The best bars and cafés Châteaux de la Loire

A bar for drinking and eating: this is the rule at La Vida Loca. On the small terrace, in the dining room on the first floor or upstairs, we enjoy ourselves. On the drinks side, we find the classics of any bar in Touraine: local beers or not, good wines and well proportioned cocktails. On the plate, there is a wide range of tapas and small home-made dishes. In addition to the dish of the moment, often traditional and well-prepared, you can opt for burgers, homemade guacamole and other hummus in addition to the classic cheeses and cold cuts. And on Sundays, it's brunch, always in a nice, dynamic and rock'n'roll atmosphere.

It's an atypical and complete establishment that has settled in front of the church of Chaumont-sur-Tharonne. On the one hand it is a wine and tapas bar where you can have a great time and enjoy a plate of cold cuts or cheese, on the other hand it is a decoration store where you can find contemporary gifts as well as antique furniture. From a third point of view, it is an art gallery that exhibits artists who change every three months, and finally the house offers five beautiful guest rooms with all modern comforts.

Located in front of the Amboise castle, the Shaker has no more to make its reputation with the Tourangeaux and Amboisiens... It has a magnificent panorama of the Loire Valley for a relaxing break. In summer, with its vast terrace, its cocktail menu and its warm atmosphere, it will seduce you to prolong the evening. Its specialty: more than 100 different cocktails, alcoholic or not. But also planks, quality tapas and home-made ice creams. Taken over in 2022 by Mélanie and Arnaud, it is the ideal place to spend a pleasant moment with family or friends.

The Key West, in its laminate and wooded tones, opens its doors, but will you be ready to face these routes of rum? Exotic perfumes, notes spicy, Cuban smells, the master of places proposes no fewer than 50 different rums from different parts of the world. Comfortable teak and rattan seats for a soccer evening, very nice to eat the crowd of macerated au, developed in the mood of the maintainer's moods. Apple-pear-cinnamon, orange-cinnamon, litchi-honey, papaya, blindfolded wood, red fruits, grapefruit… The atmosphere is relaxed and good child, with of course all the classic drinks for those whose penchant for rum is not yet proven. In the basement, the room is warm under the vaults of the cellar specially designed to receive the cave clients. Beware, the night nights wait to spend the evening standing, sometimes dance spontaneously when the atmosphere becomes spicy. A very nice place.

At Chocolats et Chimères, you can gaze out over the Pont-Canal from a shady terrace and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the landscape. This artisan chocolatier-confiseur-glacier's window display is such that not to stop would almost be a crime of lèse-majesté against all these elaborately sweet delights. Set up in the charming former guardhouse, his homemade ice creams with fresh fruit are a huge hit. And his chocolate creations: ganaches, rochers, bouchées... likewise, we love them. Hervé Roussel loves to amaze young and old alike. So much the better, because it's delicious!

Delicious bagels, sweet desserts, homemade drinks, attentive staff and a multitude of board games! And every month, the team offers blind tests, after works, quizzes, themed evenings and a brunch every Sunday. Bonne Pioche is for those who have kept a child's soul, the bon vivants, the competitors, the happy and the unhappy losers, the young and the old. In group or solo, you are all welcome. You can also come and have a drink and play quietly without participating in the animations.

Adjacent to the family bakery-pastry shop in the rue Saumuroise, Charlotte had the good idea to open this space that is both a tea room and a snack bar. A large and bright room with, at the back, a more cosy part, where you can taste at very low prices the pastries and pastries of the house, but also sandwiches, mixed salads, quiches, burgers, wraps or small hot dishes. For dessert, you can treat yourself to a chocolate mousse, a crémet d'Anjou or a fruit salad. Finally, on Saturday mornings, the place proposes a copious brunch.

"What's first?" The puzzle among board games is to know which game you will beat your friends and family in first. Here, no less than 150 references of board games, from the great classics to the little nuggets, are waiting for you. To hope to win your games punctuated by laughter, strategies or cheating (we see you), gourmet plates, beers, cocktails with or without alcohol and hot drinks will be your best allies. Appealing to young and old alike, this concept guarantees you a good time.

