Cersay – Vineyards and Historic Châteaux

Cersay combines a history of winemaking with a varied architectural heritage. If you’re looking for a hotel in Cersay, you can plan your visit around your interests: vineyards and regional wines, historic buildings or traditional craftsmanship. The places and features below offer a practical guide to help you do just that.

Winemaking between Saumur, Bocage and the Plain

Cersay lies in the Saumur wine-growing area, on the border between the Bressuire Bocage and the Thouars Plain. Winemaking here has been documented since the Middle Ages. Vineyards are therefore not just something to enjoy during your stay, but also part of the town’s history. The Terre de vignobles route invites you to discover the vineyards and AOC wines of the region; vineyards also extend into Cersay.

Planning the route and winemaking into your trip

The Terre de vignobles route is an easy 10-kilometre walk. The estimated duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the starting point is in Bouillé-Saint-Paul. It explores the region’s vineyards and wines. Cersay is also a place with vineyards, but the route begins in Bouillé-Saint-Paul. This makes it possible to distinguish the local winemaking tradition from the starting point of the walking route, without presenting them as a single route through the town. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Cabane à vigne is another testament to winemaking. It lies one kilometre northeast of the town centre, on a path among the vineyards. The square building is made of local rubble stone and has surrounds of dressed tuff stone. It once served as basic accommodation for grape pickers. This former use is part of the history of the grape harvest; it is not a current accommodation option. Check trail conditions before setting out on this walk, too.

Three châteaux, different architectural styles

The châteaux of Cersay can be distinguished by their surviving architectural features. A two-storey square tower is all that remains of the former Château Les Peaux. Extensive outbuildings frame the entrance, which leads through a vaulted gatehouse with a broken barrel vault and an upper storey. The tower, gatehouse and outbuildings are the main features shaping the architectural impression here.

Château Les Blancharderies combines several periods and styles and was restored in the 19th century. Its described features include a rectangular residential wing, a flanking round tower and adjoining outbuildings. Most of the château is visible from the public road; vegetation and access conditions may affect the view. The Sentier de la Soire (H16) walking trail also offers a view of the château.

At Château La Garenne, surviving details tell a different story of its construction. These include water-filled moats, two truncated spur-shaped towers and the base of a square tower. A kitchen and a laundry room with carved corbel fireplaces also survive. These features date the construction of La Garenne to the 14th or 15th century. Comparing the three sites draws attention to their specific differences – from the surviving tower at Les Peaux to the residential wing at Les Blancharderies and the various architectural features at La Garenne.

Craftsmanship at Atelier d'Acryle

For another travel theme, Atelier d'Acryle complements the winemaking and architectural sites with a focus on craftsmanship. Visitors are welcomed by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance, as appointment availability may change.

Discover more destinations: Les Forges, Chizé, Massais, Châtillon-Sur-Thouet, Les Groseillers, Vouillé, Villiers-En-Plaine, La Chapelle-Pouilloux.

For the wider travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.