Place Plumereau: The Historic Heart of Vieux Tours

Place Plumereau is the vibrant, picture-perfect heart of Vieux Tours, a stunning square ringed with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and bustling cafes. Known colloquially as 'Place Plume,' it serves as a central gathering point for students, locals, and tourists, embodying the city's blend of ancient history and contemporary life.

A History of Transformation

The square's current appearance belies a complex history of change. Originally a crossroads and small market known as Carroi aux Chapeaux in the 13th century, its layout was once about half its present size. A municipal project between 1860 and 1912 involved demolishing ten houses to enlarge the square to its current configuration.

Like much of Tours, the area suffered extensive damage during World War II, first from burning in 1940 and later from Allied bombings. The picturesque state seen today is largely the result of a painstaking and complete restoration carried out between 1963 and 1967. These efforts were guided by a conservation plan initiated in 1973 under the Malraux law, designed to protect France's historic heritage. The square officially received its current name on November 18, 1888, in honor of a local benefactor.

Architectural Heritage

Place Plumereau is distinguished by its magnificent half-timbered houses and mansions, primarily dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. These structures showcase architectural styles from the medieval period through the Renaissance. The wooden beams were traditionally assembled in patterns like grids or Saint Andrew's Crosses, with the spaces filled with cob, a mixture of clay soil and straw.

Among its hidden details, a house at the corner of Rue du Change and Rue du Commerce features two carved pilgrims on its posts. These carvings are references to the historic pilgrimage routes to Saint-Martin and Santiago de Compostela that passed through the region.

The Square Today

Today, Place Plumereau is a bustling hub renowned for its outdoor cafes and restaurants that spill onto the pedestrianized square, which was made permanently car-free in 1981. It offers a wide range of dining, from traditional French cuisine to international flavors, alongside unique shops and boutiques. Its lively atmosphere has earned it recognition from Lonely Planet as the 'most beautiful place in France for an aperitif'.

The Man Behind the Name

The square is named for M. Charles Plumereau (1818-1885), a city councilor who bequeathed 3,000 francs to the city of Tours. In his honor, the square was officially renamed Place Plumereau in 1888, cementing his legacy in the heart of the city.