Enjoy a truly French ambience in a former Basel prison

Monsieur Philippe Maire and his team are delighted to welcome you to the petite, historic and elegant hotel brasserie au violon. Traditional, refined and typical French cuisine that delight your palate, will be remembered alongside time enjoyed in its cozy surroundings.

You will adore the unique character of this former jailhouse, harmoniously converted into a charming hotel and lively brasserie. Thanks to its superb location in the heart of the old town, courteous, attentive staff, and excellent value for money, au violon is a special place to stay that offers its guests an exceptional gastronomic experience.

 

 

  • Booking request

     
     

     

    Events near to au violon


    Eurovision Song Contest
    May 10th - 17th, 2025
    Eurovision Square at Barfüsserplatz with concerts
     

    UEFA Women's EURO 2025
    July 1st- 27th, 2025
    Fan plaza at Barfüsserplatz with public viewing
    and concerts

    Jugendkulturfestival Basel (JKF)
    September 5th and 6th, 2025
    Concerts at Barfüsserplatz

    Christmas market in Basel | basel.com
    from November 27th to December 23rd, 2025
    at Barfüsserplatz

  • Location & opening hours

    Opening hours

     

    Brasserie
    Monday - Saturday from 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
    and from 5.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    (Friday and Saturday until 11.30 p.m)

    Cuisine
    from 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
    and from 6.00 p.m to 9.00 p.m.
    (in summer until 9.30 p.m.)
     

    E-Mail

    Standortkarte
     

    Closed:

    • Sundays and public holidays
    • Thursday, May 1st, 2025
    • Monday, June 9th, 2025 (Whit Monday)
    • Friday, August 1st, 2025 (National Day)

    Open:

    • Thursday, May 29th, 2025 (Ascension day)

     

     

     


     

     

     

     

  • Lunch menu

    Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23rd, 2025 

    Pea velouté
    or
    Shrimp (DK) acras with salad
    *****
    Poultry cordon bleu (HU) with sautéed potatoes and vegetables
    or
    Mackerel fillet (NL) Provence style with wheat
    or
    Ravioli with burrata and eggplants
    *****
    Pavlova with pistachio and cherries
    or
    Fried pineapple with vanille ice-cream


    with starter and dessert
    CHF 41  (vegetarian CHF 37)
    with starter or dessert at CHF 32
    (vegetarian CHF 28)

    Prices in CHF incl. VAT