Discover the extraordinary machines in the halls of the former shipyards.
The Galerie is a living space showcasing a veritable bestiary of machines.
An imposing 8-metre heron carries passengers and flies over the Galerie. Vegetation grows alongside mechanical plants and animals from the tree-top canopy: an ant, spider, hummingbird, sloth, chameleon, swarm of butterflies…
During your visit, the machinists will come out and explain the history of these strange creatures and the way they function.
See also
Nantes is transforming
Nantes is changing to become an even more ecological, inclusive, and dynamic city. To do this, new public works will reinforce our already existing ecofriendly modes of transport: new tram lines, green zones for pedestrians and cyclists, and more. From 2024, these major urban projects will disrupt traffic around Les Machines de l’Île and Parc des Chantiers, with the Pont Anne-de-Bretagne bridge closed off to cars (the bridge will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists). Solutions will be offered throughout construction to make it easier for everyone to get around, like: increased frequency of several public transport lines, more Naolib bike-share bicycles, and more parking spots in park-and-ride lots.
For further information
Les Machines de l'Île, Boulevard Léon Bureau, Nantes
How to get there?
Parking(s) nearby: Parking Les Machines, Parking Les Nefs, Parking Chantiers Navals
Public transport: Prairie au Duc 1, Prairie au Duc, Chantiers Navals, Gare de l'Etat
Self-service bicycles: Machine De L'île (n°43), Palais De Justice (n°44), Grue Jaune (n°103), Brunelière (n°41), Prairie Au Duc (n°45)
Free for PASS Nantes holders
Book PASS Nantes
For Pass Nantes card holders : free access to the Machines Gallery and to the Carrousel. Ride on the Great Elephant not included in the Pass Nantes.
Book a ticket
Full price: 9,50 € - Reduced price: 7,50 € (Disabled persons, 4-17 years old, students, job seekers with proof of the current year)
Free access for children under 4 years old and people accompanying disabled people.
Each ticket gives access to the workshop terraces, the film and the Heron Tree prototype Branch.
All the rooms of the Galerie des Machines are accessible, building on one level. Loan of folding seats and a wheelchair possible on request. No access to strollers – Stroller park on the spot (if possible bring a baby carrier)
Tactile discovery of models in free access.
Mediation sound system. Information panels concerning the various projects.
An application allows you to download an audio and text guide for visit assistance.
To the rhythms of the interventions of the machinists, the story and the functioning of the strange creatures of the Gallery and the imaginary world of the Heron Tree are told to you.
Downloadable remotely, the application gives access to content only near the Gallery. The choice of language, FR // ENG // SPA // GER // ITAL is done automatically according to the settings of the device.
A mediation video in French Sign Language, subtitled in French, with voiceover is available online :
The giftshop-bookstore presents a wide range of unique and original objects, drawings and works, inspired by the Machines de l’île.
Contact: +33 (0)2 51 17 48 87
Gift shop Machines de l’île
The Café de la Branche welcomes you with its daily menus from Tuesday to Friday, and offers its sandwiches on weekends, in summer (July-August) and during the Christmas holidays.
Contact: +33 (0)2 51 17 48 86
Café de la Branche