La Tour, located on the Nouvelle Place in the hilltop village of Sancerre, Cher, France, is the definitive village restaurant for the appellation that bears the town's name. Sancerre sits on a limestone promontory above the upper Loire, and the panoramic view from the village over the vineyards and the river defines the most celebrated wine-and-landscape moment in Centre-Val de Loire. La Tour captures this setting with a menu that unites Berry regional cuisine with the wines produced on the slopes immediately below.
The signature dish is Crottin de Chavignol chaud — the small cylindrical goat cheese of the neighbouring village of Chavignol, grilled until warm and softened, served on a bed of lardons with a walnut and lettuce salad alongside a glass of Sancerre Blanc from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This combination is one of the great regional matches in French gastronomy: the herbal, citric wine cuts the cheese's lactic richness with precision. Ordering anything else as a starter would be to miss the defining experience of Sancerre.
Main courses reflect the Berry landscape — Poulet de Bresse en sauce crémée, veal with seasonal mushrooms, or river fish from the Loire. Berry tarte, typically an apple or pear preparation with a buttery crust, closes the meal. The menu is not adventurous but it is thoroughly executed and representative of a cooking tradition that deserves more international attention.
The dining room is warm and comfortable with a view of the village square. Lunch service is particularly pleasant; the terrace opens in summer months. The wine list is predictably strong on Sancerre Blanc and Rouge but also includes Menetou-Salon, Quincy, and other Berry appellations for comparison.
Signature dishes
- Crottin de Chavignol chaud with salad
- Poulet de Bresse en sauce crémée
- Berry tarte
Good to know
- Known for
- The definitive Sancerre village restaurant — Crottin de Chavignol served warm with Sancerre Blanc is the dish to order
- Hours
- Daily 12:00–14:00, 19:30–21:00 (closed Mon eve Nov–Mar)
- Reservations
- Recommended weekends; +33 2 48 54 00 81
Location
31 Nouvelle Place, 18300 Sancerre, France
47.3296, 2.8420 View on map
Highlights
- The definitive village restaurant in Sancerre with a menu centred on Berry regional cooking
- Crottin de Chavignol chaud with Sancerre Blanc — one of the great regional pairings in French gastronomy
- Views over Loire Valley vineyards from the hilltop village setting above the river
- Wine list covering Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, Quincy, and Berry appellations in one place
- Ideal base for combining with a Sancerre appellation wine tour and village walk
Tips for visiting
- Order the Crottin de Chavignol chaud as a starter — this is the essential Sancerre experience and the dish that defines the visit
- Ask the sommelier for a grower Sancerre Blanc recommendation rather than a négociant selection for greater terroir expression
- The lunch menu (€26–€36) is the better-value format; dinner à la carte runs to €65
- Visit on a clear day — the view from the village square over the Loire Valley vineyards is worth the drive alone
Accessibility
La Tour is at street level on the main village square of Sancerre. The dining room is accessible from the square, though the village itself has steep cobbled streets leading up to it. Guests with mobility limitations should arrive by car and park near the square.
Frequently asked questions
What is Crottin de Chavignol?
A small cylindrical goat cheese produced in Chavignol, a hamlet within the Sancerre appellation. It is one of France's most famous goat cheeses and is protected by an AOC designation. Served warm, it pairs perfectly with Sancerre Blanc.
Is the restaurant open year-round?
Yes, but Monday evening service is closed from November to March. The restaurant is open daily for lunch throughout the year and for dinner most evenings during the tourist season.
What is the best time to visit?
Lunch in summer when the terrace is open provides the full Sancerre experience with vineyards in leaf. October harvest season is also spectacular for atmosphere and the chance to see the vendanges.
What wines beyond Sancerre are available?
The wine list includes Menetou-Salon, Quincy, and Reuilly — other Berry appellations rarely found together in one restaurant list. These offer interesting comparison with the Sancerre selections at often lower prices.
How accessible is the village of Sancerre?
Sancerre is at the top of a steep hill and arriving by car is strongly recommended. The village streets are cobbled and steep; the restaurant is on the main square near the top of the village.