Place Plumereau, Medieval square in Tours, France

Place Plumereau is a central square in the heart of Tours' old town surrounded by 15th-century half-timbered buildings forming a complete architectural ensemble. The structures display intact medieval construction with exposed wooden frames and painted facades that create a unified visual effect.

Originally called Carroi aux Chapeaux in the 13th century, the square was renamed in 1888 to honor Charles Plumereau, a city councilor. This change marked a shift toward modernizing the city while preserving the medieval structures surrounding it.

The square sits at the centre of Vieux-Tours, the old quarter that gives the city its name in local speech. Its cafés and restaurants fill the ground floors of the 15th-century half-timbered houses, so a drink or a meal happens inside the medieval street front itself.

The square is easily walkable and restaurants around it offer outdoor seating year-round with tables suited to different group sizes. The layout is clear and easy to navigate whether you plan a quick stop or a longer visit.

The wooden beams visible on the facades carry marks of repair and replacement from different periods, revealing layers of maintenance spanning centuries. Close inspection shows how craftspeople adapted and reinforced these structures while keeping the original layout intact.