46 boulevard Victor Hugo 30000 Nîmes
On August 20, Brasserie Le Napoléon reopened after two years of closure. Introducing
A Nîmes institution
In Nîmes, the Napoleon, as it is called, is a myth. Housed in a building now listed as a Historic Monument at the top of Boulevard Victor Hugo, this café, known to be the most elegant in the city, remained open continuously from 1813 to 2014 before closing for renovations. These are now completed and the renovation reveals a Second Empire architecture, with moldings, gilding, counter and large mirrors, which was that of Napoleon during the second half of the 19th century.
A brasserie spirit
The Napoléon wakes up at dawn and doesn’t close until 2 a.m. People go there for morning coffee or afternoon tea but also for lunch or dinner in the back room. The spirit of the cuisine, served in a splendid table service, is that of a brasserie with a seasonal menu and fresh, local products. Among the musts, homemade foie gras.
The wine
Some regional references including the Le Pluriel vintage (syrah and carignan) from Clos des Boutes, an estate located in Bellegarde, in the Costières de Nîmes vineyard. Nicolas Bernard, the manager of the Napoléon, recommends it with a lamb shank confit with thyme and rosemary.
Brasserie Le Napoléon, 46 boulevard Victor Hugo 30000 Nîmes
04 66 64 56 49