Machines of the Isle (Les Machines de L'ile)

Overview

Machines of the Isle is a unique and imaginative theme park featuring giant mechanical creatures and whimsical installations. It's a fusion of art, industrial technology, and fantasy.

It's a major cultural and tourist attraction, showcasing Nantes' creativity and innovation.

Mechanical Art Family-Friendly Interactive Exhibits

Location

Address

Parc des Chantiers, Blvd. Léon Bureau, Nantes, Pays de la Loire

Neighborhood: Île de Nantes

Coordinates

47.214800, -1.550000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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 - 8:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€15.50

Children

€8.50 (ages 5-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-June

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• garden exhibits
• spring-themed installations

summer

warm to hot

• extended hours
• water features

autumn

cooling down

• fall foliage
• harvest-themed exhibits

winter

cold

• holiday lights
• indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Bring valid ID
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

ID water bottle printed or digital tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella hat

not allowed

large bags (size restrictions apply) drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (some walking and standing required)

• be aware of moving mechanical parts
• stairs and uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payment

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical Costs

entry €15.50 (adults), €8.50 (children 5-17), free (under 5)

parking €5

food €10-€20

souvenirs €5-€50

Dress Code

casual, comfortable, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes for walking, inappropriate or offensive clothing

Booking Tips

• at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially in peak season
• official website (machines-nantes.fr)
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• available for online ticket holders

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

Baby changing station

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Food options

Digital Services

Mobile App

Les Machines de l'Île

Size: 100 MB

Features: interactive map, audio guide, ticket booking, event calendar, park information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor Center, Café, Indoor Exhibits

Charging Stations: Visitor Center, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)

Distance: 10 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi

€30-€40 20 min

public_transport

€2 35 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

tramway

€1.60 10 min

bus

€1.60 15 min

taxi

€10-€15 10 min

bike

€1.10 per 30 min 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It's a unique and imaginative place that showcases Nantes' creativity and innovation, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Historical Significance: The Machines of the Isle is part of a larger urban redevelopment project on the Île de Nantes, a historic area with a rich industrial past.

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience
The best food and coffee can be found at the nearby cafés and restaurants in the Île de Nantes area
The park is more magical during the holiday season with festive lights and decorations

Local Recommendations

• Try a Galette (traditional Breton pancake) at a nearby café
• Visit the nearby Château des Ducs de Bretagne
• Ask for recommendations from the friendly staff or local guides

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bonjour

thank_you Merci

where_is Où est

how_much Combien

beautiful Magnifique

ticket Billet

Guide Languages: French, English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance with the Great Elephant

Best Time: Golden hour (sunrise or sunset)

Tips: Low angle for the Elephant, wide shots for the entrance

Result: Stunning photos of the iconic Elephant and the entrance

#MachinesNantes #MechanicalArt #NantesFrance

Galats' Garden

Best Time: Daytime with clear skies

Tips: Overhead shots of the mechanical plants, close-ups of details

Result: Beautiful images of the whimsical garden

#GalatsGarden #MechanicalGarden #NantesAttractions

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, most indoor exhibits

prohibited areas certain exhibitions (check signage), restricted zones

flash photography not allowed in most indoor areas

commercial photography permit needed for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy restricted in certain areas (check signage)

selfie sticks allowed, but use with caution

Nearby Attractions

Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Museum

Jardin des Plantes

Distance: 800m

Walking: 12 min

Type: Park

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Religious Site

Musée d'Arts de Nantes

Distance: 1.2km

Walking: 20 min