La Cigale

As you cross Graslin Square, you can’t miss La Cigale, a truly magnificent brasserie. In fact, it’s considered one of the most beautiful brasseries in France. Its exuberant art nouveau design bears witness to an era of excess and freedom. With its wood painting, luxuriant decoration, and magnificent blue ceramics, the Nantes bourgeoisie was quick to flock into the premises. It was then taken on by surrealists like André Breton and Jacques Prévert who made it their headquarters. Film-makers also capitalised on the beauty of the premises to shoot scenes from cult movies, such as Jacques Demy’s “Lola”, the first of his famous trilogy, which also includes “Les parapluies de Cherbourg” and “Model Shop”. Now a listed historic monument, it still employs the codes of great 19th-century French brasseries! So it is only natural to find costumed waiters and anything from chocolate and pastries to oysters and fine wines, it’s a true Nantais institution. A timeless treat for all the senses.