Sancerre culture
The Sancerre region is abound with cultural destinations and themes, from tiny village permanent exhibition homes, to short term productions, vernissages - opening nights - to classic concerts in châteaux, churches and cathedrals or on the banks of the river Loire. A simple and relaxing way to endure sultry evenings in the region.
Festivals and seasonal exhibtions
Festival de Boucard - 60th anniversary edition
The festivale de Boucard was founded 60 years ago by Michel Montaigu, as a festival in the countryside. His family is historically linked to the Château de Boucard, a medieval fortress in the Haut-Berry.
Even though today the programme is dotted across many villages, the identity of the festival comes from this château.
Concerts are spread across the Sancerrois region, from small village churches to the Château d'Augbigny, and there's a packed programme throughout July.
Some concerts are free and without reservation but a 10€ contribution is welcomed.
Sculpture Monumentale Contemporaine to 2nd August 2026
27 June to 2 August, Château de la Verrerie, 18700 Oizon, near Aubigny.
Sculpt’en Sologne, designated as part of “Bourges 2028, European Capital of Culture, mounts its 9th exhibition of contemporary monumental sculptures in the grounds of the Château de la Verrerie, a 16th-century historic monument near Aubigny-sur-Nère (Cher).
The exhibition brings together some fifteen artists—both established and emerging—including ceramists from La Borne as well as artists represented by the Capazza Gallery (Nançay). Their works will be curated by, Caroline d’Esneval, across several hectares of the park.
Information provided by www.sculptensologne.com
Concerts and dining
Les Apéros à la Grange
When: June to September
Where: Grange Pyramide du Pays Fort Vailly-sur-Sauldre
In a bucolic setting, each event offers a timeless escape: settle in, listen, savour… and fully enjoy the long summer evenings in the heart of the Sancerre region.'
Food, wine and music. An event launched by the department of tourisme.
- Time : from 19.00
- Reservation : recommended
- Price : concert + finger food + 1 drink* 25€ ou Concert + 2 drinks* 15 €
Chez Briquette
Address: 15 Quai Jules Pabiot, 58150 Pouilly-sur-Loire ·
Another 'neighbour' across the river in Pouilly-sur-Loire, officially the Nièvre region but worth a visit.
It's a pancake restaurant that on certain dates offers live music. Shows start at 7pm. There are parking areas along the river.
A great destination also for cyclists as they also provide cycle hire and repairs.
A lovely spot looking over the Loire and multiple sandbanks during the summer when the water level is low and fantastic observing the nature reserve.
Galleries
Art Tour Martine, Place du Connétable, Sancerre
'Au pied de la tour des fiefs, bistrot, lieu magique où règne un joyeux désordre mêlant objets, tableaux, instruments de musique'
'At the foot of the Tour des Fiefs, bistro, place of magic or reigns a joyous disorder mixing objects paintings and instruments and musique.
It also has a pretty sitting out area and serves drinks - hot, cold and alcoholic.
Galerie Garnier Delaporte - Chavignol
Garnier Delaporte, 14 Place de l’Orme, Chavignol, 3km
This beautiful gallery of contemporary art has its home in the village of Chavignol since 2009 and complements the draw of the village of fine wines, cheeses and restaurants, a stone's throw away from Sancerre. Definitely a place to visit and follow by a spot of lunch. (For more details of the village itself, go here).
Current exhibition:
Judith Wolfe
From 3 July 16 August 2026.
Opening hours:
Friday - 14.30 to 19.00
Saturday/Sunday 14.13 to 19:30
