Le Grand Éléphant
A colossal 48-ton mechanical elephant that roams the Île de Nantes, a breathtaking fusion of art and engineering.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See the elephant in motion!
Le Grand Éléphant
Best Time
See the elephant in motion!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal 48-ton mechanical elephant that roams the Île de Nantes, a breathtaking fusion of art and engineering.
"This steampunk mechanical beast is 40ft tall and parades through the streets carrying 50 passengers and spraying onlookers with water!"
🎯 Check the Elephant's Schedule
Le Grand Éléphant moves! Always check the official schedule before your visit to catch its parades.
💧 Stand Ground for Fun
Watching from the ground is a blast, especially for kids who love getting sprayed by the trunk!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Le Grand Éléphant
Île de Nantes
A colossal 48-ton mechanical elephant that parades through Nantes, spraying water and delighting onlookers.
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Les Machines de l'Île
Île de Nantes
Explore a world of fantastical mechanical creatures and interactive exhibits inspired by Jules Verne.
Carrousel des Mondes Marins
Île de Nantes
A stunning three-level carousel featuring bizarre sea creatures and intricate mechanical designs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ride or Watch?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check the Elephant's Schedule
Le Grand Éléphant moves! Always check the official schedule before your visit to catch its parades.
💧 Stand Ground for Fun
Watching from the ground is a blast, especially for kids who love getting sprayed by the trunk!
🎟️ Book Ride Tickets Early
Riding the elephant offers a unique view, but tickets can sell out. Book in advance if you want a seat.
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
This mechanical giant is truly enormous. Photos can't capture its scale – see it in person!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check the Elephant's Schedule
Le Grand Éléphant moves! Always check the official schedule before your visit to catch its parades.
💧 Stand Ground for Fun
Watching from the ground is a blast, especially for kids who love getting sprayed by the trunk!
🎟️ Book Ride Tickets Early
Riding the elephant offers a unique view, but tickets can sell out. Book in advance if you want a seat.
📸 Photos Don't Do Justice
This mechanical giant is truly enormous. Photos can't capture its scale – see it in person!
🗺️ Explore the Workshops
If time allows, wander through the workshops to appreciate the intricate engineering behind the machines.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the sheer scale and ingenuity of Le Grand Éléphant, calling it a 'mechanical marvel' and a 'must-see.' The interactive element of the elephant spraying water is a particular highlight for families. While riding the elephant is an option, many feel watching it from the ground is equally, if not more, thrilling. Some wish they had more time to explore the workshops and learn about the intricate engineering behind all the machines.
"Amazing show, loved seeing the elephant move and he sprays water too!"
Robotllamas
"If you ask me, no need to get on the elephant. It is so much more fun to watch from the ground."
Fatmagül Bolat
"We loved wandering around this part of Nantes. We were lucky enough to see Le grand éléphant in action, spraying water from its trunk, which all the children who were there absolutely loved. The engineering was something to behold. I would've loved to have had time to wander around the workshops and learn more about the intricate details and work behind all the machines.
We noticed in Nantes airport on the way home, a selection of machine birds and assumed these were from the workshops too!"
Samantha Clayson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Le Grand Éléphant is located on the Île de Nantes. You can reach it by tram (lines 1, 2, or 3 to Commerce, then walk or take a shuttle) or by bus. Many visitors enjoy walking along the Loire River to get there.
Yes, there are several parking options on the Île de Nantes, including paid parking lots. However, public transport is often recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the city center across the bridges to the Île de Nantes. It offers nice views of the river and the city.
Trams are a convenient way to reach the area. Tram line 1 to 'Chantiers Navals' or Tram line 2/3 to 'Vincent Gâche' will get you close.
The area around Le Grand Éléphant is generally accessible. For specific accessibility details regarding rides or workshops, it's best to check the official Les Machines de l'Île website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Watching Le Grand Éléphant from the ground is free! However, if you wish to ride on the elephant, you will need to purchase a ticket.
Ticket prices for riding Le Grand Éléphant can vary. It's recommended to check the official Les Machines de l'Île website for the most current pricing and to book in advance, as rides can sell out.
