Discover the machines on the Ile de Nantes
Imagine a place where a 12-metre-high elephant strolls majestically along the former shipyards, where a 25-metre carousel plunges you into the abyss inhabited by fantastic creatures, and where mad inventors assemble machines inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci before your very eyes. Welcome to the Machines de l’île de Nantes (Parc des Chantiers, Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, rated 4.6/5 on Google for over 41,000 reviews), one of the most original and most visited attractions in France.
Born in 2007 from the imagination of François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, this extraordinary artistic project has transformed an industrial wasteland into a poetic, mechanical world that fascinates nearly 800,000 visitors every year from the four corners of the globe. If you’re planning a trip to Nantes, the Machines de l’île is an absolute must-see – for young and old alike. In this article, we guide you through each area of the site, with up-to-date prices, opening times, practical advice and everything you need to know to make the most of this unique experience. And if you want to discover Nantes on foot in complete autonomy, the Navaway audioguide route will also take you to the city’s other treasures.
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- What to do in Nantes Top 6 activities and tips
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Nantes
- Events in Nantes Top 3 festivities
- The 5 most beautiful villages around Nantes to discover this autumn
- What to do in Loire-Atlantique? 20 must-sees
The Machines de l’île de Nantes: a project combining dreams and mechanics
To understand the Machines de l’île, you first need to understand the history of the site. The site stands on the former shipyards of Nantes, which operated from 1861 to 1987. For over a century, dozens of ships and submarines were built in these immense halls of metal and glass. When industrial activity ceased, the site was abandoned, leaving behind a spectacular but meaningless architectural legacy.
It was against this backdrop that François Delarozière, artistic director of the La Machine company, and Pierre Orefice, director of the Royal de Luxe association, came up with a completely new artistic project. Their idea was to install in the industrial Nave a mechanical bestiary inspired by the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne, the creative genius of Leonardo da Vinci and Nantes’ own industrial past. The result was stunning: the Machines de l’île opened its doors in 2007 and was an instant success, becoming in less than two decades the cultural symbol of an entire city.
Today, this project is spread over three main areas – the Voyage en Grand Éléphant, the Galerie des Machines and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins – to which has been added the prototype branch of the Heron Tree, a testament to even greater artistic ambition. Each space has its own identity, its own universe, and its own magic. Together, they form a world of their own, somewhere between a steampunk tale and a feat of engineering.
1. The Great Elephant, ambassador of the Machines de l’île
It’s impossible to talk about the Machines de l’île without first mentioning their figurehead: the Grand Éléphant (5 Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 811 reviews). Inaugurated in 2007, this wood and steel colossus is 12 metres high, 8 metres wide and 21 metres long, weighing in at around 48 tonnes. It has now become the living symbol of Nantes, just as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris.
The principle is simple but spectacular: up to 50 passengers can climb aboard this self-propelled elephant for a 30-minute ride through the Parc des Chantiers. On board, children and adults gaze in amazement at the hydraulic gears, the complex joints, the sonorous trunk blows and the jets of water that the animal sprays at onlookers on the ground. The slow, majestic gait of the mechanical pachyderm, its expressive gaze, its flapping ears: everything is designed to create the illusion of a living creature.
Even if you don’t climb aboard, the experience of seeing the Great Elephant move freely around the Parc des Chantiers is an unforgettable sight in itself. The best thing is to book your ticket in advance, though, as sessions sell out quickly, especially in high season. Tickets are limited and are sold on the day, subject to availability. Make the most of your visit to this fascinating area of the Ile de Nantes to meet this metal giant.
2. The Galerie des Machines, the workshop of mad inventors
Just a stone’s throw from the Grand Éléphant is the Galerie des Machines (Esplanade des riveurs, 76 Bd de la Prairie au Duc, 44200 Nantes, rated 4.5/5 on Google), the real creative heart of the site. This is where the adventure really comes into its own: you enter a living workshop where artists, sculptors, engineers and mechanics work before your very eyes to design and assemble the machines of the future.
The tour is led and commented by a passionate machinist who guides visitors between the prototypes and operates the machines. You’ll come face to face with some extraordinary creatures: a giant spider stretching its web, an 8-metre-high mechanical heron capable of spreading its wings, a hummingbird that twirls, an ant that wanders around the gallery… Volunteers from among the visitors are even invited to climb onto some of the machines and operate them themselves, for an even more immersive experience.
