La Cigale, Art Nouveau brasserie near Théâtre Graslin, Nantes, France
La Cigale is an Art Nouveau brasserie next to the Théâtre Graslin in Nantes, decorated with ornate mirrors, ceramic tiles, and carved wood panels throughout its rooms. Painted ceilings showcase the French craftsmanship typical of its construction period in 1895.
Architect Émile Libaudière created this establishment in 1895 as part of the development around the theater district. The building received protected monument status in 1964 due to its architectural importance.
The brasserie served as a gathering place for theater artists from next door, including surrealist writers. Performers and creators would spend their breaks here, making it part of the artistic life of the neighborhood.
The location is easy to find, sitting right next to the main theater with clear street access. Visitors should plan time to walk through the different rooms, as the building has multiple spaces each with its own decorative style.
The restaurant served as a filming location for several French films, including Jacques Demy's Lola in 1961. Its rooms have been captured on screen multiple times, which helped preserve its appearance across decades.
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