La Machine de l'Île - The Grand Éléphant

La Machine de l'Île in Nantes is an artistic and cultural project located in the city’s former shipyard district. The centerpiece of this site is the Grand Éléphant, a massive mechanical sculpture standing 12 meters high and weighing 48.4 metric tons. Constructed from steel and wood, including tulip poplar and basswood, it is powered by a hybrid system with electric traction and batteries, making it an eco-friendly mechanical creation. The elephant moves at a speed of 1 to 3 km/h, driven by 62 hydraulic, pneumatic, and gas-powered cylinders.

Visitors can ride the elephant for a 30-minute walk, with up to 50 passengers aboard. The experience offers views from the equivalent of the fourth floor of a house, allowing riders to observe the moving gears and hear stories from a machinist. The elephant features a water cannon that can blast its trunk, adding an interactive element to the tour. Three different itineraries are available, subject to weather conditions. Access to the site is easy via public transportation, specifically the TAN tram line 1 to the Chantiers navals stop.

Beyond the elephant, the Machines of the Isle of Nantes include the Marine Worlds Carousel, a 25-meter-high structure featuring 35 moving underwater creatures. This carousel allows visitors to interact with and guide the machines. The site also plans to introduce the Heron Tree, a 50-meter-diameter steel structure with climbing experiences. This attraction represents a unique blend of engineering, art, and tourism, transforming industrial heritage into a dynamic cultural space.