Access to the Gallery is continuous, with immediate entry. Here you can see not only the finished machines, but also the work in progress, visible behind the glass of the construction workshop. It’s a precious glimpse behind the scenes of exceptional craftsmanship, where each piece is handcrafted with admirable attention to detail and technical mastery. After this visit, it’s easy to see why the Machines de l’île de Nantes are acclaimed the world over.
3. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins, a dive into the abysses
Inaugurated in 2012, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins is an architectural and artistic feat that rises 25 metres high on the banks of the Loire. A veritable masterpiece of poetic mechanics, this three-level carousel houses 35 mechanical marine creatures inspired by the fantastic worlds of Jules Verne: giant crabs, translucent jellyfish, mechanical squid, manta rays, flying fish, lobsters with golden joints…
Each level of the carousel explores a different universe – the surface, the seabed and the deepest abysses – and offers passengers different sensations. The gondolas are mobile, and some have additional movements that visitors can operate themselves, making each ride unique. In the evening, the carousel is lit up with golden and blue lights, giving it an even more dreamlike atmosphere.
There are two modes of operation, depending on the season: the fairground mode (Wednesdays, weekends and school holidays), which includes a gondola ride, and the discovery mode (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the school term), which offers a guided and animated tour. Either way, it’s a breathtaking experience for children and adults alike. If you only have time for one attraction at the Machines de l’île, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins is undoubtedly the most spectacular choice.
4. The Nave and the construction workshop, the industrial heart of the site
Les Nefs (4 Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, rated 4.7/5 on Google for 485 reviews) are the great industrial halls inherited from the shipbuilding era – the huge metal and glass structures that saw the birth of Nantes’ ships for over a century. They now form the architectural backdrop to the Machines de l’île, offering a striking blend of industrial history and contemporary creativity.
Below the Nave is the construction workshop, where teams from La Machine design, model and assemble the next mechanical creatures. It’s the only place of its kind in the world, a kind of semi-open-air laboratory of invention, where engineers and craftsmen work with techniques combining welding, woodcarving, hydraulic mechanics and on-board computers. Watching this work in progress is an experience in itself, allowing you to understand the exacting standards and craftsmanship that lie behind each machine.
The Nave also hosts events, performances and temporary installations that regularly enhance the visitor experience. Their raw industrial atmosphere, tinged with mechanical poetry, is unique and will stay with you for a long time. If you want to extend your exploration of Nantes beyond the Machines, the city is full of other equally fascinating treasures.
5. The prototype branch of the Heron Tree, a window on an uncertain future
Of all the attractions at the Machines de l’île, the prototype branch of the Arbre aux Hérons is the one that most invites us to dream – and also to think. Since 2017, this experimental structure, which can be seen in the Galerie, has provided a glimpse of what was to be a colossal project: a giant mechanical tree over 30 metres high, planted on the banks of the Loire, whose branches would have housed giant mechanical herons, lush vegetation and footbridges allowing visitors to walk through the canopy.
Unfortunately, this titanic project was abandoned in 2022 by Nantes Métropole, citing budgetary reasons. The company La Machine has since launched legal proceedings to assert its rights. In the meantime, the Branche prototype remains on display, bearing witness to the extraordinary artistic ambitions of its creators. It even houses articulated mechanical herons that visitors can admire up close.
This area is included in the entrance ticket to the Galerie des Machines, and gives an idea of the scale of what could have been. The prototype branch alone is over 8 metres high and its mechanisms are clockwork precision. Whether or not it ever comes to fruition, the Heron Tree remains the embodiment of the spirit of the Machines de l’île: to push back the limits of what is possible, where technology and art become one.
Download the audio tour to discover Nantes on foot and on your own
The Machines de l’île are just a glimpse of all that Nantes has to offer. If you want to go further and explore the city in depth, at your own pace and with no time constraints, the Navaway audio tour of Nantes is the ideal solution. The 6.4km tour takes around 2? hours to discover 30 places of interest: the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Passage Pommeraye, the Bouffay district, and many other nuggets in the heart of the city. Fun audio commentaries, historical anecdotes and interactive navigation accompany you along the way.
Prices and ticket office for Machines de l’île de Nantes
Les Machines de l’île offers an à la carte ticketing service, allowing you to choose the areas you wish to visit according to your wishes and budget. Tickets are sold on site, on the day, during ticket office opening hours and subject to availability. It is possible to book online in advance for the Grand Éléphant, which often sells out. Ticket offices are located in the Nave and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins.
