Crêperie La Bigoudène is a traditional Breton crêperie in the heart of Vieux-Tours, Indre-et-Loire, France, named after the bigoudène headdress worn by women from the Bigouden region of Finistère in Brittany. The restaurant brings an authentic Breton galette and crêpe tradition to the Loire Valley, using buckwheat flour sourced from Brittany for its savoury galettes and fine wheat flour for its sweet crêpes, cooked on traditional biligs — the large round cast-iron griddles that define the craft.
The menu follows the Breton crêperie template with conviction. The galette complète — buckwheat galette filled with ham, a fried egg, and melted Emmental — is the benchmark dish and the most popular order. Other galettes include smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers, goat cheese with honey and walnuts, and a seasonal special that incorporates local produce. Sweet crêpes are made with butter and served with classic toppings: salted butter caramel (the Breton signature), praline, chestnut cream, or fresh lemon with sugar.
The cider programme is taken seriously, with brut and doux Breton ciders served cold in traditional bolée ceramic cups. A selection of Loire Valley wines by the glass is also available for those who prefer a regional pairing with their galette. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual, and unpretentious — wooden tables, galette motifs on the walls, and a neighbourhood feel that welcomes tourists and locals equally.
Located on Rue du Fuseau in Vieux-Tours, the crêperie is a 3-minute walk from Place Plumereau. Queues can form on summer evenings; arriving at 19:00 avoids the 20:00 rush. No reservation is needed, making it an excellent spontaneous choice after an evening walk through the medieval quarter.
Signature dishes
- Galette complète (ham, egg, cheese)
- Salted butter caramel crêpe
Good to know
- Known for
- Classic Breton crêperie in the heart of Vieux-Tours — the galette compète is benchmark quality
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 12:00–14:00, 19:00–22:00; closed Sun–Mon
- Reservations
- No reservation needed
Location
8 Rue du Fuseau, 37000 Tours, France
47.3952, 0.6853 View on map
Highlights
- Classic Breton crêperie using authentic buckwheat galette flour from Brittany in Vieux-Tours
- Galette complète with ham, egg, and Emmental — the definitive Breton combination
- Salted butter caramel crêpe — the iconic Breton sweet finish done properly
- Breton cider served in traditional bolée cups alongside Loire wines by the glass
- Walk-in only, casual, excellent value — 3 minutes from Place Plumereau
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at 19:00 on summer evenings to avoid the 20:00 queue — the crêperie does not take reservations
- Order a savoury galette first, then a sweet crêpe — the correct Breton sequence; budget for both
- The doux (sweet) cider paired with a savoury galette is the classic La Bigoudène combination
- Budget €18–€22 per person for a galette, sweet crêpe, and a bolée of cider — good value for the old-town location
Accessibility
The crêperie is on the ground floor of a Vieux-Tours town house with a low step at the entrance. The dining room has standard table seating; wheelchair access should be confirmed directly with the restaurant given the historic building constraints.
Frequently asked questions
What is a galette in this context?
A galette is a savoury crêpe made from buckwheat flour, traditional to Brittany. It is folded around a filling — most commonly ham, egg, and cheese (galette complète) — and cooked on a cast-iron griddle called a bilig.
Is this a genuine Breton crêperie or a Loire restaurant?
La Bigoudène is a genuine Breton crêperie — named after the Bigouden region of Finistère and using Breton buckwheat flour and cider traditions transplanted to Tours' historic old town.
Do they take reservations?
No. The crêperie operates on a walk-in basis. Arriving early on summer evenings (before 19:30) avoids the main queue period.
What is the typical cost per person?
Budget €18–€22 for a galette, a sweet crêpe, and a bolée of cider. Couples can eat well for under €45 without additional drinks.
Is the restaurant suitable for children?
Yes. The casual atmosphere, simple and interactive menu, and novelty of watching galettes being made on the bilig make it an excellent choice for families with children.