Nantes Elephant

[TPMM]

Hi. We are hoping to visit this at end Sept/start of October. We have two dogs. Is it dog friendly? ( I don't mean going on the rides - I mean looking at the exhibits). I can't see any mention one way or the other on the website or Trip Advisor reviews. How long do people spend there and is there parking nearby. I've heard about sites near the stops for the tram - but is that dog friendly?? Do we need to book for entry or rides? Lot of questions!! Any advice very welcome. Thanks.

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

We went a few years back and loved it. Although we don't have dogs from memory I can't think of any reason why hey shouldn't be allowed in. We also went in September and didn't pre-book and got on the elephant fairly quickly. We stayed at Nantes Camping and travelled in by tram.

 

[Snowbird]

Do you mean Jean Luc Courcoults Royal De Luxe company ?. I have seen there show twice and they are fantastic. I did become obsessive about reading everything I could about them and would love to visit there workshops in Nantes. I do believe they have now stopped touring though, so unfortunately they will no longer be giving there shows to the public.

 

[MisterB]

You can just wander around the area without going into the attractions or on the elephant. You will still see the elephant as it does a circuit (and get sprayed if you want) around the old shipyard area. Weve taken our dog a few times, but not into or onto the attractions or on the tram. There is lots of pay per stay parking in Nantes centre, which is a short walk away. If youre not going inside then about an hour or two (max) is enough, no need to book or pay. Lots of families just plonk themselves down with a pinic, though there are a few small vafes/sandwoch bars around the attractions.
The little train from the cathedral will let you see most of the city and is well priced. Takes about an hour and well worth a trip. Commentary is in French but they will loan you an english hard copy for you to follow.
There is also a small riviera/canalside area which us very pleasant.
All in all and to do everything at a leisurely pace, its a full day really.
FYI there are also animatrons in the town centre of Roche Sur Yon, they are static and the public can operate them for free !

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

What I didn't mention is that if you go into the automation area there are also other working models to see. When you pay you are given a time at which you can enter so you don't have to hang about in a queue.

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[Lenny HB]

Went a couple of years ago, stayed at the Aire next to the campsite by the university, tram stop outside.
Did the Elephant & looked around the workshop didn't bother with the exhibition area as it doubles the price & loads of school kids in there when we were there.
Great town to wander round.
This was our visit.