Les Machines de L'ile

About

Les Machines de l’île is a dazzling fusion of Jules Verne’s imagination, Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical brilliance, and Nantes’ industrial heritage, nestled in the historic shipyards of the old Nefs. Visitors are whisked away inside the 12‑metre tall Grand Elephant, a gentle 45‑minute ride that takes them to a sky‑high “scene cathedral”. Alongside the Elephant, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins presents an animated sidebar of 35 sea creatures that glide across three levels, while the Galerie des Machines offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the engineering and artistic process. The Atelier terraces, accessible to ticket holders, showcase the live work of the makers in a laboratory of wood and steel, complete with a 14‑minute film enriched with sign language. The site’s dynamic calendar brings fresh thrills each season. In December, the "Noël aux Nefs" celebration lights up the Nefs with Christmas trees, cocoa, and family‑friendly performances. Winter evenings are enlivened by “Nocturnes,” while spring hosts the vibrant "Printemps des Nefs". A highlight for families is the upcoming Manège d’Andrea, a carnival ride for children that will softly open in spring 2026. Every ticket grants access to the film, the Terrasse, the Carrousel, and other discovery spaces. Admission is affordable and inclusive. Children under four enter for free, and a Carte Blanche ticket provides the lowest regular price at 6 € for all ages. Regular admission is 12 € for adults, 8 € for children aged 4–12 and 10 € for those 13–17, students and people with disabilities (with valid proof). Families benefit from a 15 % discount on the Family Ticket (five people, two adults). All tickets can be purchased online or at the gates, and the venue remains open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Highlights

• Grand Elephant
• Carrousel des Mondes Marins
• Atelier Terraces

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At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes