Machines of the Isle Nantes
Quick Facts
- Location
- France, Nantes
- Category
- Beach & Island
- Duration
- Half day (2-3 hours)
- Opening Hours
- Seasonal operation with a winter closure; check the day's arrangements in advance
- Ticket Price
- Tickets are sold per attraction — the Gallery, elephant and carousel can be bought separately or combined
- Address
- Madeleine - Champ de Mars, Nantes, Pays-de-la-Loire, France
- Coordinates
- 47.2070, -1.5530
Introduction
Les Machines de l'île occupies the old shipyards on the banks of the Loire in Nantes and is a singular park where machinery, art and fantasy meet. Drawing on Jules Verne's imaginary worlds and Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical sketches, its makers built moving giant mechanical creatures in wood and steel, most famously a walking elephant that carries passengers and a rotating 'marine world' carousel. Visitors can also enter the Machine Gallery to see how the birds, reptiles and other mechanisms work. Set among old workshops and dry docks, where industrial relics meet fantastical machines, it is one of Nantes' most recognisable contemporary cultural landmarks.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Machines of the Isle Nantes?
Seasonal operation with a winter closure; check the day's arrangements in advance
How much is the admission for Machines of the Isle Nantes?
Tickets are sold per attraction — the Gallery, elephant and carousel can be bought separately or combined
Any practical tips for visiting Machines of the Isle Nantes?
Riding the elephant needs a separate ticket and often sells out — book online in advance. The park closes in winter, so confirm it is open before travelling.
How long should I spend at Machines of the Isle Nantes?
A typical visit takes Half day (2-3 hours).
