Les Machines de l'ile (The Machines of the Isle of Nantes) Tourism
Type of destination: Cultural attraction
Ideal visit duration: Half a day
Les Machines de l'ile is an artistic, tourist, and cultural project based in Nantes, France. Situated on the banks of the Loire River in the old shipyards, Les Machines de l'ile is an absolute fusion of Jules Verne's 'invented worlds', the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and Nantes’ industrial history in shipbuilding and metallurgy. One of the most iconic attractions here is the Great Elephant, which can carry passengers in a reminiscent experience of the Sultan's Elephant from the French tale. Other mechanical creatures and contraptions fill the gallery, offering an interactive and immersive experience that blurs the line between art and engineering. The Marine Worlds Carousel, a three-tiered carousel featuring sea creatures, is a spectacle of imagination. The Heron Tree project is set to be another star attraction, further expanding the array of mechanical fauna. Visitors are also invited to the workshop to see the artists and engineers at work. Les Machines de l'ile provides a unique form of entertainment that is both magical and educational, reflecting the city's creative spirit.