Les Machines de L'ile
Les Machines de L'ile
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 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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- mariedesjardinsPrince George, Canada7,312 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 28 January 2024
- Oscardog16Adelaide, Australia2,064 contributionsAmazing concept of mechanical devices inspired by nature.The machines have been designed to mimic the movements of animals. The tour lasts for approximately 45 minutes & is delivered in French only. The machines are displayed on a rotating loop. It doesn’t matter what time you arrive, you pick up each machine in turn & continue until you’ve seen them all. There is an audio guide available in multiple languages (to download on your phone). The elephant ride was worth doing & leaves from 3 locations on a loop. Each ride lasts approximately 30 minutes & gives an elevated view of the area.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 June 2024
- Nat47 contributionsExcellent afternoons entertainmentWe spent an afternoon in Nantes and visited here. It isn’t very big but provided us with an interesting and enjoyable afternoon. We were a mixed age group from 11 to 77 and everyone enjoyed it. The staff in the galerie were great and whilst it is in French this doesn’t stop enjoyment of this attraction for non French speakers. The elephant was splendid and you can book to go on it which we did and enjoyed very much. It is however a sight to see from the ground which doesn’t require a ticket and is quite impressive. We didn’t do the carousel but that again looked interesting. This place is well worth a visit.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 July 2024
- Vivek HesaraghattaLondon, United Kingdom106 contributionsMechanical Elephant is the starDid not have a lot of time to go inside the galleries as I had to catch a train to Paris, but the visit to see the elephant was definitely worth it. There was a huge crowd for the tickets to ride on elephant. So chose to skip it. The elephant in action can be seen even without a ticket. Just walk though the barricades and at the end you will find the elephant around. The movement of the element is well synchronised giving you the feeling of a real.elephant moving. Overall it's definitely worth a visit if you are thinking whether to go.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 10 August 2024
- 301lisa33Coventry, United Kingdom2,014 contributionsBook aheadDifficult to find out how things worked on site - tickets and queues etc though plans quite widely available. Not entirely evident what there is to see - beyond the very obvious. Entry is free but access to attractions is pricey. Disappointed overall. We visited some years ago and there seemed to be more going on. We had booked the elephant ride ahead - absolutely essential - and that was enjoyed The route into town to the nearby multi-storey car park was quite well signedVisited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 August 2024
- Karen K6 contributionsDon't miss thisI can't recommend this enough. Absolutely fantastic day. The trip on the elephant was great, you get to see all the mechanics of the how it works when you are inside. The trunk sprays water at all the people it passes and even manages to do it to some of the passengers...so look out! The Machines de l’Ile is so good. Staff explain how all the machines work and it's just magical for the kids...they may even get picked to take a ride while it is being demonstrated. Well worth every penny/centVisited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 20 August 2024
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BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,438 contributions
Nov 2021
Although I doubted I'd like it, I went to check myself as it's on top of TA list.
This installation is set in former shipyards on Loire, not in the very center and far from prime tourist attractions.
You encounter problems starting with driving there, finding a parking spot, waiting in line to enter and finally seeing barely nothing through huge crowds - not desirable any time, but specially during the pandemic.
The biggest attraction - the elephant can be seen from outside for free, while for smaller I had much better experience in Chateau du Clos Luce where Leonardo actually lived and created.
This installation is set in former shipyards on Loire, not in the very center and far from prime tourist attractions.
You encounter problems starting with driving there, finding a parking spot, waiting in line to enter and finally seeing barely nothing through huge crowds - not desirable any time, but specially during the pandemic.
The biggest attraction - the elephant can be seen from outside for free, while for smaller I had much better experience in Chateau du Clos Luce where Leonardo actually lived and created.
Written 26 December 2021
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.
Paul
Nantes, France13 contributions
Feb 2023
Was looking forward to seeing this place and did enjoy the visit.
However, i was surprised by the small amount of things to see when actually inside. It is a small building that quickly became very crowded with 100+ people standing shoulder to shoulder while trying to watch the machine demonstrations.
Children were unable to see so many parents lifted their children onto their shoulders making it worse for those behind them.
And this is in the off-peak season. I can only imagine what it would be like in summer as it quickly become hot enough inside for some people to leave early.
Those interested in seeing the walking elephant can do so without buying a ticket to the gallery. The elephant moves outside near the carousel and across the parge open area giving plenty of photo opportunities for free.
However, i was surprised by the small amount of things to see when actually inside. It is a small building that quickly became very crowded with 100+ people standing shoulder to shoulder while trying to watch the machine demonstrations.
Children were unable to see so many parents lifted their children onto their shoulders making it worse for those behind them.
And this is in the off-peak season. I can only imagine what it would be like in summer as it quickly become hot enough inside for some people to leave early.
Those interested in seeing the walking elephant can do so without buying a ticket to the gallery. The elephant moves outside near the carousel and across the parge open area giving plenty of photo opportunities for free.
Written 19 February 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 M
18 contributions
Apr 2023
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.
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.
