Discover the extraordinary machines in the halls of the former shipyards.
The Galerie is a living space showcasing a veritable bestiary of machines.
An imposing 8-metre heron carries passengers and flies over the Galerie. Vegetation grows alongside mechanical plants and animals from the tree-top canopy: an ant, spider, hummingbird, sloth, chameleon, swarm of butterflies…
During your visit, the machinists will come out and explain the history of these strange creatures and the way they function.
Tours in English and Spanish
From 7 July to 29 August 2025 at 18:00, guided visits will take place every Friday in Spanish and every Monday in English.
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Nantes is transforming
Nantes is changing to become an even more ecological, inclusive, and dynamic city. To do this, new public works will reinforce our already existing ecofriendly modes of transport: new tram lines, green zones for pedestrians and cyclists, and more. From 2024, these major urban projects will disrupt traffic around Les Machines de l’Île and Parc des Chantiers, with the Pont Anne-de-Bretagne bridge closed off to cars (the bridge will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists). Solutions will be offered throughout construction to make it easier for everyone to get around, like: increased frequency of several public transport lines, more Naolib bike-share bicycles, and more parking spots in park-and-ride lots.
For further information
Les Machines de l'Île, Boulevard Léon Bureau, Nantes
How to get there?
Parking(s) nearby: Parking Les Machines, Parking Les Nefs
Public transport: Prairie au Duc, Chantiers Navals, Gare de l'État, Ponton des Chantiers
Self-service bicycles: Machine De L'île (n°43), Palais De Justice (n°44), Grue Jaune (n°103), Brunelière (n°41), Prairie Au Duc (n°45)
Click here for detailed schedules
Annual closure in January.
Due to construction on the pont Anne-de-Bretagne bridge, the Machines de l’Île may sometimes need to adjust their opening hours at last minute. For your own convenience, please check https://www.lesmachines-nantes.fr/ for updates before your visit.
Free for PASS Nantes holders
Book PASS Nantes
For Pass Nantes card holders : free access to the Machines Gallery and to the Carrousel. Ride on the Great Elephant not included in the Pass Nantes.
Book a ticket
Full price: €11 - Reduced price: €9 (Disabled persons, 4-17 years old, students, job seekers with proof of the current year)
Free admission for children under 4 years old, accompanying adults of people with diabilities and Pass Nantes holders.
Each ticket gives access to the workshop terraces, the film and the Heron Tree project prototype Branch.
All the rooms of the Galerie des Machines are accessible, building on one level. Loan of folding seats and a wheelchair possible on request. No access to strollers - Stroller parking (bike lock and baby harness recommended).
Mediation sound system. Information panels concerning the various projects.
An application allows you to download an audio and text guide for visit assistance.
To the rhythms of the interventions of the machinists, the story and the functioning of the strange creatures of the Gallery and the imaginary world of the Heron Tree are told to you.
Downloadable remotely, the application gives access to content only near the Gallery. The choice of language, FR // ENG // SPA // GER // ITAL is done automatically according to the settings of the device.
A mediation video in French Sign Language, subtitled in French, with voiceover is available online :
The giftshop-bookstore presents a wide range of unique and original objects, drawings and works, inspired by the Machines de l’île.
Contact: +33 (0)2 51 17 48 87
Gift shop Machines de l’île