Here are the unit rates (per space) applicable in 2025-2026 :
For the Voyage en Grand Éléphant: €12 full price, €8 for children aged 4 to 12, €10 concessions (13-17 years, students, jobseekers, disabled persons with proof of disability), €6 with Carte Blanche. Free for children under 4 and for the accompanying adult of a disabled person. A family discount of -15% applies to groups of 5 people (2 adults maximum), valid on the same day.
Prices are the same for the Galerie des Machines and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins: €12 full price, €8 for 4-12 year olds, €10 concessions, €6 with the Carte Blanche pass. The Gallery is included free of charge for Nantes Pass holders.
For families and visitors wanting to see everything, the day packages are a great saving: the 2-space package (Carrousel + Galerie, or Carrousel + Grand Éléphant) is €20 full price (€14 for 4-12 year olds, €17 concessions). The 3-space package (the three attractions combined) costs €29 full price (€21 for 4-12 year olds, €25 concessions). This is by far the most attractive package if you’re planning a full half-day on the site.
Don’t forget the Pass Nantes (24h, 48h, 72h or 7 days), sold online on the Voyage à Nantes website or at the reception desk near the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. This pass gives free entry to the Galerie and the Carrousel, as well as to public transport and many of Nantes’ museums. It’s a very cost-effective option for a stay of several days in the city. A great way to combine the Machines de l’île with your complete visit to Nantes.
Machines de l’île opening times
The Machines de l’île are open from Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday being the weekly closing day. Opening times vary according to the season: in winter (autumn-winter), the machines are generally open from 2pm to 6pm, while in spring and summer, opening times are extended from 10am to 6 or 7pm. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time. Night-time events are organised from time to time, particularly at the beginning of the year.
These times may vary depending on events or maintenance – there is an annual closure period at the beginning of September each year. We therefore strongly advise you to check the exact opening times on the official website lesmachines-nantes.fr or by calling the reception desk on 0810 12 12 25 on the day of your visit, especially during the low season or on public holidays.
How do I get to the Machines de l’île de Nantes?
The Machines de l’île is located on the Ile de Nantes, in the Parc des Chantiers, on the banks of the Loire. Access from the city centre is simple and pleasant, and several means of transport make it easy to get there.
By tram, this is undoubtedly the most practical option: take line 1 and get off at the Chantiers Navals stop, just 5 minutes’ walk from the Machines. From the Commerce stop in the heart of the city, the journey takes just a few minutes. Chronobus C5 also stops at Prairie au Duc, very close by. For cycling fans, there are Bicloo stations in the vicinity of the Parc des Chantiers (station no. 43 “Machines de l’Île”).
From Nantes station, it takes around 25 minutes on foot to walk along the banks of the Loire – a pleasant walk that allows you to enjoy the panoramic view of the river. By car, there are several pay car parks nearby: Parking Nantes Médiathèque (Quai de la Fosse), Parking Nantes Descartes (Rue Descartes) and Parking Aristide Briand. FromNantes Atlantique airport, take the shuttle bus to the SNCF station, then tram line 1 to Chantiers Navals.
Practical tips for visiting the Machines de l’île
To make the most of your visit to the Machines de l’île de Nantes, a few simple tips are in order. Book your ticket for the Grand Éléphant as soon as possible, especially during school holidays, weekends or in July and August: sessions sell out very quickly and it would be a shame to miss out on the site’s star attraction. Online booking on the official website is available subject to availability; tickets can also be purchased on the day, subject to availability.
For a full half-day visit, arrive at the opening and start with the Grand Elephant – which offers its first outings as soon as it opens – before moving on to the Galerie des Machines and then the Carrousel des Mondes Marins. The three areas together take around 3 to 4 hours to visit. The 3-space package at €29 full price is the best value if you plan to see everything.
Dress comfortably, and if you’re coming with the family, be prepared for the children to be drenched by the Great Elephant: bring a light jacket or a change of clothes in fine weather! The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with special facilities, particularly for certain levels of the Carrousel. A snack bar is available on site (Le Petit Snack de la Branche), and there are several restaurants within a few minutes’ walk, notably near the Hangar à Bananes.
Finally, note that the Galerie des Machines is staffed by machinists who comment on the demonstrations in French. English-speaking guides are available on certain days – check the programme online. Even without an official audio commentary, the machines speak for themselves: each element is an invitation to marvel. To complete your day in Nantes with a full walking itinerary, don’t hesitate to use the Navaway audio tour guide, which takes you step by step through the city’s most beautiful districts.
What to do around the Machines de l’île de Nantes?
The Ile de Nantes is much more than just home to the Machines: it’s an entire district to explore, bubbling with culture, urban art and bold contemporary architecture. After your visit to the Machines, extend your walk in the Ile de Nantes district, which is full of surprises.