In a quiet street, here is a tea room where the nice decoration is just like what you find in your plate: light and dynamic. Brunch et Goût Thé is indeed true to its name: you can come at any time to fill up and succumb to the sin of gluttony without malice. Between the soups, the pies and the cakes, the teas, the hot chocolate and the various pastries, one does not know any more where to give of the head! We stop there for breakfast, lunch, a coffee break or a snack that makes us fall back into childhood... or to have a brunch on Sunday from time to time. You've got it: here, there are delicacies for every hunger and every desire.

Half-zebra, half giraffe, okapi is an endangered animal, like this atypical bar. Famous for its dry shooters card and burst, which envious the night-old Angevine youth, it has two rooms: one (blue and red, all mosaics and vintage benches) at the top where merry drains are gathered for a drink, and the other in the vaulted cellar with a second bar and colorful stools for lovers of acoustic concerts and DJ evenings. It's a place of connoisseurs, don't expect to see anyone. People come here to find their friends at the closing of the other bars, share a glass by resurrecting the world, around shooters with evocative names: Kamikaze, Orgasm, Monkey Brain… Music evenings are inspired by rock and house/techno. We will regret that the bar is so noisy when it meets…

A beautiful story of succession, Solène loved to spend a moment in the Jardin des B'teas every time she came to the region, and today it's she who has taken over the reins of this pretty tearoom. This history buff also likes to share her simple yet gourmet cuisine. She'll introduce you to the world of tea and its secrets. Once you've tasted one of her pastries, don't leave without visiting her boutique, where you'll find it hard to choose between all the gourmet treasures she's found for you.

What a charm! This Boudoir is a good thing. engouffrez yourself in this small passage from the rue d'Alsace, and discover this original café hidden at the bottom of a courtyard… The card, if it does not exceed references, offers some raw products (Aubance, Saumur Gross, etc.). We share with friends or colleagues a glass or a meal on the thumb. The terrace, surrounded by beautiful vegetation, offers 30 seats in the shade. French music as much as possible, privatisables evenings on the floor possibly, customers of the visitors, we are here a little like Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The croissants of breakfast in the millésimées sardines, the delicious hot chocolate of the taste, or the sweet salami and toast of the drink, every moment is charming. It talks, it laughs— it's savour, we meet it, it's found, far from the tumult and for the expected reunion of after work. A real boudoir, what!

The tree to which it owes its name has disappeared, but Le Vieux Mûrier is still there. We appreciate its half-timbered façade, its large terrace and its old café décor. Wallpaper with old posters, red velvet chairs... The atmosphere is warm, and so is the kitchen. On the slate, dishes cooked with local and fresh products: fish, entrecote, stew, salad... The daily menu is served in a single plate (compartmentalized), and the house specialty is worth the detour: the Vieux-Mu burger, made with chicken, goat cheese and homemade blackberry jam. The bar even has its own beer, a white craft beer... with a little blackberry, of course!

There are two ways to know and go to V & B. The first is to make a jump to buy beer in anticipation of the next soccer match, or rent a pump for the weekend. The V & B'drop-off'sort of. And then there is the 2nd way to come here: that of the time found, of the atmosphere tavern at the time of the aperitif, friends or family, sitting in front of a good sausage of the soil to cut yourself on a wooden board, take the time to choose a good bottle of wines among the hundreds present, for example the "discovery of the month", or "wine of the month of the month" or the Patron's suggestion, which is shared on large, user-friendly tables. You can go out of the beaten paths and start discovering these beers from abbeys, from the clearest to the most brown. Until the boss rings the closure bell. From this 2nd way of seeing things, we conclude that V & B is a place apart, in every sense of the word (because quite far from downtown, and that's so much better).

A well-known haunt for jazz and food lovers. With its three lounge and intimate rooms, the Strapontin does not only serve good drinks. The place has made a name for itself in jazz (but not only), with its jams and concerts. On the menu, beers and wines, but also whiskies, rums or house cocktails are accompanied by planks of cold meats and cheeses. Ideal for a cosy evening or a group outing (reservation required), with a very professional welcome. From the morning coffee on the terrace to the evening concert, this is a place where it is good to stop!

