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 serves as a gathering hub where students, locals, and travelers mix in the cafes and restaurants that line its edges.
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.
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