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.
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 informationSee also
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, Gare de l'État, Chantiers Navals
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
Les Machines de l’île reserves the right to cancel the Grand Éléphant Tour in case of bad weather, storm or technical necessity.
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.
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 adults accompanying people with disabilities.
Each ticket gives access to the workshop terraces, the film and the Heron Tree prototype Branch.
Le Voyage à Nantes strives for all members of the public to enjoy its temporary and permanent exhibitions. For Le Voyage à Nantes, offering accessibility is more than just a legal obligation, it’s a positive process that can bring everyone together.
As part of its universal accessibility policy, Les Machines de l’île offers specific measures and tools to ensure your visit is an excellent one.
For instance, for those with reduced mobility and those who tire easily, spaces are accessible by elevator, folding seats are available on loan, and more.
Contact: accessibilite@lesmachines-nantes.fr
Noise-cancelling headphones, braille, and large print booklets are available at ticket offices and aboard le grand elephant.
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