Jules Verne was a native, and there is no more brazen brasserie in France than La Cigale, opened in 1895. It’s as if every item of Art Nouveau – glazed tiles, mirrors, sculptures, ochre, gold, glass – has been swept up and thrown in. “Effusive” doesn’t get close.

Across the plaza, lusciously-tiled art-nouveau brasserie La Cigale was a hangout for surrealists and cinema types. Around back, stroll between mansions along the mid-19th century Cours Cambronne.

From your Bed and Breakfast, you can wander through the quaint steets of Nantes, home of Jules Verne, with its 15th cetury half-timbered houses, magnificent château des Ducs de Bretagne, the LU tower and sample the delights of the famous brasserie ‘La Cigale’, reputed to be the most beautiful in France. Stroll along the cours Cambronne with its magnificent fountains and the isle Feydeau with its elegant 18th century facades or take a trip on the Loire river. And further afield, follow the wine trail and sample the famous muscadet, or less than an hour from Nantes you can bathe at the well-known resort of La Baule, visit the renowned Guérande salt flats or take a trip to the islands of Noirmoutier, Belle-Île or L’île d’Yeu.

Institution nantaise centenaire à la décoration de style Art nouveau, La Cigale perpétue l’esprit des Grandes Brasseries du XIX e siècle. Moquette chaleureuse, impressionnantes boiseries sculptées et faïences d’époque, c’est tout un décorum qui anime cet endroit jadis prisé des surréalistes André Breton et Jacques Prévert, mais aussi du réalisateur Jacques Demy qui y tourna son film Lola en 1961. La carte de ce restaurant de Nantes est variée et se renouvelle régulièrement : belles asperges blanches rôties, viennoise de Mimolette d’Isigny, jus de viande, suivies de l’incontournable saucisse artisanale taillée au couteau de la Maison Lebot Gaspari, purée de pommes de terre et jus de viande.

La Cigale is one of the longest-established restaurants in Nantes and it’s classified as a historic monument for its Art Nouveau architecture and décor dated back to the year it opened, in 1895. Located on Place Graslin, in the centre of Nantes, you can sample a wide variety of classic French dishes at La Cigale, including fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean which lies 60 kilometres away. From scallop to oyster and from langoustine to cod, the selection is top-notch, and even more appreciated when accompanied by a glass of local Muscadet wine.

Exiting at the other end, by the stunning Place Graskin with its theatre, I connected again with my friend the Green Line, which led me straight to the Art Nouveau Café La Cigale. It is a bit of an institution, having been declared a historic monument, not least for its amazing tiles throughout. I arrived just in time for Afternoon Tea, the place was full of local ladies participating, and with a Gourmet Champagne on the menu instead of a Gourmet Cafe, who could resist?

With 2,800km of coastline, Brittany is a seafood lover’s dream. It’s possible to buy straight from the fishing boats in small harbours, and a local speciality is oysters, with the ones from Cancale near Saint-Malo considered thecrème de la crème. In Nantes, feast on six varieties of oysters at La Cigale – a 100-year old brasserie near the Graslin Opera House that’s decorated with bevelled mirrors, sculptures, painted walls, and frescoed ceilings.

A Nantes institution since 1895, this restaurant has a superb Art Nouveau décor (stools, earthenware, mirrors and sculptures…) and respects the canons of brasserie tradition: a menu filled with great classics, superb seafood platters, dazzling wines, white tablecloths, waiters in vests, non-stop service, from dawn till late… Sit here any time of the day and enjoy the unique atmosphere – and, on sunny days, the even more pleasant patio.

For over 30 years, La Cigale has been lighting up the Place Graslin with its bright colours and elaborate façade. A veritable Nantes institution, this gourmet restaurant invites you on an unforgettable culinary journey in an Art Nouveau setting ranked among the most beautiful in France. The chef uses local and seasonal produce to create tasty, elegant dishes that will tantalise your taste buds and delight your palate.

Peut-être un peu cliché, mais incontournable pour un dîner en amoureux : la Cigale est à tester au moins une fois à deux. La célèbre brasserie nantaise vaut le détour pour son décor Art Déco, son service aux petits oignons et ses plateaux de fruits de mer légendaires. L'avantage de la Cigale, c'est qu'elle fait chanter tes papilles même après le film en amoureux, puisque le service dure jusqu'à minuit.

I am not offering you a lunch break, but a historical and cultural immersion in a legendary restaurant in the footsteps of Jacques Prévert or André Breton!. On Place Graslin, opposite the theater, this magnificent building was designed in the Art Nouveau era and was inaugurated in 1895. A true work of art for its architecture and decoration, this brasserie has served as the backdrop for many films.

As per our little tradition when we spend time in Nantes, our first breakfast was at La Cigale. I love sitting in that 120-year-old restaurant and admire the decor while sipping a delicious tea and savouring pastries and toasted bread with homemade jams, caramel sauce and apple compote. We like going there first thing to start the day as the shops are yet to open and the streets are still quiet.

When it comes to shopping, Nantes is not at all deprived of all kinds of shops. The main streets are Rue de la Paix, Rue de Budapest and Rue Crébillon which connects the two most beautiful squares of Nantes: Place Royale and Place Graslin. I was amazed by the large number of shops dedicated to collecting comics, action figures and role-playing games, as well as the numerous chocolate shops.

