Le Loir dans la Théière — French for The Dormouse in the Teapot, a reference to the character in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland — is the most beloved and eccentric tea room in Tours, Indre-et-Loire, France. Located on Rue du Commerce in the old town, the café has cultivated a devoted following for its extraordinary interior décor, its extensive selection of loose-leaf teas, and its home-made pastries, which are among the best available in the city outside a dedicated patisserie.
The interior is the defining experience. Mismatched vintage furniture, bookshelves crammed with curiosities, old photographs, eclectic artwork, and a gentle chaos of decoration create an atmosphere that feels both familiar and idiosyncratic — a living room assembled over decades rather than a designed café interior. The effect is warm and welcoming; the dining room encourages long lingering over a pot of tea and a slice of cake in a way that few cafés achieve.
The brunch menu, served throughout the day, includes savoury tarts, soups, and sandwiches alongside sweet pastries — financiers, tarte au citron, gâteau Basque, and seasonal cakes that change with local produce availability. The tea menu runs to dozens of varieties, from classic breakfast blacks to single-origin green teas and herbal blends, served in mismatched china pots. Coffee is available but the tea is clearly the house speciality.
The café operates Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 19:00 and at weekends from 09:00. No reservations are taken — the tea room operates on a walk-in basis. Budget €6–€11 for a tea and pastry; €12–€18 for a full brunch.
Signature dishes
- Brunch platter
- French pastries
- Selection of teas
Good to know
- Known for
- The most charming brunch spot in Tours — eccentric décor, superb teas and home-made pastries
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–19:00
- Reservations
- No reservation needed
Location
6 Rue du Commerce, 37000 Tours, France
47.3960, 0.6895 View on map
Highlights
- The most beloved tea room in Tours — eccentric layered décor unlike anywhere else in the Loire Valley
- Extensive loose-leaf tea menu with dozens of varieties including single-origin and rare blends
- Home-made pastries including tarte au citron, financiers, and seasonal gâteau
- All-day brunch menu with savoury tarts, soups, and sandwiches alongside the sweet menu
- Open from 08:00 weekdays — ideal for an early-morning pause in the Vieux-Tours old town
Tips for visiting
- Budget at least 45 minutes — the décor and atmosphere reward slow exploration rather than a quick stop
- Arrive before 09:30 on weekend mornings to find the home-made cakes at their freshest
- Ask the team for a tea recommendation if uncertain — the selection is vast and staff are genuinely knowledgeable
- No reservations taken; lunch-hour waits of 10–15 minutes are common on weekdays in summer
Accessibility
The tea room is on the ground floor of a Tours town house with a step at the entrance. The interior has somewhat tight passages between the eclectic furniture arrangement; guests with mobility aids should be aware of limited space and may wish to contact the café in advance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tea room named after?
The name is a French translation of the Dormouse's teapot from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The décor celebrates this literary whimsy throughout the interior with vintage objects and book-themed decoration.
Does the tea room serve food as well as tea?
Yes. A full brunch menu is available throughout the day, including savoury tarts, soups, and sandwiches alongside a rotating selection of home-made pastries and cakes.
What are the opening hours?
Monday–Friday 08:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 09:00–19:00. The café is open every day of the week.
Is it suitable for coffee drinkers?
Yes. Coffee is available and perfectly good, though the tea selection is the main attraction and reason most regulars return. The brunch and pastry menu is equally enjoyable with coffee.
Where is the tea room located?
On Rue du Commerce in Vieux-Tours, approximately 5 minutes' walk from Place Plumereau and 10 minutes from Tours railway station.