fact quite distinct:
Pouilly-Fumé is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape,
while Pouilly-sur-Loire comes from the Chasselas grape.
Left bank of the Loire: Sancerre
Christophe Mouton
Bordering the left bank and overlooking the Loire, the Sancerre vineyard comes alive in red (Pinot Noir), white (Sauvignon Blanc, a grape particularly well suited to the local climate) and rosé.
Across these gently rolling hills, the terroir expresses itself in a distinctive way through a blend of clay-limestone, chalky and clay-siliceous soils — a combination that gives the wines of the Sancerrois their unmistakable character.
To the north: the Coteaux du Giennois
BIVC
North of the Loire, the Coteaux du Giennois stand out across nearly 50 kilometres.
The strength of this vineyard? Its diversity — with white, red and rosé wines — combined with a bold, adventurous spirit. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes come into play: whether red or white, there is never a dull moment.
Since 1998, when it was granted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée status, the Coteaux du Giennois have flourished thanks to a new generation of winegrowers, more driven than ever.
Mon GR® préféré - FFRandonnée_ David Genestal
On foot
Our favourite walk
How about a hike right in the heart of the Pouilly-sur-Loire vineyards?
The “From vine to wine” loop is ideal for discovering the history of the appellation, getting to know the terroir, visiting a wine-growing village and tasting local wines.
This signposted 12 km route takes you deep into the wine appellations of Pouilly.
We love: climbing up to the Belvédère de Saint-Andelain to admire sweeping views over the Loire and the surrounding vineyards.
Set on the banks of the Loire, Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire is well worth more than a brief stop.
To ease into your visit, there’s nothing like a stroll through the town centre. Be sure not to miss:
- the Chapelle Sainte Brigitte
- the Eden cinema
- the legendary Route Nationale 7
- the Loire quays… and the market (Wednesdays and Sundays).
OTBCL
#2 Neuvy-sur-Loire
With its boatmen’s houses lined up along the banks of the Loire, Neuvy-sur-Loire is a reminder that here, water has always flirted with wine.
Its beautifully preserved quays bear witness to the history of the Loire river trade. It’s easy to picture the daily lives of local boatmen and the lively atmosphere of a district once shaped by the comings and goings of river navigation.
Alain Doire / BFC Tourisme
#3 Pouilly-sur-Loire
In Pouilly-sur-Loire, a land of winegrowers and freshwater sailors, curiosities await around every corner:
- façades adorned with glazed bricks,
- ancient fortifications,
- the Val de Loire nature reserve,
- townhouses, the Hôtel-Dieu, the château, former boatmen’s homes and winegrowers’ cellars…
INNOVEO / BFC Tourisme
The quays of Cosne-sur-Loire
OTBCL
Boatmen’s houses, Neuvy-sur-Loire
Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
The Pouilly-sur-Loire vineyard
Charlene JORANDON/BFC Tourisme-
La Charité-sur-Loire
Craquants Val de Loire
Pierre DEmaillet
Because life isn’t just about wine!
- THE LOIRE FROM ABOVE
No need to travel far to take to the skies. The Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire flying club offers introductory flights, a wonderful way to admire the Loire and its vineyards from a whole new perspective.
- OFF TO THE FARM!
Set along the banks of the Loire, Emmanuel and Bernard turn the milk from their goats into the famous Crottins de Chavignol. Pay them a visit at Port-Aubry farm, and don’t forget to stop by the farm shop to stock up on local produce.
- A GOURMET BREAK
As crunchy as they are delicious, Craquants du Val de Loire tempt both young and old alike. Drop into the shop of this artisan producer to sample Craquettes de Bourgogne — crisp almond and hazelnut biscuits, gently sweetened with honey.
It’s Wine Time:
A summer rendezvous not to be missed. Every year from June to September, the Sancerre, Pouilly and Coteaux du Giennois appellations join forces to offer three weekly wine walks and tastings, held in unexpected and atmospheric locations.
Ciné Vignes:
An open-air cinema right in the middle of the vineyards? That’s exactly what awaits you each summer in Pouilly, Sancerre and the Coteaux Giennois. Before or after the screening, a wine tasting is hosted by the welcoming appellation.
Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
A must-stop at...
La Tour du Pouilly-Fumé
Behind the doors of La Tour du Pouilly-Fumé lies a dedicated wine tourism centre. Thanks to its inventive, sensory-led design, every step brings you closer to the vines, the work of the winegrowers and the Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire appellations.
Like the town’s other grand houses, La Tour du Pouilly-Fumé has its own cellar — the renowned Cave aux Arômes. Be sure to pay it a visit.
- Le Chat
Somewhat tucked away near Villechaud (just 4 minutes from Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire), this restaurant is guaranteed to set your taste buds tingling with delight. Don’t look for a fixed menu — it changes all the time — but one thing is certain: the chef is a true master of improvisation. We love: the creativity that shines through in every dish.
- Le Coq Hardi
Renowned for its refined cuisine, Le Coq Hardi is an unmissable gastronomic stop in Pouilly-sur-Loire. At the helm is Dominique Fonseca, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, who works his magic in the kitchen. We love: the terrace overlooking the Loire.