Written 9 April 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.
LCousins1974
Norwich, UK32 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Absolutely amazing place to visit and one of a kind. We took our 10 and 13 year old and parents in n 70s so great for all ages. The French always know how to put on a spectacle and entertain and we were not disappointed. An hour and a half wait for tickets from 11am so maybe go later in the afternoon in peak but we didn't mind. The wait was so worth it. Entertained by the truly unique giant elephant whilst in the queue and later in the square as it blew water over all! And in the gallery all the machines are demonstrated and whilst in French, again, it didn't matter as visually is so impressive. Loved it.
Written 24 August 2022
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.
Andrew R
23 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Les 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.
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.
Written 16 August 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.
Technobot
London, UK145 contributions
Feb 2022
We did not pay to visit the machine gallery itself, but paid instead for a ride on the elephant. This ticket also allowed us to visit the prototype for the 'flight of the herons' installation and to watch a very interesting video about the construction of the elephant. The 30 minute ride was well worth the money as it is a truly unique experience. It is also worth walking alongside the elephant after the visit, to experience the fun of it spraying water on excited children and unsuspecting tourists.
I would recommend booking in advance as the queues at the ticket office were long.
I would recommend booking in advance as the queues at the ticket office were long.
Written 18 February 2022
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.
Danica Sapit
4 contributions
Aug 2022
I am a solo American traveler who speaks a little French, so I did not mind all the tours being in French. It also helps to know French since they ask for volunteers, and the interactivity is really a highlight of this place. To be honest, though, this was a main reason for my going to France, as I am a fanatic of automata (especially among real life vegetation and Jules Verne-esque mysticism), so I was prepared. I think it is best to use the full time to listen to all the interactions and to spend some time to observe all the spaces and details. The machines are incredible, and just treating it as a walk through takes away from that. It is important to really cherish the craftsmanship behind all the magical things you are seeing. Of course, the smaller children's carousel and the sea life carousel, also, are hilarious and extremely fun. I did not ride the elephant but I did let myself get sprayed by it a bunch of times. You also are near a fun part of Nantes against the river. Truly a marvelous place!
Written 21 August 2022
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.
terry s
Manchester, UK142 contributions
Sept 2022
The machines of Nantes are an excellent experience. The range of animatronics, Spiders, Flying Birds, Snakes, and of course the 9-metre-high Elephant are fascinating. A must when in the Nantes area. The Park itself is large and mainly uncovered with various eateries some of which have inside seating. The main exhibition of machines is undercover. But a good weather day is best for a visit. You can ride the Elephant which is a great experience. But the creature animatronics are just as interesting. If you have children who are interested in Engineering, then this will inspire them.
Just a little warning if you are buying a day ticket ensure you "do the Elephant" first as once you enter the indoor exhibition you cannot leave and return. There is also a good chance that you could be absorbed into a Group who are doing a tour if you can avoid this do so as you may miss out on some exhibits.
Just a little warning if you are buying a day ticket ensure you "do the Elephant" first as once you enter the indoor exhibition you cannot leave and return. There is also a good chance that you could be absorbed into a Group who are doing a tour if you can avoid this do so as you may miss out on some exhibits.
Written 30 September 2022
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.
Charles S
Apalachicola, FL52 contributions
Sept 2022
I was expecting too much I guess. Kids may like some of the rides, though the elephant is sloooow and crowded. Kids on at the same time as us got bored and fidgety. Designs of animals carosels are fantastical, but it's ultimately just a carosel. I mistakenly thought the big elephant was an actual robot that walked. I was disappointed to learn that it just rolls on big rubber tires, and the walking motion is simulated. It just rolls very slowly around the theme park. The big bird ride and spider ride were not in service when we went. Though the designs look fantastic, they are really just rather tame carnival rides. We are an older couple, and had added Nantes to our itinerary just for this place, and wish we had allocated those days elsewhere in France. Families with kids may like it, but many adults will not.
Written 1 November 2022
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.
Claudette G
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Very disappointing experience. Does not cater to anyone who does not understand French. My son was so disappointed that he could not participate as they only asked for volunteers in French and he did not understand. I spoke to a couple of the presenters and they spoke and understood English and none were willing to include him in any of the volunteer sessions…. Waited for more than an hour to enter, not worth the time or money….
Written 1 August 2022
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.
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!
Written 11 August 2023
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
Written 24 July 2023
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 !
Written 11 August 2023
Are you able to buy tickets for the elephant ride and gallery on the day or is it best to book in advance?
Written 8 May 2023
Is there any car parking height restriction or limit E.g for a with a roof box?
Written 12 February 2023
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.
Written 13 February 2023
Dipende da quello che volete fare (meglio controllare bene gli orari di apertura delle diverse attrazioni). Direi da un’ora fino a tre, senza annoiarsi
Written 10 August 2019
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?
Written 8 April 2019
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.
Written 8 April 2019
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?
Written 17 March 2019
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.
Written 18 March 2019
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!!!
Written 6 March 2019
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