The Great Elephant is constructed from 48.4 tons of wood and steel.
The Marine Worlds Carousel reaches 25 meters in height and is one of the largest fairground structures ever built.
The creators draw thematic inspiration from Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes.
Many of the mechanical animals are powered by complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
The project functions as a permanent, live laboratory for mechanical engineering and theatrical design.
The site is located on the Île de Nantes, an island formed by the reorganization of the Loire River.
Les Machines de l'Île is an artistic, mechanical attraction located in former shipyards in Nantes. It features a collection of large-scale, moving mechanical animals inspired by the works of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. The central exhibit is the Great Elephant, a 12-meter-tall wooden and steel creature that walks through the Parc des Chantiers while spraying water. The site includes the Marine Worlds Carousel, an interactive structure featuring three tiers of mechanical sea life. The Heron Tree, a monumental metal sculpture, is a central project of the site's ongoing creative development. Visitors can board some machines for guided mechanical rides. The workshops, where engineers and sculptors design and maintain the animals, are visible through glass observation areas. The project was conceived by François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice to transform the industrial history of the Nantes shipyard into a surrealist cultural space.
From the river bank path when the Great Elephant passes by the hangar.
Book tickets for the Elephant ride well in advance as they frequently sell out.
Check the daily schedule to see if the Elephant is running, as it periodically undergoes maintenance cycles.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the sprawling Parc des Chantiers area surrounding the structures.
Do not wait until the day of your visit to purchase tickets for the rides, as availability is strictly limited.
Closed on certain Mondays during low season; check the official website for seasonal maintenance closures.
