La Cigale

I don't think i've ever gone out specifically for breakfast before. It's just one of those meals which is best had in the comfort of your own home. That is, unless you happen to live in Nantes, in which there is a much better location: La Cigale.


The front entrance to the brasserie


'La Cigale' is an art-nouveau brasserie which dates from 1895. As far as I could tell from the interior, it's barely changed in the last 115 years. There are frescoes on the ceilings, extravagantly-tiled walls, and the biggest mirror i've ever seen in my life. The decor, combined with the smartly-clad waiters makes you feel as though you've just stepped into the late 1800s.


Well-dressed waiter just walking out of shot...


The word 'Cigale' is French for 'cricket', and the ornate tiles are appropriately, but subtly based around the insects. It felt a bit silly taking photos inside a restaurant, but I managed to get a few before people started to look at me strangely...



A close-up of some of the tiles that were on every single wall


The breakfast itself was pretty good. I had a croissant, a pain au chocolat, two pieces of toast (accompanied with apple compote, caramel and marmalade), coffee and freshly-squished orange juice. Delicious!