In this sophisticated place, the same recipe for hot chocolate has been used for 60 years. How not to be tempted! The first sip revives childhood memories, a real Proust's madeleine. Tea lovers have not been forgotten with a selection of fifteen flavors. Your beverage will go perfectly with a pastry or a chocolate. The greed and happiness felt in this century-old setting are a beautiful tribute to the Godineau family adventure. One last piece of advice: don't ignore their macaroons!

26 years already? Owner Warren opened The Pale in 1998 to recreate a little piece of Ireland. And it worked! The Pale has become a benchmark bar on Rue Colbert, winning over Tourangeaux with its lovely terrace, pub atmosphere and friendly waiters and waitresses at the counter. Here, we chat in French, sometimes in English, and above all we speak the same language: the love of good beer and the warm atmosphere of pubs! Darts, a fine selection of beers, soccer and rugby matches on giant screens, and sometimes even concerts...

The main reason for coming in is to buy tea. But the store also serves as a salon, to satisfy tea lovers. With just a few seats in winter, and a terrace in summer, you can enjoy one of the teas from the store's rich collection, or a strong coffee, accompanied by a delicacy. To help you make the right choice from among the teas from leading brands (Mariage Frères, Kusmi...), we offer helpful advice. Other products include coffee, chocolate, sweet treats and even mate. And, of course, the service is top-notch.

On their Facebook or Instagram accounts, we quickly have a smile, and it's normal: Antoine, Gorane and their team put good humor on the menu every day! In a nice decor, between modern colored paintings and rustic wooden furniture, we come to have lunch, taste wines and chat. You can buy here good wines from Touraine and elsewhere. Tastings are often organized: of wines of course, but also of cheeses, rums or beers, there is something for everyone. Wine shop, bar, good lunch table with homemade dishes: the address is frequented all day long, and one comes back with pleasure as the welcome is so warm.

For some years, bosses have changed, but the key remains: beer, whisky and the warm atmosphere of a pub! Becoming Camden Pub in the summer of 2016, the former Paddy retains the essential: we talk and drink, not that the chairs are missing (the terrace is large enough), but the atmosphere is such during the sports retransmissions that it keeps us awake without noticing. A nice address, ideal for an evening between friends around a good beer!

Ah, the 1960s and 1970s were the good times, as some would say. La Belle Époque is also the name of this bar located a few meters from Place Plum'. Here, the vinyls and posters of old idols of yesteryear are honored: Johnny, Mike Brant, Gainsbourg, Dalida... but also Gabin and Belmondo. All this against a background of music and we quickly get the urge to sing some well-known tunes and accompany the waiters. The clientele is of all ages and the atmosphere is relaxed and good-natured. In summer, the terrace is always full and offers an ideal setting to enjoy a cool drink in the sun. The sweetness of life in Tours begins with a drink here!

A timeless place on the Place du Grand Marché! On the terrace under the summer sun and in all seasons, or inside when winter comes, the Tourangeau always has something to satisfy us. In the morning, you can bite into a pastry bought next door with a hot drink. At noon, the bar proposes now croque-monsieur and hot dishes in jars. At the aperitif, sausages and terrines accompany beers, cocktails, soft drinks and other wines served with a smile by a dynamic team. And on Saturdays, it's the day of oysters! Artists, teachers, students, tourists, shopkeepers... Everyone passes one day the door of this bar... including you?

While it is true that no bagpipe concert has yet been organized here, the place is still a perfect place in terms of local colour! Beautiful woodwork combined with a superb collection of paintings and old photos make the Black Peat a real Scottish-inspired pub. The most sceptical need only take a look at the whisky map: 111 references! On the beer side, the choice is also very wide, in bottle as well as in pressure. We sip all this in front of a football or rugby match broadcast or a good rock concert upstairs. Finally, for those who wish to eat, burgers and cheesecake are highly recommended here.

