Nîmes Restaurant News: Ciel de Nîmes Closes, Celestia Opens

Nîmes’ Carré d’Art Rooftop Set for Reimagining with “Celestia” Restaurant

A new culinary experience is slated to grace the rooftop of the Carré d’Art in Nîmes, France, as the city prepares for the march 2026 opening of “Celestia,” replacing the former Ciel de Nîmes restaurant. The project signals a renewed focus on attracting visitors to this iconic cultural landmark with a versatile dining concept.

A vacancy Filled After a Decade

The Ciel de Nîmes restaurant permanently closed its doors at the end of October, bringing to a close more then ten years of operation. The previous management team announced on their Instagram account, “After more than 10 years of activity, our team is today completing this great adventure. The establishment will not be taken over by our current team.” While city officials initially hoped for a seamless continuation of service at the location, the space remained vacant for several months, offering unobstructed views of the nearby Maison Carrée, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Did you know? – The Maison Carrée, built around 13 BC, is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world and a major draw for tourists visiting Nîmes.

City Selects New Management Team

On July 30, the city of Nîmes initiated a search for a new operator, seeking a buyer to manage the commercial premises as a combination tea room, brewery, and restaurant. After reviewing four proposals,the city selected a bid from Angel Laplaca,a chef with eight years of experience at Palosanto on Littré Island,in partnership with Romain Vigne,a maître d’hôtel previously at Le Lisita.

The winning proposal, dubbed “Celestia” – Latin for “the heavens” – promises a shift in focus while maintaining the site’s appeal. According to a senior official, the selection process prioritized a concept that resonated with the expected clientele and offered a enduring buisness model.The agreement with the city stipulates a six-year operating term with an annual fee of €24,000.

Pro tip: – The Carré d’Art building itself, designed by Norman Foster, is a modern architectural landmark, offering a striking contrast to the ancient Roman ruins nearby.

A Versatile Dining Experience Planned

The new establishment aims to cater to a broader range of customers throughout the day. “We really want a tea room section for the customers who come in the afternoon,” explained

“We focused on that and on a price consistent with the customers expected on this site.”

The city’s specifications also mandate operating hours from Tuesday to Sunday,10 a.m. to 6 p.m., without interruption.This extended schedule is intended to maximize the venue’s accessibility and capitalize on the stunning views offered by the rooftop terrace.

the forthcoming opening of Celestia represents a strategic investment in Nîmes’ tourism and cultural landscape, promising a revitalized dining destination atop one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Reader question: – What kind of menu items do you anticipate Celestia will offer, given its tea room, brewery, and restaurant components?

Why, Who, What, and how did it end?

Why: The Carré d’Art rooftop restaurant space needed a new operator after the previous restaurant, Ciel de Nîmes, closed after more than a decade of operation. The city aimed to revitalize the landmark and attract more visitors.

who: The city of Nîmes selected Angel Laplaca (chef) and romain Vigne (maître d’hôtel) as the new management team for the restaurant, now named “Celestia.” The previous operator was the team behind Ciel de Nîmes.

what: The city initiated a search for