La Maison de la Place Plumereau is a café-restaurant on the most celebrated medieval square in Tours, Indre-et-Loire, France. The Place Plumereau is the photogenic heart of Vieux-Tours, surrounded by fifteenth-century half-timbered facades, and the restaurant's terrace — shaded in summer by awnings and warmed by heaters extending the season into autumn — occupies a prime position looking directly onto the cobblestones and the square's animated pedestrian life.
The restaurant operates as a classic French brasserie, open daily from morning coffee through to a late dinner service. The all-day menu includes a plat du jour that rotates daily and showcases Loire Valley produce at accessible prices, a charcuterie board with regional rillettes and terrines, and a terrace aperitif offering — typically a glass of Vouvray or Chinon with olives and cornichons. Cooking is competent and straightforward; the emphasis here is on the setting rather than culinary innovation.
At lunch, the terrace fills quickly with visitors who have come to see the medieval architecture of the square and want a glass of Loire wine and a light meal in an iconic location. The best seats are the outdoor tables facing the central cobblestones, where the wooden facades of the surrounding buildings frame the view. In summer, the square becomes a pedestrian zone in the evenings, and the terrace becomes one of the best people-watching vantage points in the Loire Valley.
The wine list is accessible and sensibly priced — Vouvray, Chinon, and a house carafe are the usual order. Dinner menus run from €25–€40; lunch is typically €15–€25. The restaurant is open daily and suits families, solo travellers, and large groups. No reservation is required.
Signature dishes
- Plat du jour
- Charcuterie board
- Terrace aperitif
Good to know
- Known for
- The best terrace in Vieux-Tours on the famous medieval square — ideal for a glass of Vouvray and a plat du jour at lunch
- Hours
- Daily 09:00–23:00
- Reservations
- No reservation needed
Location
5 Place Plumereau, 37000 Tours, France
47.3956, 0.6843 View on map
Highlights
- Best terrace in Tours' medieval old town — directly on the famous fifteenth-century Place Plumereau
- Vouvray by the glass with a charcuterie board — the ideal Loire aperitif setting
- Plat du jour with Loire Valley produce at accessible brasserie prices
- Open daily from morning through late evening — flexible for all-day visits
- One of the most photographed locations in Tours; a cultural landmark as much as a restaurant
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 12:00 for lunch to secure the best terrace tables facing the square's medieval facades
- A glass of Vouvray with rillettes on the terrace is the definitive casual Loire Valley meal — budget €12–€16 for this combination
- The square is pedestrianised on summer evenings, making a 19:00 aperitif on the terrace one of the best moments in Vieux-Tours
- The plat du jour offers the best kitchen output — steer away from basic tourist-menu dishes for a more satisfying experience
Accessibility
The terrace is accessible from the pedestrianised square with no significant steps. The indoor dining room has standard table seating. Wheelchair users can access both the terrace and indoor dining areas comfortably.
Frequently asked questions
What is Place Plumereau?
Place Plumereau is the historic heart of Vieux-Tours, the medieval district of Tours. It is surrounded by fifteenth-century half-timbered houses and is one of the most photogenic squares in the Loire Valley.
Is this restaurant primarily for tourists?
The terrace draws a high proportion of visitors, but the restaurant also serves local workers at lunch and neighbourhood residents in the evening. The brasserie format makes it welcoming and accessible to all.
Does the restaurant take reservations?
No. The restaurant is walk-in only. Arriving before 12:00 for lunch or at 19:00 for an aperitif ensures the best terrace seating.
What should visitors order?
A glass of Vouvray and a charcuterie board with rillettes de Tours is the classic combination. The plat du jour provides a more complete lunch at good value and changes daily with local produce.
Is it open year-round?
Yes, La Maison is open daily throughout the year. The outdoor terrace is most enjoyable from April through October, with heaters extending the season into cooler months.