The Alexandra is part of this intimidating cohort of coffees that announces the near arrival on Plumereau Square. Very frequented by the young biemont, many students find it after the lessons, at the Happy Hour, certainly attracted by the pint to less than four euros. The card is also very well provided in shooters of all kinds, the ideal cocktail for an evening watering (with moderation, of course!). At the bar, the team will take care of you in the atmosphere, whether you are a match day with broadcast on big screen, or at one of the frequent theme evenings for the arrival of a new alcohol, Saint Patrick, or even an hypnosis session! All with a varied music playlist.

Cosy atmosphere in this bar on the famous Place Plumereau. The tufa stone walls remind us that we're in the historic district, and the colorful, comfortable sofas put us at ease. The cellar is just as friendly, and the terrace lets you enjoy the life of the square. In addition to the classic beers and hot and cold drinks on the menu, there are tasty cocktails prepared with fresh ingredients and quality spirits by ace mixologists. A number of events will no doubt be held throughout the year. And what never changes is the team, always smiling and friendly, sometimes with a hint of a lilting accent that adds to the charm of the place.

An ideal place to have a drink with friends or to eat while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the streets in the centre: set up opposite the entrance to the castle, at the foot of its towers, the elegance of the place is undeniable. This cheerful and creative bar offers a wide choice of cocktails: in addition to the classic Mojito and Piña Colada, the Claire Chazal (gin, sugar, lemon, ginger, strawberry), even if you don't understand its name, is delicious! As for the cuisine, it is generous and without fuss, just like the area it honours.

The two kingdoms face each other: on one side of Plumereau, the Three Kings. And on this side, Au Temps des Rois. It's an early start, with an opening time of 9 am and a breakfast formula that allows you to start the day well. The large terrace allows you to take advantage of the sun and this historical place. Inside, the atmosphere is warm thanks to a colourful decoration where tables with unique mosaics are next to benches and some works of art, all on a pleasant rock or world music background. One discusses, one remakes the world, one laughs and one has fun in front of a beer, a rum arranged house, a coffee, or a board to be shared between friends.

Does Ma Réserve have everything to please? Next to the grocery store, which has become a wine bar, the Ma Réserve bar seduces with its terrace on the street side and its sheltered terrace all year round on the courtyard side. Between the two, warm rooms where it is good to sit down. At lunchtime, you can have lunch there. But it is at the end of the day that the place comes alive. A rich wine list accompanies a fine selection of beers. And for the gourmets, copious planks of cold meats, cheeses, roasted camembert or vegetable tapenades are concocted on the spot. Unless you opt for some oysters? Or would you prefer to reserve the basement for a private party? Definitely a place to visit!

Feel like giving your voice? It doesn't matter if you sing right or wrong: here is an address that will please you. From 10 pm to 2 am, the Feeling offers you its karaoke open to all, before turning into a nightclub until dawn. The list of available songs is long, in English as well as in French, from yesterday or today. In other words, you are bound to find the song of your choice. The club is always friendly, for an atmosphere like at home. And the DJ who takes over the turntables will make you dance until the wee hours of the morning, to exorcise your midnight demons. Don't worry about the risk of rain the next day, have fun without pressure!

This is one of the must-sees of the Old-Tours, especially for the student population and all those who love a big atmosphere. Proof of success? Le Puits Sait Tout has expanded to welcome all its fan customers in good spirits! We meet here around the central bar for a drink in a festive setting. The atmosphere is that of a bar in the South West of France, you are transported to Hossegor or Bayonne, and on sunny days, you can enjoy the large wooden tables on the terrace. For the gourmets, the drink can be accompanied by some tapas with Basque flavours. And if you're in need of ideas, theme evenings throughout the year complete the programme!

Don't trust her name of old QUARTIER neighborhood. The new owners do not lack humor and have been pleased to keep the storefront and the name of what was a well-known boui-boui of the old Orléanais. The former owners of the Garage have opened a small bar in an old atmosphere, with black and white photos, old wallpapers, sifted ambiance and wooden bar. Here we drink Suze, Bière beer and cocktails from the 1910 s to 1930 th. And to accompany everything, a catering offer that makes the share of quality products such as Mont-d'or and good charcuterie. An address that quickly made a name and fills itself very quickly!