I’m booked in at La Cigale, in the Cambronne district, a stunning Art Nouveau brasserie opposite the Opera house and a city institution since 1895 with its gilt-framed mirrors and plush décor. Expect smiling bilingual staff in traditional black and white uniforms and classic brasserie fare in a buzzing environment. A worthy listing in the excellent free gastro guide, Les Tables de Nantes.

There are so many tantalising places to eat in Nantes: add one Michelin starred Roza to your must-visit list, L’Aménité (read about Richard Cornet and his creative, ‘bistronomic’ dishes sourced from boutique producers), or the art nouveau décor of La Cigale. Be surprised and delighted by the ever-creative Petit Boucot, and not forgetting the café-grocer-canteen par excellence of Sain.

The historic brasserie La Cigale, which is situated in the center of Nantes, is well-known for its traditional fare and mouthwatering fish specialties. Since it first opened its doors more than a century ago, this restaurant has built a solid name for excellence and authenticity. A variety of seafood meals, including oysters, mussels, lobster, and scallops, are available at La Cigale.

If you leave the Passage Pommeraye by the rue de Santeuil, you will only have a few meters left of the rich rue Crebillon to reach the beautiful Place Graslin. This whole district is the work of the economist and high official of Nantes, Jean-Joseph Graslin, who had the theater built in 1788. On this square, a sign stands out, that of the chic brasserie La Cigale.

Restaurant très connu à Nantes mais quand on demande aux nantais s’ils y sont allés on se rend compte que peu d’entre eux ont osé pousser la porte. Au petit déjeuner mais surtout au goûter, c’est l’occasion de manger un délicieux gâteau au chocolat accompagné d’un thé le tout dans un cadre magnifique !. La déco baroque du lieu nous fait voyager dans le temps.

How can you talk about restaurants in Nantes without mentioning the most emblematic of them all?. Located opposite the Graslin theatre, La Cigale is a historic restaurant, known for its unusual decor with earthenware and sculptures on the walls. On the plate, traditional and authentic cuisine from the sea and land is on offer.

La Cigale a commencé à chanter au 4, Place Graslin, le 1er Avril 1895. La propriétaire Madame Calado a fait appel à Emile Libaudière architecte-céramiste nantais pour la construction et la décoration extérieure et intérieure. Il s´est fait aider par le sculpteur Emile Gaucher et par le peintre Georges Levreau.

This (pricy) restaurant located on Place Graslin offers you a variety of seafood. But even if you don't want to eat something there (which could be understandable) you should definitely enter once to see the magnificent indoor decoration, which recreates the atmosphere of a 19th-century French café.

La Cigale sits on the edge of Place Graslin and whether you eat or just step inside, the restaurant is a staple of Nantes’ culture. The walls are intricately painted and decorated in an Art nouveau style. Many people simply stop in as the restaurant is like a museum with its renowned architecture.

It opened in 1895 and was declared a historic monument in 1964. A reservation is required in advance but it is well worth the extra effort. A brasserie that opened in 1895, it has an elaborate art deco interior with decorative patterned walls with a floral and aquatic theme.

In the beautiful Graslin Quarter, ‘Le quartier Graslin’, you’ll find the Art Nouveau restaurant La Cigale, opened in 1895, and a listed historical monument. La Cigale not only offers a never-ending display of ornaments but also divine French cuisine from both land and sea.

Brasserie La Cigale (4 Place Graslin) The restaurant with an Art Nouveau style décor is worth a look even if you don’t eat there. I was planning to have dinner there but since it was fully booked, I ended up having a pancake!

One of the best beer gardens in Nantes is Brasserie La Cigale. This beer garden, which was opened in 1895, has become one of the most popular places in Nantes since then. Local beers as well as French wines are served here.

The interior decorations of La Cigale restaurant, Place Graslin, also deserve to linger for a moment. Designed by an architect-ceramist and decorated by a sculptor, the Belle Époque building is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau.

Quand on parle des restaurants à faire à Nantes, on ne peut que mentionner La Cigale. C’est un incontournable, à découvrir au moins une fois !. Cette brasserie historique est située face au superbe Théâtre Graslin.

Brasserie de légende où se retrouvent depuis 1895 toutes les célébrités nantaises et celles de passage dans la ville. Le décor classé à l'inventaire des Monuments Historiques est compos�...

La Cigale is an iconic brasserie that’s as much about the ambiance as it is about the food. Its Belle Époque decor and sumptuous seafood platters make it a gastronomic landmark.

One of Nantes' most iconic brasseries, La Cigale offers a visually stunning art-nouveau décor and serves classic French cuisine. Famous dish: Fruits de Mer (Non-Veg)

For a fancier chocolat chaud or confit de canard, settle in at the glitzy Belle Epoque brasserie La Cigale, 4 pl. Gralin (www.lacigale.com; tel. 02-51-84-94-94).

Située en face de l'Opéra Graslin, elle accueille les familles dans un décor exceptionnel pour petit déjeuner, déjeuner, dîner ou bruncher avec les enfants.

Location:4 Place Graslin face à l’Opéra, 44000, Nantes France. Number: +33 2 51 84 94 94. Reviewed By:4 Place Graslin face à l’Opéra, 44000, Nantes France

De passage à Nantes mes amis m'avaient conseillé de faire une pause à La Cigale . C'est peut-être l'adresse la plus célèbre grâce à un film...

Covered in art nouveau tiles, this brasserie is a Nantes institution and perfect for a fancier meal out, or breakfast/tea.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK La Cigale Old-school Art Deco treasure; go for breakfast or for a lunchtime seafood platter.