Place du Monstre, Tours

Between the covered market halls and the buzz of Place Plumereau, where everyone hangs out on summer evenings to share a beer and catch up with friends, there is a much more discreet little square in Tours. Officially it's known as Place du Grand Marché, but almost everyone refers to it these days as Place du Monstre. It's a great spot to start the day -- not, I hasten to add, in the McDonald's that has opened at one end, but next door, in the neighbourhood bar, opposite the long established hat shop. Buy yourself a pastry at one of the bakeries along the square and settle down with an excellent coffee on the terrace of le Tourangeau for some people watching.

Further Reading: The Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office page for Place du Monstre is entertaining (and in English).

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