Les Machines de l'Île
Nantes' most iconic experience: ride a 12-metre mechanical elephant, explore a fantastical machine workshop, and take a spin on the carousel of the ocean world.
The Machines de l'Île opened in 2007. It was created by the founders of the Royal de Luxe theatre company and an artistic team, drawing inspiration from Jules Verne's fantastical worlds and Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical designs. The highlight is the 12-metre-tall wood-and-steel elephant, which carries about 50 passengers. It walks around the old shipyards for about 45 minutes and sprays water. In the gallery you can try operating mechanical works such as a spider and a heron. Next door, the three-storey Ocean World carousel is also open for rides. The elephant, gallery and carousel are sold separately, each costing about 9 to 10 euros, and tickets should be booked online in advance during peak season. Take tram line 1 to the Chantiers Navals stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (varies by season; partly closed in winter; usually closed Mon)
Nearby sights
- Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
- La Cigale
- Passage Pommeraye
- Place Royale
- Hangar à Bananes & Les Anneaux
- Île Feydeau
- Basilique Saint-Nicolas
- Tour Bretagne – Le Nid