Winegrowers for 5 generations, the Breton family produces in biodynamic culture Bourgueil, Chinon, Vouvray... A know-how that they like to share. Hence this real meeting place in the heart of Chinon, in a private mansion. Here, you will find a shop but also a wine bar. Oenological workshops are regularly offered. We like the brunches with local flavours and sometimes the musical entertainment. A place with a studied decoration (you will also find art objects), in which you will be able to put your suitcases for a stay...

Facing the Clos Lucé, Le Maître d'Art offers you a sweet or savory break to enjoy on the spot or to take away. Cheesecake, iced nougat, tiramisu and other delicacies are concocted every day on the spot. On the savory side, you will find quiches, salads and soups made from local products. A dish of the day is also on the menu, it varies every day according to the fresh products of the moment. A large choice of hot or cold drinks. A nice address for the small hungers between the residence of Leonardo da Vinci and the castle of Amboise.

The Well'in Town is a brewpub, a beer bar with New Zealand influences, managed by a family in the heart of Orleans in reference to the capital of the country of the kiwis. The beer is homemade, brewed on the spot, offering a wide variety for all tastes and it is accompanied by a wide menu of food: boards to share, contemporary pizzas, home-made burgers, traditional dishes... The careful decoration contributes to a pleasant and cosy place. Terrace seating for sunny days. Vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

Well known by the people of Tours, La P'tite Maiz produces its excellent beers close to here, in Notre-Dame-d'Oé. In 2022, the two friends Christophe and Quentin open a bar in downtown Tours and it is a success. It's not very big but you feel good around the big central counter. The list of beers offered on draught is displayed on the wall but you can also ask for advice and even taste before ordering. There is something for every taste. A little hunger shows up? So much the better, in the kitchen the chef is busy preparing beautiful things.

We're delighted to see the reopening of this little jewel on the banks of the Loire, a rare address facing the river with no cars in between. Martine and Patrick Boutreux, the owners, have taken over the reins of the house with the aim of reviving this charming country bistro. The cuisine is simple and tasty, using local produce. The vintage decor, created by this couple of retired antiques dealers, is a success. Whether you're on the terrace or in the dining room, it's a pleasure to sit down for a drink or a meal.

The Tonic's is an associative bar open to both girls and boys, although unisex evenings are organized most of the time. Here you can meet, organize outings and activities (hiking, picnic, tourist vistes, cocktail evenings, theme meals, etc.), in any case to escape from isolation and spend good moments. These are volunteers who hold the hotlines at the Lionnaise Street Bar, and The Tonic's is present on local waves thanks to the collaboration of Radio G (101.5), which gives it airtime. The association also offers outdoor activities (visit, barbecue, hiking, etc.).

The Lamartine street is a quiet street, in a rather residential neighborhood. Calm yes, except when you enter April 25. Why April 25? Referring to the 1974 Revolution in Portugal. José and Arthur welcome you in their small neighborhood bar which brings together many people from the Portuguese community throughout the day. We speak Portuguese, we drink coffee because coffee is good. As José says so well: " The singularity of April 25 is that here we speak loud. " So if you're in the corner, don't hesitate to stop taking a break, in the evenings too, around a glass of wine and slices of chorizo. Bem-vindo!

With a new decoration, and a room which allows to have a nice surface to welcome the customers, Le Serpent Volant has not lost what makes its charm. Beams, tuffeau, and, behind the bar, the mythical Omar, faithful to the post. During the day, you can meet a varied clientele which mixes students, artists, originals of all kinds... On the first floor or in the room on the first floor, you can enjoy exhibitions, but also, since a few months, many DJ sets and small concerts. The alternative spirit which animates the place is then translated in music, while some chess tournaments bring back the balance on the side of the calm in this endearing bar.

This restaurant and its café space owe their name to the date of creation of a museum, which later became the Fine Arts Museum, in the Logis Barrault, the oldest private mansion in the city. For a quiet moment, sit outside and enjoy the Place Saint-Eloi and its splendid sculpture by Igor Mitoraj. If you are hungry, the menu offers a home-made menu whose composition varies according to the day and the season. A delight!

A small shop near the old quarter of the cathedral; It's here that you'll drown his thirst for strong drinks. You will be well placed between the counter's pillars like Loved Boisantin and Gervaise Macquart, which will allow you to strengthen. The patron being of Germanic origin, in this den of des, we find a completely curious collection of old bottles in which liquid treasures are built and even an old still used by the founder grandfather of this bar. Moreover, here we are following the traditions of the Rhine in the letter: the start of the schnaps season is 11 November 11 h 11, since traditionally, in Germany, this is the start of the carnival. From that moment, the Germans picolent continuously until February, to be precise, until the beginning of lent. And when you drink, you sing, you'll hear them in the street. Go, the boss Michael will explain to you all these strange customs with a glass of Bommerlunder or Jägermeister, and you will understand soon!

The Comptoirs de l'Affiné is the near-twin brother of the restaurant across the street, offering a triple menu: wine bar, cheese tasting and delicatessen. In a chic, well-appointed setting, you'll find a wide choice of gourmet products: wines and champagnes, Oliviers & Co, terrines, oils, local beers and, of course, cheeses. All available to take away or to taste on the premises with a glass of wine and a choice of snacks. Afterwork and private parties are also possible (booking essential).

In the charming rue du Change, here's a small establishment where you can spend a pleasant moment over a glass of wine. Olivier Jouanneau will advise you on the nectar that will delight your taste buds, among a selection of local and French vintages. So as not to bore you, he regularly withdraws certain wines from his list, replacing them with new ones to broaden his customers' taste horizons. The restaurant also offers a choice of snacks, including a dish of the day, or slates of smoked fish, charcuterie and cheeses.

Here, the products have names that amuse our ears, like the crottins de Saumur. All the products are fresh, gourmet and refined. Choose among the apricot-almond, pistachio-griotte or gold palet chocolates; taste a cloud or a harlequin... It is possible to enjoy a home-made chocolate served with a smile. You can also try the pastries in the window to accompany it: croissant, chocolate bread, golden briochette... what delights! And then, of course, there are the Slate Quernons! Any advice? Don't hesitate to try everything.

Le Jaja lives up to its name: it's a place where you can find good wine, and even very good wine, but that's not all. At lunchtime, Le Jaja is a bistro, with simple, tasty dishes. The welcome is charming, and the prices reasonable when you consider the quality of what arrives on the plate. The family atmosphere makes you forget that the room can be small when crowded, but you'll gladly rub shoulders with this lively neighborhood spot. For a good lunch, or an evening aperitif, this is the place to go if you want to eat and drink well just a stone's throw from Les Halles.

Want to continue the party after the bars close? The Hot Rod is one of the lucky ones that stays open until 4am. If we talk about the "Joulins" or the "Kaa", know that they are the predecessors of the Hot Rod in this place. The spirit remains rock'n'roll, the atmosphere friendly (even if after 2h you inevitably meet customers of other bars a little bit tipsy). Good beers, good wine, and good atmosphere form the trifecta of the place. The DJ sets alternate with the retransmissions of soccer and American soccer or NBA basketball games. Of course, we drink a Budweiser or a good bourbon in these cases! And for the rest, note that the terrace is large and sunny in summer.

Juliette is not only the chef at l'Instant, but also a champion, having been awarded the 2021 prize for the quality of her vegan pastries. In a cosy setting, seated on a welcoming sofa, at a dressmaker's table, or in the basement for greater intimacy, you can enjoy the peace and quiet to read, chat, play games or even watch a film! All while enjoying tea, fruit juice, pastries or savoury dishes. Juliette also takes orders for buffets and special cakes (galettes des rois, logs, birthdays...) Proof that vegan rhymes with gourmet!

Far from the nightlife of the place Plumereau, we look for a more cosy atmosphere here. The place is charming and the large terrace in summer overlooks the beautiful Place Châteauneuf. You will have a front row seat to enjoy the view on the Charlemagne Tower and the statue of Saint Martin. Inside, a retro chic decoration and its bottles on display. The reception is smiling and the barmen will be pleased to make you discover the various cocktails proposed. The whole, accompanied by a well furnished board. There is no need for more!