La Cigale Art Nouveau Brasserie
A legendary Art Nouveau brasserie in Nantes, offering classic French cuisine amidst breathtaking, ornate decor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
La Cigale Art Nouveau Brasserie
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Art Nouveau brasserie in Nantes, offering classic French cuisine amidst breathtaking, ornate decor.
"The interior is a piece of art, and the food and service are excellent!"
📸 Admire the Decor
Take time to appreciate the stunning Art Nouveau details before your meal. It's a visual feast!
🍽️ Book Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau Interior
Step into a breathtaking Art Nouveau masterpiece. Intricate details, vibrant tiles, and grand architecture create an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
Classic French Brasserie Fare
Savor traditional dishes like oysters, steak tartare prepared tableside, and perfectly cooked seafood. A true taste of French culinary heritage.
Oysters and Champagne
Indulge in a classic French starter: fresh, briny oysters paired with a crisp glass of Champagne. The perfect way to begin your meal.
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Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Time
Embrace the Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Admire the Decor
Take time to appreciate the stunning Art Nouveau details before your meal. It's a visual feast!
🍽️ Book Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment.
La Cigale brasserie located in Nantes, France. Established in 1895 and designed by the architect and ceramicist Émile Libaudière in Art Nouveau style
🥂 Oysters & Champagne
Start your meal with their excellent oysters and a glass of Champagne for a classic French experience.
🎭 Live Music Nights
Check their schedule for live music performances, which add to the vibrant atmosphere.
Tips for Nantes visit
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Admire the Decor
Take time to appreciate the stunning Art Nouveau details before your meal. It's a visual feast!
🍽️ Book Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment.
🥂 Oysters & Champagne
Start your meal with their excellent oysters and a glass of Champagne for a classic French experience.
🎭 Live Music Nights
Check their schedule for live music performances, which add to the vibrant atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Cigale is celebrated for its absolutely stunning Art Nouveau interior, offering a truly immersive and beautiful dining experience. Guests rave about the classic French brasserie fare, attentive service, and the overall magical ambiance. While the decor is consistently praised, a few diners have noted that the food, though good, doesn't always reach the same heights as the spectacular setting.
"Great dinner in a beautiful Place Graslin, the restaurant inside is a piece of art. Amazing food, good vibes, very gentle personnel and an amazing last evening of the vacation in France. Highly recommended."
Ksenia Balanda
"Good to be back after 8 years away from Nantes !
We booked for dinner then we change our mind and we had lunch. The food was good as usual, the service as well excellent and the atmosphere was great as usual! Keep it up next time."
Anawa43
"An excellent display of French hospitality. We began with a plate of beautiful oysters with a glass of Champagne. For main, I had perfectly cooked cod with spinach with a delicious cod sauce. I also added beurre Nantais for extra, which was excellent. My girlfriend had John Dory with well cooked asparagus in an almond butter sauce. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly and it was good to watch him orchestrate some classic French traditions like making steak tartare at the table. The dining room was absolutely stunning but could use a little spruce up in places"
Phil Cook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Cigale is conveniently located in Place Graslin, a central area in Nantes. You can easily reach it by tram (lines 1, 2, or 3 to Commerce or Graslin stops) or by a pleasant walk from many parts of the city center. It's a landmark easily spotted once you're in the vicinity.
Parking can be challenging in central Nantes. The closest public parking is the Feydeau underground car park. It's often recommended to use public transport or walk if possible to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you don't need tickets to enter La Cigale as it's a brasserie. However, if you're attending a concert or show at the adjacent La Cigale theatre, you will need a ticket for that specific event.
La Cigale is typically open for lunch and dinner, with hours often extending from late morning through the evening. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date opening times, as they can vary.
Yes, booking a table is highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends. You can usually book online through their website or by calling them directly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
La Cigale serves classic French brasserie fare. Expect delicious dishes like fresh oysters, steak tartare (often prepared tableside), seafood, traditional meat dishes, and delightful desserts.
While La Cigale is known for its traditional French cuisine, they often have a few dishes that can be adapted or are naturally vegetarian. It's advisable to inform your server of any dietary restrictions when ordering.
La Cigale is considered a mid-range to slightly upscale brasserie. Main courses typically range from €20-€35, with starters and desserts in the €10-€15 range. It offers good value for the quality and ambiance.
Absolutely! The stunning Art Nouveau decor, intimate lighting, and excellent service make La Cigale a perfect choice for a romantic dinner in Nantes.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are generally welcome to take photos inside La Cigale to capture its magnificent Art Nouveau interior. However, it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other diners or staff.
The entire interior is a photographer's dream! Focus on the ornate ceilings, tiled walls, stained glass, and the grand bar area. The exterior facade is also quite striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during lunchtime when the atmosphere might be slightly more relaxed than the evening rush. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to classic French cuisine in an unforgettable setting. Just be mindful of the delicate decor and encourage children to be respectful of the space.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Dinners
Opt for an evening reservation to fully immerse yourselves in the brasserie's enchanting ambiance. The attentive service and the sheer beauty of the surroundings make it a perfect spot for special occasions or a delightful date night.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Nouveau Splendor
When you visit, take a moment to truly appreciate the details. Look up at the ceiling, admire the hand-painted murals, and notice the delicate ironwork. It’s a place where every corner tells a story. The sheer artistry involved in its creation is a testament to the Belle Époque period and a must-see for anyone visiting Nantes.
While the decor is a major draw, remember that it's also a functioning brasserie. Be mindful of other diners and staff as you capture your memories. The combination of exquisite food and unparalleled ambiance makes La Cigale a unique destination.
Culinary Delights and Service
The service at La Cigale is frequently highlighted as a strong point. Staff are often described as attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, contributing significantly to the overall positive dining experience. They are adept at orchestrating classic French dining traditions, making guests feel welcomed and well-cared for.
While most reviews are glowing, a few mention that some dishes might not live up to the grandeur of the decor for every diner, with occasional comments on texture or flavor profiles. However, the consensus leans towards a satisfying culinary experience that complements the magnificent surroundings.
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