Sancerre shops
All the shops or boutiques are within a few minutes' walk around the narrow streets of the village centre, most on the loop from the square towards the church. I strongly recommend you put time - and money - aside to take in Sancerre's shops. There are some fabulous and unique things. A fantastic range of objects, foods, clothing, ceramics, kitchenware, gift ideas - and all excellent quality. Much made in France or artisanale. A reminder of good times and hopefully a prompt to come back one day.
What I call the 'loop' here starts either at the top right of the square on rue des trois piliers, passing by place du Beffroi (site of the church) and round back to the square via rue Saint-Jean one way, or from the bottom right of the square in reverse.
In addition, you'll find a post office, a cash machine (on rue Saint-Jean next to la Banque bar, former bank), a 'tabac' for all sorts, including cards, and a pharmacy of course.
The loop
Couleur et Saveur
The first shop on the loop heading off the top of the square into rue des trois piliers.
This is deceptively large and packed full with amazing things: an affordable selection of Sancerre wines, local foods and preserves, kitchen utensils, ground coffee beans you can ask to be ground for you, glass and crystalware, summer clothing, 'smellies'. Across two levels up a spiral staircase with rooms further back.
Café Librairie (on the loop), from the top of the square.
'Une librairie' is French for book shop. 'Une bibliothèque' is a library...
Beautiful books. Small, large, softback, hardback, novels, children's, they're all here. I simply love looking at the designs of the covers, flicking through the pages and buying (when I have time). Lots of books about the region's history, Berry, the vineyards. Glorious books.
And for those with small travel allowances and budgets there are lots of smaller and inexpensive items to take back home as a souvenir.
Drop in, say 'bonjour', have a coffee or a lemonade, and enjoy.
Piaf (on the loop near the church)
This new charcuterie épicérie is relatively new, replacing the former butcher.
Expect a wonderful selection of Jambon de Sancerre, (regional ham) cooked meats, savoury foods, seasonal foods and food to take takeaway. The seasonal foods sounds intriguing. As it's new it will be interesting to see how Piaf develops over the months. Daily specials board (called une ardoise).
Bouqu'infusions, (on the loop from the bottom of the square)
Super shop selling teas and infusions, teapots and vinyl records.
A Fleur d'émail, (on the loop from the bottom of the square)
Primarily is jewellery shop, this lovely place is well worth browsing round as there is wide range of gifts and souvenirs, in addition to jewellery. You absolutely must go in.
Maison Pinard - place du Belfroi
One of two shops in the village of Sancerre, Maison Pinard is a pastry chef and chocolate maker dating back to 1880 and still family owned. They took over this outlet from le Lichou, another regional institution well known for its croquette biscuits.
At Easter, looking into the window display and then entering to buy a chocolate rabbit for example, is always a pleasure.
Maison Pinard icecream parlour and cake shop.
Note also that Maison Pinard has an outlet at 48 rue des pont, Saint Satur, 4km away, one of the villages below where they sell home made ice creams (and you can enjoy their ice creams at the Tour des Fiefs café, a minute away.
Art by Elsa Mathonet
'Artist concepts inspired and created in Sancerre. Paintings in ink and wine' (yes!), is how the owner and painter Elsa describes her work on display here. In addition, Elsa paints using oils.
The boutique serves both as exhibition, shop and workshop. There really is some beautiful and unique work here, such as individual cards painted using wine and ink, which are perfect souvenirs. To t shirts created while you wait. Fun things too.
Pop in and have a chat with Elsa. She speaks immaculate English.
La boutique
Opposite the Art by Elsa studio, La boutique styles itself as local craft creators, and a direct link between you, the region and our workshops this stylish boutique showcases weaving, knitting, leatherwork, and recycled‑art creations. Beautiful to behold.
rue des juifs
Ceramic and Wine, no 15
Ceramic and Wine offers a 'unique fusion of the art of ceramics and the world of wine'. Founded by Valentin Bailly, this boutique showcases handcrafted creations inspired by the terroirs of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. It features decorative objects, ceramic tableware, and upcycled pieces made from staves—old planks from wine barrels.
The shop also offers tastings of wines from Domaine Bailly-Reverdy, providing a complete sensory experience that blends art and wine.
source: petitefute.com
Les Fées Mères 'Fairy Mothers'- no 19
Les Fées Mères is a space dedicated to fine crafts. It mainly features ceramic creations, custom lampshades, and silk paintings created by its resident artists, as well as pieces by about ten guest artisans throughout the season.
What the shop offers: Ceramics: pieces crafted by local ceramicists. Lighting fixtures and lampshades: custom textile creations and silk paintings. Featured artisanal crafts: rotating selections of designer items (jewellery, home decor, accessories) tailored to different times of the year.
Sancerre'lipopette, no 14
Fabulous shop, selling quality products, many of which are made in France. According to the Pages Jaunes:
'Since 2007, Sancerre’lipopette has been bringing life to the heart of Sancerre with a unique, welcoming, and inspiring concept store.
Spread over two floors, the shop offers an original selection that blends everyday items, home décor, to toys, stationery, accessories, lifestyle products, and local collaborations.
Each product is carefully selected to combine aesthetics, practicality, and sustainability. Here, the customer experience is a priority: attentive service, a welcoming atmosphere, personalized advice, and delightful discoveries for everyone.'
Artisanes
Small boutique offering quality handmade leather goods.
Other
Alimentation Générale - Sancerre
A food shop with a sense of humour: on the door the instructions are : 'Pull hard. Very hard.'
This is a large food shop selling a selection of fresh meats, vegetables, fruit, preserves and much much. Cold drinks. Coffee beans and quality holiday souvenirs.
Opening times.
Monday to Saturday: 8.57am to 12.32pm/3.02pm-6.59pm
Sunday: 8.58am to 12.03pm ;-)
Click on the photograph for a preview.