Machines of the Isle of Nantes

A steampunk dream come to life, La Machine is an artist project in Nantes. It's housed in old shipyard buildings that, stripped down to their wrought iron bones, have been filled in with wood and leafy green trees. There's a carousel featuring magnificent metal sea creatures, and a gallery, but the highlight of Les Machines is the grand elephant. A few times each day, the elephant emerges for a jaunt around the area, taking up to 50 tourists with him. With fully articulated legs, head, and ears, he's surprisingly lifelike—so watch out or he just may spray you with water from his trunk!