Auberge de la Beurrière is a traditional restaurant on the Grande Rue in Le Mans, a street that runs through the Cité Plantagenêt — the remarkably preserved medieval quarter of the city that predates the famous motor-racing circuit by several centuries. The restaurant's kitchen is rooted in the gastronomic heritage of the Sarthe department: rillettes du Mans, the pork paste that is the city's most celebrated culinary export, are made in-house and served with cornichons and toasted bread as the signature starter. Poulet de Loué rôti, using the premium free-range chicken raised in the nearby village of Loué (a breed that carries its own protected designation and is prized by chefs across France), is the most important main course and the one that best represents the kitchen's commitment to local suppliers. Tarte Tatin, the caramelised apple tart with origins in the Loire Valley, rounds out the meal. The dining room occupies a room in a medieval building on the Grande Rue, with exposed timbers and stone walls that reinforce the historical continuity of the setting. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious. The wine list includes selections from the Sarthe and the wider Loire region. Lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Saturday; reservations are recommended.
Signature dishes
- Rillettes du Mans (house-made)
- Poulet de Loué rôti
- Tarte Tatin
Good to know
- Known for
- Rillettes du Mans — the authentic pork paste specialty of Le Mans
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30 and 19:00–22:00
- Reservations
- Recommended; phone +33 2 43 24 41 21
Location
103 Grande Rue, 72000 Le Mans
47.9983, 0.1976 View on map
Highlights
- House-made rillettes du Mans — the authentic pork paste that is Le Mans' signature culinary export
- Poulet de Loué rôti — premium protected-designation free-range chicken from the Sarthe
- Medieval setting on the Grande Rue in the Cité Plantagenêt historic quarter
- Traditional Sarthe cooking using locally sourced produce and protected regional ingredients
- Tarte Tatin made from Sarthe apples — a classic Loire dessert at its most direct
Tips for visiting
- Order the rillettes du Mans as a starter — the in-house version is significantly better than most commercial alternatives
- The Poulet de Loué is typically a larger portion; half a bird is available at lunch for a lighter meal
- The Grande Rue is in the medieval quarter — combine lunch here with a walk through the Cité Plantagenêt
- Reserve for weekend dinner; weekday lunches in the medieval quarter have more walk-in availability
- The restaurant is within a short walk of the Cathédrale Saint-Julien du Mans, worth visiting before or after the meal
Accessibility
The restaurant is at street level on the Grande Rue in the medieval quarter. Some surrounding streets have uneven cobblestones. Contact the restaurant at +33 2 43 24 41 21 ahead of visit to confirm access arrangements for guests with mobility requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What are rillettes du Mans?
Rillettes du Mans are a slow-cooked pork paste seasoned with salt and pepper, potted in fat, and eaten cold on bread. Le Mans is considered the spiritual home of French rillettes, and the city's producers hold a long-standing reputation for quality.
What is Poulet de Loué?
Poulet de Loué is a free-range chicken raised in the village of Loué in the Sarthe, grown according to traditional methods and recognised with a protected quality designation. It is considered among the finest chickens produced in France.
Is the restaurant in the medieval quarter of Le Mans?
Yes — the Auberge de la Beurrière is on the Grande Rue, which runs through the Cité Plantagenêt, the largely intact medieval and Renaissance old town of Le Mans that is one of the best-preserved in France.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant opens Tuesday through Saturday for lunch (12:00–14:30) and dinner (19:00–22:00). It is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Is there a set lunch menu?
A set lunch menu (formule) is available on weekdays at a price point below the evening à la carte. Contact the restaurant at +33 2 43 24 41 21 for current pricing.