les machines de l'ile

If we had checked the opening times in advance (it was February and they don't operate all day in the winter) and had had the opportunity to actually go on it it would have got a five! It looks just amazing, very Jules Verne, and so huge! Will have to go back and have a ride.

The attraction is fabulous, but pricy should you wish to take any of the rides, free to watch. It's still worth one visit, if not two - cause price. BE CAREFUL ELEPHANTS HAVE TO TAK A WEE, SOMETIMES!!!

We had a trip around the Old Dock Yard on a life size mechanical elephant, it was absolutely fantastic and we highly recommend a visit here. It is a wonderful and educational place to visit.

We went to this attraction during the Christmas break with my adult daughter and had a great time. The Jules Verne like machines, many of which moved, were amazing and the information and drawings regarding their construction was very interesting. My daughter loved the ride on the giant elephant which walked with its passengers around the plaza. There is a dedicated multi-story car park next to it. My disabled husband was taken right to the front of the queue by very considerate staff and we were given wheelchair access to the higher levels.The plaza and café are open to all, and there were circus attractions there too. Also, on the Plaza, there's a wonderful carousel which you had to buy tickets for. All in all a great day place to visit.

As one perspective, these exhibits are incredible. It is my opinion however, that a project as enormous as this should have more than one point of view. Each piece of machinery is brilliantly crafted and transports you into parts of your imagination that you didn't know were there, although gives the impression that each one was created by the same person. Continuity within an exposition is great but it gets a bit repetitive. This repetition is a real shame because (only my opinion) it devalues the extensive work, attention to detail and creative genius that has gone in to each piece. Definitely worth a visit.

I just loved it there. The different machines are unique and all funtion differently. The attraction is close to the city center and not very expensive. I would assume that it is a great place for children, but for adults as well, especially if you are a bit tech savvy.

Odd...that's all I can say, very odd. I'm sure that I'm missing something, but I don't know what. I just don't know what all the fuss is about this "exhibit" but I won't be going back.

Wow, what a fabulous celebration of the nantais son Jules Verne. This attraction is simply stunning and will thrill the child in everyone, regardless of age. Created with the usual french flair for design, this is real MUST for anyone visiting Nantes.

I was not a passionate Jules Verne reader so i was only moderately impressed by the machines de l'ile. However it was funny and it deserves a 'detour'.

For those grown up with Jules Verne's books it is a must see!! The giant elephant is one of the highlights of the attraction. We also had the chance to see the giant horse/dragon in action!

Initially, it was a appealing with mechanical moving structures with places for a few people to participate. But after a while, it looses its interest as its novelty wears off.A gigantic mechanical elephant ride lasting 30 minutes was fun to watch, but we prefer a real elephant ride which we have done in Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai.Still, it was an enjoyable complete waste of time.

Jules Verne was born in Nantes and his spirit and style is captured in Les Machines de L'ile. It is a work in progress but well worth a visit. The technology and engineering are superb.

Make sure you go even just to see the enormous mechanical elephant, you won't believe your eyes! The carousel is also a highlight.

A very interesting combination of artistic interpretation and engineering! Although they were doing maintenance it was still interesting to see. No fee if you just want to observe the elephant rooming the grounds.

The Machines was a happy accident~ our concierge mentioned the 'walking elephant' and it piqued our curiosity. It is like a sneak peak of the 'next big thing'.....the machines are incredibly interesting, the concept ambitious and the demonstrations 'hands on'. Ask for an English speaking guide if you do not understand French. It is fascinating! Worth a couple of hours. We did not pay extra for the elephant ride, but were able to volunteer to demonstrate the indoor machines....FUN!