He lives in the central street of the Nefs. When the majestic animal goes out for its walk, it is like architecture in motion departing from a steel cathedral. The 49 passengers on board embark on an amazing journey on the Ile de Nantes. Each time the pachyderm goes out, it is a unique spectacle for everyone to enjoy.
When this majestic beast emerges from its steel cathedral, it is a moving piece of architecture that sets off for a walk. The passengers on board can see what makes the engine and moving feet tick. A machinist will welcome you on board, tell you about its life and set off its trumpeting. As part of the crew, this is an invite for timeless travel in the town of Jules Verne.
See also
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, Parking Chantiers Navals
Public transport: Prairie au Duc 1, Prairie au Duc, Chantiers Navals, Gare de l'Etat
Self-service bicycles: Palais De Justice (n°44), Grue Jaune (n°103), Brunelière (n°41), Prairie Au Duc (n°45)
Click here for detailed schedules
Les Machines de l’île reserves the right to cancel the Grand Éléphant Tour in case of bad weather, storm or technical necessity.
Book
Full price: 9,50 € - Reduced price: 7,50 € (Disabled persons / 4-17 years old, students, job seekers with proof of the current year)
Free access for children under 4 years old and people accompanying disabled people.
Each ticket gives access to the workshop terraces, the film and the Heron Tree prototype Branch.
Located under the prototype Branch of the Heron Tree, the bookstore and gift shop 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
The Café de la Branche welcomes you with its daily menus from Tuesday to Friday, and offers its sandwiches on weekends, in summer (July-August) and during the Christmas holidays.
Contact: +33 (0)2 51 17 48 86
The Café de la Branche