The story
In the village of Vouvray, just east of Tours, Les Gueules Noires occupies a space as distinctive as its name. Catherine and David welcome guests into a troglodyte restaurant—carved directly into the rock of the Vallée Coquette—where the dining room is set among the very vineyards that define this corner of the Loire Valley. In colder months, a fireplace warms the cave; when the weather turns fine, an shaded terrace opens onto the vines.
David’s kitchen is built entirely around fresh, seasonal market produce. The menu changes constantly, driven by what he finds at market rather than a fixed plan. The result is a tasting experience rooted in the rhythms of the Loire Valley, with a price point between 50 and 60 euros for a three-course meal (starter, main, dessert, excluding drinks).
Catherine has curated a wine list of around one hundred references, stretching from Alsace to Roussillon, with a strong emphasis on the wines of the Loire. Her selections favour vineyards farmed with respect and the most natural vinification possible. Bottles start at 25 euros; a glass from 7.50 euros.
This commitment to terroir and craft has earned Les Gueules Noires a place in the Michelin guide, a recognition that aligns with the restaurant’s honest, ingredient-led approach. The setting—a cave in the vines—is unusual, but the cooking is what brings diners back. Reservations are recommended and taken by phone only.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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