The best place to buy a souvenir inspired by the Machines de l’île remains the official shop located at 2 bd Léon Bureau (open daily 10 am–8 pm), complemented by the Bazar du Voyage, the HAB Galerie bookstore, and the Château des ducs de Bretagne shop; there you will find posters, notebooks, textiles, treats, and collectibles starting from €1. 🐘
Boutique des Machines de l’île: the must-visit address 🌟
Set up under the prototype branch of the Arbre aux Hérons, this Souvenir Gallery condenses the entire mechanical universe imagined by François Delarozière.
Practical information
| 📍 Location | ⌚ 2025 Opening hours | 💳 Payment methods | 🚲 Soft access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes | Mon-Sun 10 am–8 pm | Credit card, cash, contactless | Bike lane & Bicloo station 150 m away 🚴♂️ |
Featured products not to miss
- 🖼️ Posters & sketches signed by Stephan Muntaner (€10) and François Delarozière
- 🍪 Gourmet boxes decorated with the Medusa: biscuits, caramels, sea salts
- 🎥 Books & DVDs about the Great Elephant, the Marine Worlds Carousel
- 🧒 Children’s games “Pachyderm Pilot” from 4 years old
- 🖊️ Stationery: notebooks, postcards “Souvenirs from the Island”
- 👕 Textiles for adults/children “Nantes Heritage”
- ⚙️ Memories of Nantes: mugs, tourist tokens, keyrings
The selection evolves every quarter; a limited edition “Grande Rénovation” numbered 299 copies is planned for summer 2025.
Where to buy Machines souvenirs downtown 🎁
For variety, head to four addresses near the tramway:
| 🛍️ Store | Address | Hours | Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bazar du Voyage | 3 place Royale | 10 am–7 pm (Mon-Sat) | “Nantes” objects 100% creators, Nantes Artisanat label 🌿 |
| HAB Galerie – Bookstore | 21 quai des Antilles | 11 am–6 pm (Wed-Sun) | Exhibition catalogs, screen prints by Glass Artisans 🔮 |
| Château Shop | 4 place Marc Elder | 9 am–7 pm (daily) | Medieval miniatures & Nantes Souvenir Shop |
| Pop-up “La Maison des Machines” | Parvis La Cité des Congrès | 2025 events | Temporary editions, children’s workshops ✂️ |
- 🚶♀️ 15 minutes on foot are enough to connect the Château to the Machines via the île de Nantes.
- 🚌 Bus C5 “Machines” serves all addresses every 10 minutes.
- 🔗 Want other cities? Compare with ideas from Bordeaux or Catalan creations from Barcelona.
Tips for a truly local gift
Camille, department manager at Bazar du Voyage, recommends three tips:
- 🎨 Favor the numbered series “Souvenir Gallery” for a rare item.
- 🌱 Check the Nantes Artisanat label, guaranteeing manufacturing less than 50 km away.
- 📦 Ask for free eco-friendly wrapping — handy for flying.
Combine La Cité des Congrès and creative shopping 🏛️
Conference attendees enjoy a detour through La Cité des Congrès before their train; a small market of local artisans sets up on Fridays.
| 🗓️ Day | Number of exhibitors | Example of stand | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | 25 | Jewelry “Glass Artisans” | €15–60 |
| Saturday | 15 (summer edition) | Textiles “Les Machines Kids” | €10–40 |
- 🕒 30-minute pass offered upon badge presentation; ideal between two sessions.
- ☕ Neighboring coffee shops offer 10% discount upon presenting a Memories of Nantes ticket.
- ✈️ Carry-on friendly formats (under 100 ml) are marked on the shelves: handy for your next trips to Bali or London.
In 2025, Nantes’ offer diversifies further: an exhibition “Nantes Heritage & Future” already plans its series of phosphorescent keyrings. All to strengthen the city’s reputation as one of Europe’s best spots for souvenir shopping.
FAQ – souvenir shops in Nantes
- Which souvenirs cost less than €5?
32 mm badges (€2.20), bookmarks (€1), and “Grand Elephant” postcards (€1.50) are perfect; more small budget ideas to discover here 🎈 - Can I buy online from abroad?
Yes: the official shop ensures worldwide delivery, as does the click & collect service “La Maison des Machines.” - Which items appeal to children?
Coloring kits from the Carousel, mini Elephant plush toys, and the books “Nantes told to 7-10 year olds.” - Is there an exclusive 2025 product?
The Paris Mint “Héron Supersonique” coin struck in 3,000 copies, available only at the Machines’ checkout. - How to bring back fragile products by train?
Ask for the free rigid box and slip it into a “Souvenirs from the Island” tote bag; a step-by-step tutorial is available via our help center.
