Le Voyage à Nantes
Estuaire
Les Tables de Nantes
Les Machines de l’île
Château des ducs de Bretagne
Mémorial de l’abolition de l’esclavage
Logo des Machines de l’Ile

The Grand Éléphant

When this majestic animal goes out for a walk, it is like architecture in motion leaving a steel cathedral. 50 passengers can embark on an amazing journey.

 


Nantes mechanical elephant



Elephant in Nantes -

Once aboard, you will see the moving gears that power the legs. A machinist will tell you stories about the elephant and have it blast its trunk for your pleasure.

Being on the back of the Grand Éléphant is like being on the 4th floor of a travelling house, with a breathtaking view of the former shipyards.

In February 2018, after few months of maintenance, the Grand Éléphant became more silent than ever, with a new hybrid motor. The world’s first eco-friendly mechanical pachyderm!

Operation to the Grand Eléphant is subject to weather conditions.



12 M HIGH,
8 M WIDE,
AND 21 M LONG…

48,4 metric tons of steel and wood (tulip poplar and
basswood).

Metal body lubricated with 2,500 litres of hydraulic oil.

Motorisation: hybrid system, electric traction and battery

Speed 1 to 3 kM/h

Set in Motion using 62 cylinders, 46 of which are hydraulic, 6 pneuMatic and 10 gas-powered.

An indoor lounge with French doors and balconies

A terrace accessible via stairways

3 different itineraries: 30 min. trip

Practical info


Opening hours
for the Elephant


See the opening hours


 

Ticket office
of the Elephant

More about prices and access
to the ticket offices

See the prices


Book your ride
on the Elephant


 

How to get here?

Prepare your visit


Calculate your route


Why not take public transportation, with TAN?
Arrêt de tramway Chantiers navals, ligne 1.