Perched on the banks of the Loire in the colorful fishing village of Trentemoult, La Civelle is the kind of place that makes you forget you're still technically in Nantes. This Art Déco-styled brasserie has been drawing crowds for its traditional French cooking and unbeatable river views — arrive at sunset and you'll understand why locals keep coming back.
An Art Déco brasserie on the banks of the Loire in Trentemoult — traditional French cooking, a terrace with river views, and a sunset that makes the trip worth it.
Reserve in advance for a terrace table, especially from May to September — and take the Navibus from Gare Maritime to arrive by water, which is half the experience.
Riverside tradition in Trentemoult
La Civelle is one of those Nantes institutions that lives up to its reputation precisely because it doesn't try too hard to be trendy. Set in the former fishing village of Trentemoult, on the Quai Marcel Boissard, this Art Déco brasserie serves solid traditional French food — think fresh fish, classic brasserie plates, and a menu that changes with the seasons. The cooking is honest rather than groundbreaking, but that's not really the point. You come here for the location: a terrace right on the Loire, where the light hits the water and the colorful Trentemoult houses behind you make every meal feel like a mini-vacation.
The place gets busy — really busy — especially on weekends and sunny evenings, so plan accordingly. Service can feel a bit rushed when it's packed, and some reviewers note the food isn't always consistent on the busiest days. But grab a table on the terrace at golden hour, order a glass of white and whatever the fish of the day is, and you'll get why this spot has been a local favorite for years. It's open seven days a week, which is a rarity in these parts and makes it a reliable fallback when everywhere else is closed.
If you're visiting Nantes and want to experience the Trentemoult side of the river — the one locals actually love — La Civelle is the anchor. Take the Navibus from Gare Maritime to get there; it's half the charm.