Breakfast at La Cigale

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Family events are not always easy, particularly when you are a pièce rapportée as they say in French. The first time I heard the expression, which literally means a patch, to describe an in-law, I was shocked. A patch indeed!

La Cigale at Place Graslin
La Cigale at Place Graslin

When we finally decided that everything would be much smoother if we took a hotel room in Nantes rather than stay in the family home, our visits became much easier and we always treat ourselves to breakfast La Cigale on the last day.

The main dining room at La Cigale
The main dining room at La Cigale

This beautiful Art Deco brasserie built in 1895 which has all the extravagence of the Modern Style is the work of ceramist Emile Libaudière who mostly designed sober bourgeoise homes and religious buildings.

One of the frescoes
One of the frescoes

After becoming a listed monument in 1964, it was turned into a cafeteria until it was rescued in 1982 and restored to its former splendour. Its tiled frescoes, myriad mirrors and windows are an absolute delight.

Place Grasln is now pedestrian
Place Grasln is now pedestrian

We’ve noticed its increasing popularity over the years, particularly now that Place Graslin is closed to traffic but we always manage to find a table for two in the first room, our favourite. At 15 euro each for a full continental breakfast, it’s excellent value for money – two hot beverages, a mini croissant and mini pain au chocolat, a slice of brioche or cake, toast with butter, jam and honey.

The toast has arrived yet
The toast has arrived yet

It’s not exactly Angelina’s in Paris or Caffè Florian in Venice, but we love it.

The inside is very hard to photograph with all it's windows, especially in the morning
The inside is very hard to photograph with all it’s windows, especially in the morning

We’ve never eaten lunch or dinner there, because of our family co, but Mary Kay from Out and About in Paris, tried it last winter when she spent New Year in Nantes.

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4 thoughts on “Breakfast at La Cigale”

  1. A breathtakingly beautiful place! Wow!

    I can relate to that notion of family friction- I have two sisters whose behaviour towards me constitutes emotional abuse. For my own well being I have had to remove them from my life.

  2. Oh my, it looks so beautiful! We must get up to Nantes, I’ve still never been. And golly, I’ve never heard that expression about the in-laws but I can relate. Our visits became much more fun and relaxed once we stopped staying in the same accommodation, as well. 🙂

    1. Honestly, apart from the castle, I wouldn’t say there is much else to see in Nantes. But if you do go there, La Cigale is a real treat. Good to hear you opted for separate accommodation too!

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