Maintenance of the Grand Éléphant

Enjoy the Grand Elephant’s final rides before its ten-year maintenance, which will take place from 2 November to 26 February inclusive!

Since 2007, the Grand Éléphant has travelled nearly 40,000 kilometers, made no fewer than 42,000 rides around the Parc des Chantiers, and carried almost two million passengers. It is now taking a well-deserved break—for its own wellbeing and that of future visitors!

The Grand Elephant’s permanent presence at the heart of the Île de Nantes, the regularity of its daytime rides, and the fact that it sleeps every night at the entrance to Les Nefs have transformed this area into a must-see destination in the metropolitan area. On the Parc, its ride between the Carrousel des Mondes Marins and the Nefs provides a reassuring presence for residents and passing visitors alike. Since its inauguration on 30th June 2007, millions of visitors have followed its movements, admired its eyelashes, narrowly avoided being sprayed with water, and heard its trumpeting.

To mark the 2027 reopening of Les Machines de l’île on Saturday 6th February 2027, “flash tours” of the Grand Éléphant will be offered to the public: the machine mediators will reveal what happens behind the scenes. It will be an opportunity to understand how the Grand Éléphant works after 20 years in operation, uncover the secrets of this major project, and discover the professions and skills that keep it alive.

Ticketing information to follow.

KEY DATES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION

— Grand Éléphant rides suspended: from 2/11/2026 to 26/02/2027 inclusive

— Les Machines de l’île annual closure in 2027: from 4th January to 6th February
— Les Machines de l’île reopening and evening opening: Saturday 6th February
— Grand Elephant’s first 2027 rides: Saturday 27th February

The Carrousel des Mondes Marins and the Galerie des Machines will remain open during the maintenance work.