THE ART OF FEEDING
A MEMORABLE ADDRESS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE INSPIRED BY ...
The older residents of the Café du Centre will remember Gaston and the petrol pump in front of the establishment, as well as the dancers who graced the floor on Sunday afternoons. Then there was Coco Caillat and her comedy nights with Patrick Raynald, Jean-Paul Lacelle, Étienne Lobry, and her country, rock and roll evenings with Nicole Crepin, and others.
This establishment was also a restaurant, a venue for wedding receptions, a popular meeting place for young and old alike on Wednesdays, market day, and a place for playing foosball, billiards, and pinball. Until it closed in 2017.
42 rue Général de Gaulle! In March 2026, Franck and Séverine will reopen this gourmet establishment, which had already been completely renovated by the municipality but remained desperately empty. The furniture, decor, and installation of an open-plan kitchen were all carried out by local contractors, as requested by the couple.
A simple and refined interior, playing a harmonious balance between the warm tones of wood and the coppery reflections of lamps highlighting the artful presentation of the dishes. The wine cellar itself will be a stage set, like a cabinet of curiosities showcasing wines from the Loire Valley vineyards.
Photos: vintage postcards. Top banner "Route de Buzançais" circa 1940. Robinet-Guillemont Editions
Above, "Rue Grande" (High Street), Spadem Editions, photo by M. Roussel
AT THE GATEFIN FAMILY, IT'S A FAMILY TRADITION
In Villedieu-sur-Indre, the Gatefin name is very prominent, and feeding others is much more than a job: it's a deeply rooted family tradition, going back 80 years, particularly at the Café des Sports (just a few meters down the street). Founded by the grandfather, who ran it for over 30 years, it was then taken over by Joëlle Gatefin, Franck's aunt (who has since passed away), who ran it for 28 years after her parents. Over time, they built a place of sharing and conviviality, welcoming workers, associations, families, and friends around generous and affordable cuisine (it closed in 2015). From everyday meals to major local events, she helped to forge social bonds by placing hospitality at the heart of her commitment. We remember the delicious rousserolles (a type of cornmeal stew) that the grandmother used to make there for everyone after Sunday football matches.
Today, this legacy continues in the city, through chef Franck Gatefin, who perpetuates in his own way this same desire to bring people together, to transmit and to nourish others with sincerity, by valuing the riches of the land and local products, with a slightly more gastronomic but reasoned touch.
The famous reed warblers...
