Le Vieux Tours, Place Plumereau… historic and lively districts! Le Vieux Tours, Place Plumereau… historic districts that are alive and kicking!

In the heart of the historic centre of Tours

Affectionately nicknamed“Place Plume” by Tourangeaux, it owes its name to Charles Plumereau, a former town councillor who bequeathed his fortune to the town in 1885.

In this high spot in the pedestrian zone, the past harmoniously dialogues with the present. The adjacent alleyways invite you to stroll towards le Grand-Marché or the basilique Saint-Martin. When evening comes, the square becomes the scene of a gentle effervescence where students and visitors share convivial moments under the lanterns that illuminate the ancient timber-framed structures.

As you pass under a porch on the north side, you can see the remains of the church of Saint-Pierre-le-Puelllier. Heading towards the quays of the Loire, on the way to the place des Joulins, the streets are very narrow. As you explore the area, discover some Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and classical houses.

©Place Plumereau, Tours|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND-MEHEUT

Place Plumereau restaurant in Tours — ©Place Plumereau, Tours|ADT Touraine - JC COUTAND-MEHEUT

The History of Place Plume

From the Saint Gatien district to the Saint Martin district, via the quartier Saint Julien, the centuries that preceded us have left Tours a precious heritage. However, this heritage has been badly damaged, first by the burning of the city by the Wehrmacht in 1940 and then by the bombing raids from 1942 to 1944. Freshly elected mayor, Jean Royer took up a study on the preservation of Old Tours, which was submitted to him in 1960. Restoration work began in 1961, and was used as a reference when the Malraux law was drafted in 1962, aimed at preserving and promoting France’s historic heritage. The renaissance of the site began with the 1973 conservation plan, based on the Malraux law. A visionary initiative that today allows visitors to admire this preserved architectural jewel. The square officially took the name Plumereau in 1888, in tribute to Charles Plumereau’s generous bequest of 3,000 francs for the secular schools of Tours.

The half-timbered houses

Joyaux of old Tours

Lift your eyes to these majestic facades: the half-timbered houses reveal their intricate geometric patterns, testament to an ancestral skill. Stop in front of number 26 rue de la Monnaie: its sumptuous facade, a listed historic monument, will impress you with the finesse of its ornamentation. The overhanging storeys create a fascinating interplay of light and shadow, while the half-timbered walls form elegant Saint-André crosses. As you stroll along the cobbled streets leading to rue Colbert, admire these architectural treasures, preserved under the Malraux law. A living heritage that keeps the heart of the city centre beating and delights photographers in search of authenticity.

On the banks of the Loire

On fine days, La guinguette de Tours is another popular spot in the city. Moored upstream, the traditional boats of la compagnie Boutavant are the promise of a lovely river trip. But that’s another story… 😉

©Visite guidée place Plumereau à Tours|ADT Touraine - JC Coutand

Discover the history of Vieux Tours on a guided tour full of captivating anecdotes.

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Bars and restaurants

The soul of the square

Let yourself be seduced by the bustle of the terraces that make Place Plumereau so famous. Some sixty establishments welcome you in a warm atmosphere, from early morning coffee to lively evenings. Savour local cuisine in one of the restaurants nestling at the foot of the medieval houses, or join the regulars for a convivial aperitif.

The bars on the square compete in originality to offer you a unique experience. From creative cocktails to craft beers, the menus adapt to your every whim. The Lonely Planet guide made no mistake when it named this the most beautiful place in France to have an aperitif!

Where to park near Place Plumereau?

For your meeting at Place Plumereau, opt for the Halles Vieux-Tours car park, just a stone’s throw from L’église Saint-Pierre. This practical solution guarantees you a space just a few minutes’ walk from the terraces.

Also prefer the parking Anatole France or Tours Nationale, perfectly located for exploring the historic district. In the evening, these covered car parks ensure that you can park peacefully until the establishments close.

During the day, think about the park-and-ride facilities connected to the tramway: an economical alternative for getting to the medieval heart of the city without any hassle. The lucky ones may find one of the few free parking spaces along the quays of the Loire, a 10-minute walk from the bustling square.

Student life livens up the square

As soon as the university year starts, Place Plumereau vibrates to the rhythm of the 30,000 students who make the heart of Tours beat. On Thursday evenings, laughter erupts between the centuries-old houses as the student associations organise their integration evenings.

Beyond the festive moments, the square becomes a veritable cultural crossroads where international and French students mingle. The cafés host impromptu work groups, university theatre rehearsals and lively language exchanges.

Discover this unique atmosphere where young people breathe new energy into the ancient stones.

Images of a unique place

Amateur and professional photographers alike flock to the Place Plumereau at the first light of dawn. In this morning light, the facades reveal their most beautiful secrets to patient lenses. A natural spectacle that changes with the seasons, between the golden reflections of summer and the winter mists enveloping the silhouettes of the ancestral houses.

The artist Xavier Veilhan has captured the soul of the district with his monumental monster, which has become the benevolent guardian of the neighbouring Place du Grand Marché. A contemporary work that dialogues gracefully with the centuries-old heritage, offering visitors striking photographic compositions.

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Along the old Tours

Crossing the city of Touraine from north to south, perhaps it’s via the tram that you’ll arrive in the city centre, for example Place Anatole France. While the architecture of the hôtels Hilton and the CCCOD may not hark back to the distant past, the origins of the church of Saint-Julien date back to the 6th century.

At this point, you have two options:

roll down the rue Colbert, which is particularly well preserved, discover the place Foire le Roi before heading towards the cathédrale Saint-Gatien, and its marvellous, highly worked façade. Even further east, the quartier Blanqui also has some little timber-framed gems.
or head west along therue du commerce or the rue des Halles, both of which are well-stocked with numerous shops. A real pushover for window-shopping enthusiasts! You’ll find clothes, souvenirs, home decor and food.
Opting first for the first option, then for the rue des Halles (and yes, you might as well do both!), and once any shopping is done, you’ll arrive at the place Chateauneuf. Recently refurbished, it offers one of the finest views of old Tours, over the tour Charlemagne and the impressive dome of the basilique Saint-Martin.

Further on, in the Place des Halles, enjoy the open-air market that extends the covered market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The “belly of Tours” exhales delicious smells of seasonal fruit, fresh bread, and spices, which arouse the appetite.

Well guarded by Xavier Veilhan’s imposing monster, the small square of the large market host pleasant terraces where regulars take pleasure in lunching under the trees of the alley.