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.
See also
Nantes is transforming
Nantes has been getting a major makeover since 2024.
The city is currently undergoing extensive public works, particularly around Île de Nantes (Quai de la Fosse and the Pont Anne-de-Bretagne bridge). Tram Line 1 will be temporarily suspended from mid-June to late August 2026. The city centre and Parc des Chantiers – Machines de l’Île will remain accessible, thanks to replacement buses and to the pedestrian and cycling routes that will continue to be open. Park-and-ride facilities are available to drivers.
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, Gare de l'État, Chantiers Navals
Self-service bicycles: Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Machine de l'île (n°43), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Palais de justice (n°44), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Grue jaune (n°103), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Brunelière (n°41), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Prairie au duc (n°45)
Accueil Vélo – Cyclists Welcome certified
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 the website for updates before your visit.
In the event of very high temperatures (+36°C / +96.8°F): For everyone’s comfort and safety, some sites are likely to temporarily close. Decisions to close venues will be taken at the last minute so as to keep them open as long as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience if the site is closed during 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: €12 - Reduced price: €10 (Disabled persons, 13-17 years old, students, job seekers with proof of the current year) - €8 children aged 4 to 12
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