Galerie des Machines de l’île
A fantastical park on Nantes' Île de Nantes, featuring giant mechanical creatures inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Galerie des Machines de l’île
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fantastical park on Nantes' Île de Nantes, featuring giant mechanical creatures inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.
"A wonderful creative imaginative magical experience, for children and adults alike."
🎟️ Book Elephant Ride Early
The Grand Elephant ride is popular! Book your slot in advance to avoid disappointment.
📱 Use the App for Info
Most presentations are in French. Use the app for English translations and info.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Elephant
Exterior
A colossal mechanical elephant that walks and sprays water! A truly unforgettable sight and experience.
Galerie des Machines
Interior
Explore a menagerie of fantastical mechanical creatures, from chameleons to spiders, all brought to life.
Carrousel des Mondes Marins
Exterior
A breathtaking carousel featuring deep-sea creatures and fantastical marine life, inspired by Jules Verne.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Interactive Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Elephant Ride Early
The Grand Elephant ride is popular! Book your slot in advance to avoid disappointment.
📱 Use the App for Info
Most presentations are in French. Use the app for English translations and info.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the different levels and machines.
💧 Watch out for the Elephant!
The Grand Elephant sprays water! It's fun, but be prepared to get a little wet if you're close.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Elephant Ride Early
The Grand Elephant ride is popular! Book your slot in advance to avoid disappointment.
📱 Use the App for Info
Most presentations are in French. Use the app for English translations and info.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the different levels and machines.
💧 Watch out for the Elephant!
The Grand Elephant sprays water! It's fun, but be prepared to get a little wet if you're close.
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo opportunities with these unique mechanical wonders.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical, imaginative, and interactive experience at Les Machines de l'Île, calling it a must-see for all ages. The mechanical animals, especially the Grand Elephant, are consistently highlighted as impressive and fun. While most presentations are in French, the interactive nature and visual spectacle make it enjoyable, with an app available for translation.
"I liked the fact that this building had been renovated for such an interesting and, above all, interactive project. Fortunately, there was an English-speaking guide available. During the visit we were able to touch some of the machines ourselves and activate them, making the whole thing much more fun. It was also nice to be able to access the area where these machines are actually built, so that everyone can understand the hard engineering work that goes into them."
Flavio Carlo Chimienti
"A wonderful creative imaginative magical experience, for children and adults alike. Blending engineering & physics with creative design and wild imagination. This place is a must see! The Grand Elephant is also impressive, and squirts water everywhere. Don’t get wet! Must see, must try. Not expensive. Worthwhile for family and all ages!"
F Liu
"I found this a slightly bizarre experience, maybe best suited to children and anyone interested in beautiful carvings/mechanics.... but the mechanical animals were genuinely impressive and the people doing the tour were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
The highlight for me was the mechanical elephant, which you don't have to pay to watch."
Helen E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Galerie des Machines is located on the Île de Nantes. You can reach it by tram (Line 1, stop 'Chantiers Navals') or by bus. It's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from the city center.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Machines de l'Île, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider public transport if possible.
Yes, it's a scenic walk across the Loire River, taking about 20-30 minutes. It's a great way to see more of Nantes.
While many presentations are in French, English-speaking guides are sometimes available. It's best to check the schedule in advance or use the provided app for translations.
The site is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators. Specific tours, like those in French Sign Language (LSF), are also offered. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the attractions you wish to experience (Galerie des Machines, Grand Elephant, Carrousel). It's recommended to check the official website for current pricing and package deals.
It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for the Grand Elephant ride, to secure your spot and avoid queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to consult the official website for the most up-to-date information. They often open around 10 AM and close by 6 PM, with occasional evening openings.
Yes, combination tickets are often available, offering better value if you plan to experience the Grand Elephant, Galerie des Machines, and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins.
You can often see and interact with the Grand Elephant from the ground level without a ticket for the Galerie des Machines, but for the ride, a ticket is required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the incredible collection of giant, interactive mechanical creatures, inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.
You can ride the iconic Grand Elephant, and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins offers a unique ride experience. Some smaller machines in the gallery are also interactive.
It's an exhibition space showcasing the design, construction, and operation of the mechanical beasts. You can see them being built and even interact with some.
During certain periods, like holidays, there are animations and shows. The mechanical creatures themselves are a constant spectacle.
This refers to the collection of animated mechanical animals within the Galerie des Machines, such as the chameleon, spider, and ant.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are usually cafes and snack bars on-site offering refreshments. You can also find restaurants in the surrounding Île de Nantes area.
Picnics are generally allowed in designated outdoor areas, but check specific rules upon arrival.
Expect typical cafe fare like sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. For more substantial meals, explore the nearby restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb the mechanics or other guests.
The Grand Elephant, the various mechanical creatures in the gallery, and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in such attractions for safety and privacy reasons. Always check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Book tickets in advance, especially for the Elephant ride. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot to explore. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, though on-site cafes are available. The app can help translate information for younger ones who can't read French.
✨ Art & Engineering Enthusiasts
Don't miss: The detailed explanations of how the machines are built and operated. The blend of Jules Verne's literary imagination with da Vinci's engineering principles is a unique draw. Consider looking for any special exhibitions or talks that delve deeper into the technical aspects.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Pro-tip: Visit during different times of day to capture varied lighting. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins also offers dynamic shots. Be sure to capture the scale and detail of the machines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Visionaries: Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci
This fusion of literature and historical invention creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults. It's a place where the impossible seems to come to life, encouraging visitors to dream big and explore the potential of human creativity and engineering. The park is a testament to how art, science, and imagination can converge to create something truly extraordinary.
Exploring the Mechanical Menagerie
Highlights include the Grand Elephant, a colossal walking machine that can carry passengers, and various creatures like the Chameleon, Spider, and Ant. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins is another marvel, a multi-level carousel depicting fantastical marine life. The interactive nature of these machines makes the experience incredibly engaging and memorable for all ages.
+2Accessibility and Inclusivity
+1The site itself is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps and elevators to navigate the different levels. The interactive nature of the machines also allows for varied engagement, catering to different abilities. It's a place that truly strives to be inclusive, allowing a wide range of visitors to marvel at its unique creations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit