Les Machines de L'ile
Les Machines de L'ile
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Machines de l’Ile is an artistic and a tourist project. It is a blend of the invented worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial history of Nantes, on an exceptional site in the former shipyards. A ride on the 12-meter tall Great Elephant, climb aboard the Marine Worlds Carrousel of 27 moving sea creatures or the Heron Tree to fly over the hanging gardens.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Rob M19 contributionsA treat for the imagination.This is a remarkable place and it is still being created. There is a lot to see and the website can be confusing so do your research. Check the on-line diary carefully to make sure the rides you want are available and check the opening times. If you want a ride on the elephant get there 30 mins before opening time, it fills up fast. The gallery of machines has the most amazing machines, you can only go in once per ticket and there is a 50 min tour but you can stay and watch it again so long as you don't exit.. Allow time for this if you go before your elephant ride. The Carousel is a walk away with its own ticket office. If you want to ride be sure to go on a "Fairground mode" day. The entry prize includes one ride, but you can keep buying more rides for 3Eu a go and you don't need to join the main queue, but nowhere does it say this, we asked.. Where else could you ride in a puffer fish, on a stingray or be pulled by a shoal of mechanical flying fish? The labour that has gone into this is astonishing. We spent 2 half days - about 6 hours. The more time you spend the more detail you see.Visited April 2023Written April 9, 2023
- LuanaRubinBoulder, Colorado565 contributionsFascinating and beautifulYou can visit and view the Elephant, and 2 carousels ....or you can buy a ticket and go to the museum. I was most interested in taking photos of the Elephant and carousels, and did not have time to visit the indoor museum, sadly. If you are short on time it is still worth it to go see the separate outdoor attractions! (See my photos)Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten May 6, 2023
- Andrew R5 contributionsJules Verne' spirit lives in Les Machines de L'ileLes Machines de L'ile is brilliant, and it's hard to imagine a first time visit to Nantes missing it. We booked a timed ride on the elephant, and it's important to know that it makes a three stop tour around the grounds, and your ride is for one of those legs between the stops, We got on at the giant carousel, which lets you off next to the heron, then it travels around the back of and through the studio. From there it goes back to the carousel. I think the most interesting would be through the studio, but with needing to buy timed tickets, I'm not sure you can choose. Watching the elephant from a distance is probably more interesting than riding on it, though it gives you a great view of the hordes of kids running in front waiting to get sprayed by the elephant's trunk. I'd instead recommend getting your ticket for the carousel, whose fantastic creatures cannot be seen from outside. You can buy a ticket for admission only, to see the ride, or with a tour around on it as well. Any admission tickets gets you into the gallery as well. Due to long lines and a tired teenager, we skipped that.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 16, 2023
- Zoe DLondon, United Kingdom567 contributionsNever seen anything like this. ImpressiveI saw this on trip advisor before we travelled and I must say I have never seen anything like it before. We didn’t manage to see everything due to having such a long day but I would recommend you make time for it. The elephant is fantastic. It sprays water as it walks around. You can also pay to sit on it. It was so funny getting wet when it sprayed us. The children loved it. The carousel is a must too. Very interesting things to go on. I am sure there is a lot more there so I would definitely go again. It was free of charge for the part we went into.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 17, 2023
- EboracumYorkYork, United Kingdom499 contributionsA must do in Nantes - book ahead!A ride on the giant elephant is a must! Make sure you book in advance as gets sold out in peak season. Watching the elephants coming out of the building was amazing - then following to the carrousel to board. Well worth a trip into Les Machines de l'Île as well.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 31, 2023
- Evelyn JBeaufort, South Carolina3 contributionsAn Amazing, Unique ExperienceWhat an AMAZING, UNIQUE experience. This museum and the mechanical elephant are a MUST in Nantes. This is something you will not see anywhere else. Paris may be gorgeous, but Nantes has some incredibly unique offerings and this is one of them. Don't miss it.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 1, 2023
- mariedesjardinsPrince George, Canada6,744 contributionsVery unique experience, gigantic mechanical creaturesI ride the giant elephant and got soaked when the driver turned the trunk on the passengers. It was excellent though on the 30c+ day in September. After the ride, I enjoyed the gallery display of robotic creatures and the demo. The ticket for the gallery and canopy is separate from the elephant ride. It’s easy to reach by tram from the Nantes train station and visible along the river.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten January 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
7,340 reviews
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mariedesjardins
Prince George, Canada6,744 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I ride the giant elephant and got soaked when the driver turned the trunk on the passengers. It was excellent though on the 30c+ day in September. After the ride, I enjoyed the gallery display of robotic creatures and the demo. The ticket for the gallery and canopy is separate from the elephant ride. It’s easy to reach by tram from the Nantes train station and visible along the river.
Written January 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silvia C
London, UK6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Interesting place for children and adults near the river and it is quite central. Recommended to buy the English explanation as they only talk in French
Written November 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StanBrynmawr
Brynmawr, UK528 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Visited during Rugby World Cup and main reason was Le Grand Elephant. Booked in advance online. Ride last about 30 minutes, slow but really fun. Well worth it.
Plenty to do in that area also.
Plenty to do in that area also.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob S
Gold Coast, Australia1,085 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Brilliant, clever and creative, these steampunk style mechanical creatures made our imaginations soar.
Alas, the elephant was under repair, but the creation of these incredible machines is a treat not to be missed.
Alas, the elephant was under repair, but the creation of these incredible machines is a treat not to be missed.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GranZorro
Zug, Switzerland1,504 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Of the many attractions in Nantes, this has to be not only the most amazing but the most unique as well.
Working in a disused industrial complex, the inventors of these extraordinary machines - actually mechanized animals of all kinds - not only created a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction but also set in motion the revitalization of the entire Ile de Nantes, which had been a neglected area between two waterways right at the center of town.
Working in a disused industrial complex, the inventors of these extraordinary machines - actually mechanized animals of all kinds - not only created a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction but also set in motion the revitalization of the entire Ile de Nantes, which had been a neglected area between two waterways right at the center of town.
Written September 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rocky
United Kingdom32 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Very disappointing dont bother was expecting a knock out experience as was 2nd popular attraction to go to in Nantes.
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelyn J
Beaufort, SC3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
What an AMAZING, UNIQUE experience. This museum and the mechanical elephant are a MUST in Nantes. This is something you will not see anywhere else. Paris may be gorgeous, but Nantes has some incredibly unique offerings and this is one of them. Don't miss it.
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Callummck
London, UK120 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
You really must visit when in Nantes! We booked the elephant ride a couple of weeks and advance and the slots do seem to book up - it’s well worth doing and great value for money. Our boys (6&3 loved it).
We also did the carousel on the day as a walk up. It was a little confusing to understand the ticketing online, but they explained it all really well at the gate. At first I thought it was a little expensive (essentially the same price as the elephant!) but it turned out to be a big hit and well worth it: every single carriage on the 3-Level carousel is different and does different things with the controls. They encourage you to watch each level in turn, before choosing which animal or item you want to ride on/in - each is unique and some looked incredible! The staff also do a great job at facilitating you being able to ride on the thing you want to, rather than it being a free for all. Highly recommend both- book the elephant in advance!
We also did the carousel on the day as a walk up. It was a little confusing to understand the ticketing online, but they explained it all really well at the gate. At first I thought it was a little expensive (essentially the same price as the elephant!) but it turned out to be a big hit and well worth it: every single carriage on the 3-Level carousel is different and does different things with the controls. They encourage you to watch each level in turn, before choosing which animal or item you want to ride on/in - each is unique and some looked incredible! The staff also do a great job at facilitating you being able to ride on the thing you want to, rather than it being a free for all. Highly recommend both- book the elephant in advance!
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EboracumYork
York, UK499 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A ride on the giant elephant is a must!
Make sure you book in advance as gets sold out in peak season.
Watching the elephants coming out of the building was amazing - then following to the carrousel to board.
Well worth a trip into Les Machines de l'Île as well.
Make sure you book in advance as gets sold out in peak season.
Watching the elephants coming out of the building was amazing - then following to the carrousel to board.
Well worth a trip into Les Machines de l'Île as well.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoe D
London, UK567 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I saw this on trip advisor before we travelled and I must say I have never seen anything like it before. We didn’t manage to see everything due to having such a long day but I would recommend you make time for it. The elephant is fantastic. It sprays water as it walks around. You can also pay to sit on it. It was so funny getting wet when it sprayed us. The children loved it. The carousel is a must too. Very interesting things to go on. I am sure there is a lot more there so I would definitely go again. It was free of charge for the part we went into.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob W
Cowes, UK
Is there any disabled parking on site
Le Voyage à Nantes
Nantes, France
Hello Rob W, please download the parking map for people with reduced mobility on the Machines de l'île website, "Practical>Access" section. Have a nice stay in Nantes!
Marion L
2 contributions
Bonjour,
Est il possible de rentrer dans les différentes attractions (galerie, éléphant, carrousel) avec un sac à dos (de taille classique) ?
Sur le site des machines le pictogramme "sac à dos" est barré, mais avec de jeunes enfants qui peuvent nécessiter entre autre d'être changés pendant la journée, ça va être compliqué sans sac ...
Merci
Le Voyage à Nantes
Nantes, France
Bonjour, en raison des mesures nationales de sécurité en cours dans le cadre du Plan Vigipirate, les bagages ne sont pas autorisés dans nos espaces de visite et ne peuvent pas être déposés à l’accueil.
Le site ne dispose pas de bagagerie.
Consignes, conciergeries, casiers pour sacoches vélo… plusieurs solutions pour confier ses bagages et visiter la ville en toute liberté !
jomcvitie
Plymouth, UK21 contributions
Are you able to buy tickets for the elephant ride and gallery on the day or is it best to book in advance?
HiPro101
Cardiff, UK260 contributions
Is there any car parking height restriction or limit E.g for a with a roof box?
Charles S
Apalachicola, FL57 contributions
We did not drive a car to the park. Parking garages in the area have limited height, but I do not know if the Les Machines has its own parking or not. I am sure you could find that out from the park itself. The facility is large and wide-open.
Can you take dogs in to the attraction?
Andy C
116 contributions
I wouldn't recommend it, big mechanical things moving about, not fair on the dog
Flossie B
Los Angeles, CA15 contributions
I know when you buy an admission ticket you can add on an elephant ride or a carousel ride. What about the other rides, are they included with admission or do you need to buy a ticket for everyone that you want to do?
Hoppity
London, UK233 contributions
There's currently just the two rides. You buy the ticket for the elephant in the ticket office in the warehouses. You can also buy the ticket for the gallery there to go on the tour of the other machines or just have a wander round yourself. Both the elephant ticket and the gallery ticket give you access to the upper floor as well to look at the workshop as well. The carousel tickets are available at the carousel on the far side of the site. Check the website for up to date details and any other ticket options.
Hola lo que es la entrada al parque,sin subir a ninguna atracción se tiene que pagar algo?
Reisekurt
Grafelfing, Germany709 contributions
An der Brücke beginnt ein grosses Gelände, die zum Teil Eintritts frei sind.
My parents, in their 80s are desperate to visit the machines. How much walking is involved in a visit, does it have wheelchairs available or should I hire some separately?
Stasha S
Castries, St. Lucia331 contributions
Well, I was situated on the ground floor the entire time during my visit. The demos and exhibit, in a separate section, were also on the ground floor. The visit does entail a lot of standing so I would recommend wheelchairs due to your parents' age. Not sure if wheelchairs are provided.
Kenna
1 contribution
Is it easy enough to park at the attraction?
w0rkingt0travel
Somerset227 contributions
Yes-very! There is a big public car park, very well signposted, across the road. It’s multi-storey and very secure - we left our car with all our luggage in and two bikes on the back and they were all there when we came back. It’s very fairly priced too. Better value than an NCP by a long way!!!
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Claim your listingLES MACHINES DE L'ILE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Les Machines de L'ile
- Hotels near Les Machines de L'ile:
- (0.66 km) Hotel Voltaire Opera Nantes Centre
- (0.84 km) Oceania Hotel de France
- (0.68 km) Hôtel Le Cambronne
- (0.72 km) Best Western Hotel Graslin
- (0.93 km) Mercure Nantes Centre Passage Pommeraye
- Restaurants near Les Machines de L'ile:
- (0.06 km) Le Cafe de la Branche
- (0.20 km) LuluRouget
- (0.18 km) Paola
- (0.09 km) Cafe du Progres
- (0.08 km) Le Point Bar
- Attractions near Les Machines de L'ile:
- (0.12 km) Maison des Hommes et des techniques
- (0.26 km) Le Voyage à Nantes
- (0.25 km) Tv Quiz Nantes
- (0.38 km) Memorial to the abolition of slavery
- (0.32 km) Belem