Les Années 30 is a benchmark classic French bistro on the Rue Voltaire in the heart of Chinon's medieval town, Indre-et-Loire, France. The restaurant takes its name from the golden age of French bistro cooking in the 1930s, and the kitchen stays true to that heritage with an unwavering focus on Touraine regional dishes executed with skill and served in a warm, characterful dining room.
The menu is a roll call of classic Loire Valley specialities. Rillettes de Tours maison — the potted pork preparation for which the Tours area is famous — arrives as a generous starter with cornichons and sourdough bread. Andouillette de Chinon grillée, the pork sausage made from chitterlings and peculiar to the Chinon area, is cooked over an open grill and served with a mustard sauce that cuts its richness. Tarte Tatin, the caramelised upside-down apple tart from nearby Lamotte-Beuvron, closes the meal in the most authentic way possible.
The dining room is intimate and full of period character — exposed beams, warm lighting, and closely spaced tables that invite conversation between neighbouring tables. The atmosphere suits a long, leisurely lunch after visiting the Château de Chinon, which stands on the ridge above the town. The clientele is a mix of well-heeled tourists, local families, and visiting wine buyers who come to Chinon to taste Cabernet Franc in its most traditional Loire expression.
The wine list is concentrated and excellent, with producers from the Chinon appellation — Olga Raffault, Bernard Baudry, and Philippe Alliet — well represented. The sommelier can guide visitors through the differences between lighter gravel-grown Chinon reds suitable for drinking slightly chilled and the longer-structured wines from the plateau. Lunch formule from €23 offers compelling value; dinner à la carte runs to €55.
Signature dishes
- Rillettes de Tours maison
- Andouillette de Chinon grillée
- Tarte Tatin
Good to know
- Known for
- The benchmark classic Chinon restaurant for authentic Touraine cuisine paired with Chinon Cabernet Franc
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 12:00–14:00, 19:30–21:30; closed Sun–Mon
- Reservations
- Recommended; +33 2 47 93 37 18
Location
78 Rue Voltaire, 37500 Chinon, France
47.1659, 0.2366 View on map
Highlights
- The benchmark classic bistro for authentic Touraine cuisine in Chinon's medieval centre
- Andouillette de Chinon grillée — the signature grilled chitterling sausage of the Chinon region
- Exceptional Chinon Cabernet Franc wine list spanning the appellation's top producers
- Rillettes de Tours maison — made in-house with traditional slow-rendered technique
- Intimate period dining room in a medieval stone building on Rue Voltaire
Tips for visiting
- Order the andouillette only if familiar with the distinctive flavour of chitterling sausage — it is authentic and uncompromising
- The lunch formule (€23–€32) is the best-value way to experience the full range of the kitchen
- Ask the sommelier to suggest a slightly chilled Chinon Rouge — this suits the rillettes and charcuterie starters perfectly
- Book a full week ahead for summer weekend lunches; the restaurant is small and fills quickly
Accessibility
The restaurant is in a historic medieval building with a small step at the entrance. The dining room is on the ground floor, but accessibility for wheelchair users may be limited by the historic structure. Contacting the restaurant ahead of a visit is advisable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the signature dish?
The andouillette de Chinon grillée is the most emblematic dish — a grilled chitterling sausage specific to the Chinon area, served with grain mustard sauce. Rillettes de Tours maison is the essential starter to order alongside it.
Is Les Années 30 a Michelin-starred restaurant?
No, Les Années 30 is not Michelin-starred, but it is widely regarded as the best traditional bistro in Chinon for authentic Touraine regional cooking and local Cabernet Franc wines.
How close is it to Château de Chinon?
The restaurant is on Rue Voltaire in the lower town, roughly 10 minutes' walk from the château entrance on the ridge above. It is an ideal destination for a post-visit lunch.
What wines are available?
The wine list focuses on Chinon Cabernet Franc producers including Olga Raffault, Bernard Baudry, and Philippe Alliet. Loire Valley whites from Vouvray and Saumur Blanc are also available for those who prefer white wine.
What is the dress code?
Smart-casual is appropriate. The restaurant is not formal, but the atmosphere is respectful of the cooking and the historic setting in Chinon's medieval quarter.