REGIONAL FEATURE

 With around 4,700 inhabitants, La Charité offers a charming combination of community and tranquillity. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an impressive 11th-century Romanesque priory, and has developed into a literary hotspot. Culture and authenticity dominate among the medieval streets and book markets, and all at attractive house prices.

Nature and seasons
The Loire is Europe's last wild river – dynamic, unpredictable and pure. In spring, the hills turn a fresh green; in summer, the river invites you to go canoeing; in autumn, the vineyards are adorned with warm tones; and in winter, the village offers everything you need for a peaceful life: shops, small markets, restaurants and healthcare nearby.

Wine and vineyards
The area has approximately 40 hectares of vineyards under the appellation Pouilly Fume (Sauvignon Blanc) and Côtes de La Charité (Pinot Noir and Gamay). The Loire Valley is responsible for 400 million bottles per year, spread over more than 70,000 hectares of grape cultivation. A stone's throw away is Pouilly-sur-Loire, known for its fresh white wines, such as Pouilly Fume and Pouilly Fume Silex. Linda Bakker knows the region like no other: ‘I work there and I do the export for Domaine Champeau in Saint Andelain. The wine here? Unforgettable.’
Sancerre is also nearby, as are the castle routes along the Loire. Linda adds: ‘You can get here quickly from Paris, and the village exudes book culture. Did you know that a scene from Chocolat, starring Johnny Depp, was filmed here?’

Accessibility
With a direct train connection to Paris (2–2.5 hours) and seven to eleven trains per day, La Charité is easily accessible for international buyers. Daily life is well organised: there is a school, health centre, supermarket and regional transport. In addition, there is a thriving cultural life with monthly book markets and a library, restaurants and entertainment venues along the river.
Website link: See the houses for sale in this region here. Property in the Loire valley and Sancerre

What do the locals themselves find so special?
With the slowly flowing Loire, green fields and vineyards, this is a region that invites relaxation and connection. Plenty of space, delicious wines and a welcoming community.

We would like to share our top 5 summer tips in this wonderful region with you:
1. Canoeing on the Loire – discover Le Petit Rivage and the multi-site islands. Paddle along the river banks and stop for a picnic. View activity burgundy-tourism.com

2. Wine tasting at Domaine Champeau – a family business since 1942, known for Pouilly Fumé and Pouilly sur Loire. Learn about terroir, taste HVE-certified cuvées and visit the cellar. Book your tasting

3. Wine and culture in Sancerre – a historic wine town with panoramic views and top-class gastronomy, ideal for a day trip.

4. Architecture & priory tour – visit the Romanesque Priory Church and stroll through the “City of Words”, surrounded by medieval streets, libraries and literary crafts. https://www.burgundy-tourism.com/discover-burgundy/heritage-sites-and-museums/religious-heritage/unmissable-churches-and-religious-sites/priory-of-la-charite-sur-loire/

5. Cycling along the Loire à Vélo – kilometre after kilometre of green riverside paths. Experience France by bike and discover hidden villages. Routes & tips komoot.com

“I work there and I handle exports for Domaine Champeau. The wine here? Unforgettable,” says Linda Pouilly Fume.