Jean Prouvé is considered to be one of the most inventive architects of the 20th century, and his work contains some of the most significant examples of the modern period.
At the end of the 1960s the Total group called on Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) — one of the greatest inventors of architectural structures in the 20th century — to help reshape their image. The architect developed the prototype of a mobile petrol station that could move depending on traffic and the result was a 13-sided polygon. The station was renovated in 2009 and is open for visitors to re-visit and partake in a moment of design history.
Refurbished for Estuaire 2009, it allows visitors to experience and share a moment in the history of design. Here, you will find all the services of Nantes.Tourisme to help you organize your stay: brochures, tickets, guided tours, Passes, and more.
Since 2025, the Station Prouvé has been awarded the “Architecture contemporaine remarquable” label.
Dring !
Dispositif roulant innovant nantais et gratuit
Mobile staff in Parc des Chantiers
Guides offer short tours of Parc des Chantiers aboard one of the two “Dring!” shuttles, from the Naves of the Machines de l’Île to the Grey Titan Crane.
2 Shuttles operate daily from 2–7 PM from 4 July to 6 September 2026.
Visitors may complete one or several sections of the route while pedaling at their own pace.
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
Boulevard de la prairie au Duc 44200 Nantes
How to get there?
Parking(s) nearby: Parking Les Nefs, Parking Les Machines
Public transport: Prairie au Duc, Quai des Antilles, Chantiers Navals
Self-service bicycles: Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Grue jaune (n°103), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Machine de l'île (n°43), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Brunelière (n°41), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Gare maritime (n°42)
