The market halls of Tours a gourmet stop

The charm of the half-timbered houses in Old Tours attracts many visitors. But the market halls of Tours are also an attraction in their own right, situated between the Place du Grand Marché – with its ‘monster’ – andthe Hôtel Les Trésorières. All the more so as the numerous restaurants all around give these surroundings a real epicurean flair! Around thirty artisan food producers bring this gastronomic hotspot to life, on the ground floor of a large building whose architecture is typical of the 1970s and 1980s.

The very best craftsmen under one roof

Step inside the Tours market halls and let your senses guide you. In this bustling covered market, the traders passionately carry on their traditional skills. Savour the speciality breads fresh from the oven, take in the aroma of perfectly matured cheeses, and admire the colourful stalls of the greengrocers.

The butchers and charcutiers offer their homemade specialities, whilst the fishmongers showcase their fresh catch every morning. And don’t miss Maison Clément, a delicatessen where you’ll find the very best of local flavours (tapées pears, Tours rillettes, Loire fish terrine, tinned foie gras, Loire wines…). With its peppers and spices, the Palais des Epices will take you on a journey to faraway places, but with a local specialist: Terre Exotique, a company based in Rochecorbon.

When should you visit Les Halles de Tours?

The covered market is open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm, and on Sundays from 7am to 1pm. On public holidays, the market remains open until 1pm: a unique opportunity to prepare festive meals with exceptional produce. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, to make the most of the bustling outdoor market on the market square, arrive before 10.00 am to avoid the late-morning crowds.

Parking at Les Halles

The Les Halles Vieux Tours car park, located at 36 Place Gaston Paillhou, offers 670 covered spaces right in the heart of the city. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it guarantees secure parking just a stone’s throw from the market stalls.

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Halles de Tours
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ADT Touraine / Marieke Gourdin

These guardians of flavour are happy to share their tips on how to bring out the very best in their creations. Listen to the wine merchant recount the history of Tours’ winemakers, or the master butcher explain how he achieves the perfect maturation of his meats. More than just a place to shop, the Halles de Tours, under their expert guidance, become a showcase for artisanal craftsmanship.

Whilst you’re in Tours...

The Les Halles tile the place to be for bon vivants

On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, Place Gaston Paillhou comes alive with a special buzz. From 7.30 am to 12.30 pm, fifty local producers set up their colourful stalls on the market floor, right in front of the main building.

Soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic market, whose tradition dates back to the 12th century. Stroll amongst the stalls to discover spring asparagus, fragrant summer melons or autumn mushrooms. Each producer or trader brings their own seasonal treasures.

Weekly markets

As well as the market halls, Tours has plenty of weekly markets.Amboise, Loches, Chinon and Langeais are no exception. Grab your best wicker basket, and off you go!

Discover

The restaurants from the Place des Halles

On sunny afternoons, the terraces come to life, reinforcing this historic square’s reputation as a foodie destination. Just a stone’s throw from the market stalls, Le Mastroquet welcomes you to a 200-year-old house where head chef Christelle Peynot blends French traditions with Italian touches. A few metres further on, savour the inventive cuisine of chef Henri Leclerc at La Maison des Halles, in a refined bistro atmosphere. Any other suggestions? The plant-based and gourmet Tahina, the convivial Le Jaja, or theexotic realm of Angkor!

La Maison des Halles

Les Halles de Tours a covered market steeped in history

In 1864, Tours City Council began construction of the first market halls on Place Gaston-Pailhou. The architect, Gustave Guérin, drew inspiration from the market halls of Paris to create a majestic metal structure.

The city’s rapid growth necessitated a first extension to the north in 1883. A century later, the then mayor, Jean Royer, undertook a complete renovation of the market halls, featuring contemporary architecture designed by Jean-Claude Drouin and Michel Georginadi.

Today, this temple to gastronomy continues to write its own history, blending tradition and modernity in a building which houses, in addition to the market, a multi-purpose hall, offices and the studios of France 3 Tours.