At the western end of the island, head for the Hangar à Bananes, a former port wasteland converted into a festive and gastronomic venue with bars, restaurants and cultural spaces facing the Loire. Just next door, the 18 steel rings designed by Daniel Buren and Patrick Bouchain line the Quai des Antilles, offering a spectacular photographic view of the river. When night comes, they light up in red, green and blue, creating a striking light show.
In the Parc des Chantiers, you’ll also discover other permanent artistic installations: the Moon with its trampolines embedded in the ground, allowing young and old to jump freely, and the Cantine du Voyage, a catering area with a vegetable garden and petanque pitch. Further on, Laurent Perbos’s Ping-Pong Park features unusual, oversized ping-pong tables that can be used free of charge.
If your curiosity takes you to the historic centre of Nantes, the route along the quays is magnificent. A twenty-minute walk will take you to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, whose medieval ramparts and moat form a striking contrast with the steampunk world of the Machines. A little further on, the Passage Pommeraye and its neo-classical architecture will delight lovers of elegance, before plunging into the bustle of the Bouffay district for lunch or dinner.
For museum fans, the Musée Jules Verne is a particularly fitting thematic stop-off after a visit to the Machines de l’île: the Nantes writer is the primary source of inspiration for this entire artistic project. And if you like local specialities, check out our selection of the best Nantes culinary specialities – from petit-beurre LU to muscadet and berlingot nantais.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing of the city and let yourself be guided at your own pace through the narrow streets and historic squares, consider downloading the Navaway audioguided tour of Nantes: 30 points of interest, rich commentary and intuitive navigation for an unforgettable visiting experience.
In conclusion, the Machines de l’île de Nantes are much more than just a tourist attraction: they embody the creative and industrial soul of a city that has boldly reinvented itself. With the Grand Éléphant striding majestically through the Parc des Chantiers, the Galerie des Machines inventing the future and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins plunging you into an unparalleled poetic universe, the site offers a unique sensory and emotional experience, to be experienced over and over again. Whether you’re with the family, as a couple or with friends, plan to spend a full half-day on the island to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary world. And to make your stay in Nantes even more memorable, let us guide you through the streets of the city with our audioguided tour itinerary – the best way to visit Nantes on your own and without missing a thing.
Frequently asked questions about the Machines de l’île de Nantes
How long will it take to visit the Machines de l’île?
Allow between 2? and 4 hours to visit the whole site in comfort: around 30 minutes for the Great Elephant Tour (including waiting time and the ride), 45 minutes to 1 hour for the Galerie des Machines, and 45 minutes to 1 hour for the Carrousel des Mondes Marins. If you want to walk around the Parc des Chantiers and explore the surrounding area (Hangar à Bananes, Buren Rings), allow half a day.
Do I need to book in advance for the Machines de l’île?
Booking is strongly recommended for the Great Elephant Tour, which fills up quickly, especially in July and August, during school holidays and at weekends. For the Galerie des Machines and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, tickets can be bought on the spot on the day, but it is best to arrive early to ensure entry in the best slots.
Are the Machines de l’île suitable for young children?
Absolutely! The site is designed to delight visitors of all ages, from 4 upwards. Under-4s get in free. The Galerie des Machines is particularly popular with children, who can sometimes climb on the machines and operate them. The Great Elephant is a magical experience for young and old alike. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins is also accessible to children aged 4 and over, with family-friendly gondolas.
Can you see the Big Elephant without paying?
Yes, the Great Elephant moves freely around the Parc des Chantiers at certain times, and you can watch it from the ground without paying for a ticket. However, to climb aboard and experience the Great Elephant Journey, you need to buy a ticket. Many visitors combine the two: they watch the ride from the outskirts of the park and also climb aboard to enjoy the experience from the inside.
Are the Machines de l’île accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The site has accessibility facilities: wheelchair access, accessible parking, and some levels of the Carrousel des Mondes Marins are accessible to people with reduced mobility. A reduced rate applies to disabled visitors (with proof). For specific information, please contact the Machines de l’île reception desk on 0810 12 12 25 before your visit.
When is the best time to visit the Machines de l’île de Nantes?
Spring and summer (April to September) are the best periods: opening times are longer (from 10am), there is more frequent entertainment, the Big Elephant comes out more regularly and the general atmosphere on the site is more festive. If possible, avoid the weekends in July and August and the All Saints’ Day holidays if you want to avoid the long queues. During the week, outside school holidays, the site is much quieter.
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