The opening hours for Les Machines de l'Île, including the elephant's schedule, vary by season and day. Always consult the official website for the most up-to-date information.
While it might be possible, it's highly recommended to book your elephant ride tickets in advance online. This guarantees your spot and avoids disappointment, especially during peak season.
Les Machines de l'Île offers various attractions. You can often purchase tickets for individual rides or experiences, and sometimes package deals are available. Check their website for current offerings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Le Grand Éléphant is a massive mechanical creature that walks around the Île de Nantes. It's an incredible spectacle of engineering and art, often spraying water from its trunk, much to the delight of onlookers.
The elephant ride typically lasts for a set duration, usually around 30-45 minutes, as it makes its circuit around the Île de Nantes.
Les Machines de l'Île is home to the incredible Galerie des Machines, showcasing various mechanical creations, and the mesmerizing Carrousel des Mondes Marins.
Many visitors find watching the elephant from the ground to be more exciting, especially for children who enjoy the water spray. Riding offers a unique perspective but can be less dynamic.
Absolutely! Le Grand Éléphant is a fantastic subject for photos. Be prepared for its immense size and dynamic movements.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities exist from various vantage points around the Île de Nantes as the elephant moves. Try to capture it against the city skyline or with people interacting with it.
The elephant moves at a slow pace, making it manageable to photograph. However, its sheer size can be challenging to frame entirely, so consider wide-angle lenses.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting. However, the elephant's schedule dictates its movement, so prioritize catching it in action.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or videography might require special permission. Always check signage or ask staff if unsure.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both the elephant's details and its scale. A wide-angle lens can help capture its full grandeur.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the elephant, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins offers a magical ride with its imaginative sea creatures.
The Galerie des Machines allows kids to see other fascinating mechanical beings up close, sparking their imagination about how things work. 🎨 Art & Engineering Enthusiasts
+1 Take time to explore the Galerie des Machines to witness the ingenuity behind these fantastical creations and understand the craftsmanship involved. The inspiration drawn from Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci adds a layer of intellectual fascination.
Discussions on Reddit often highlight the 'art meets technology' aspect, with many visitors impressed by the intricate details and the seamless integration of mechanics and aesthetics. 📸 Photographers
+1 Capture its majestic presence as it moves through the Île de Nantes, using wide-angle lenses to convey its enormity. The interaction with the crowd, especially children getting sprayed, provides dynamic and engaging shots. Beyond the elephant, the entire Les Machines de l'Île complex is a visual feast. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins, with its detailed sculptures and vibrant colors, is another excellent subject.
Experiment with different angles and times of day to capture the best light and atmosphere. Remember to check the elephant's schedule to maximize your shooting opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Le Grand Éléphant
+1 It was created by La Compagnie La Machine, a company renowned for its large-scale mechanical performances and installations. The elephant's design was inspired by the Sultan of India's elephant from the Sultan's Time Machine, a nod to the fantastical worlds of Jules Verne. The elephant's movements are surprisingly fluid, powered by a complex hydraulic system. It can walk at a speed of 1 to 3 km/h, carrying up to 50 passengers on its back.
One of its most engaging features is its ability to spray water from its trunk, a moment that never fails to elicit cheers and laughter from onlookers, especially children. Visitors have the option to ride the elephant, offering a unique perspective as it traverses the Île de Nantes. This experience allows you to see the inner workings of the machine and enjoy panoramic views.
Les Machines de l'Île: A World of Wonder
The site is a hub of creativity, featuring a variety of mechanical wonders that captivate visitors of all ages. The main attractions include the aforementioned Le Grand Éléphant, the Galerie des Machines, and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins. The Galerie des Machines is a workshop-gallery where visitors can see many of the other mechanical creatures being built and tested, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
This unique destination blends art, engineering, and performance, creating an immersive experience that sparks wonder and curiosity. It's a place that encourages exploration and interaction, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in art, technology, or simply experiencing something extraordinary.
The spirit of innovation and playful artistry is palpable throughout the entire site. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit