Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The City Of Nantes - Appreciate it from the Top of an Elephant

One of my favorite French cities is Nantes, situated on the Loire River, near the Brittany Coast. What was once a provincial city, is now a 'buzzing' city. It is home to one of France's top symphony orchestras and a fine Opera Company. The historic center has been spruced up and is worth a visit. One of the fun and amazing things to do is to ride its famous 40ft tall mechancial mammoth. It lumberes along at 45 feet a minute, trumpeting loudly and spraying water at the delighted children jogging alongside.
When the majestic animal goes out for its walk, it is like architecture in motion departing a steel cathedral. The 49 passengers on board embark on an amazing journey on the Ile de Nantes. Each time the pachyderm goes out, it is a unique spectacle for everyone to enjoy. Cost Euro7
From the inside, the passengers will be able to see the moving gears that power the legs. They can make the elephant trumpet and control some its movements, thus becoming truly a part of the Machine. On the back of the Elephant, it’s like being on the 4th floor of a moving house, with a breathtaking view of the banks of the Loire River. In this time-travelling carriage, the passengers can voyage to the imaginary world of Jules Verne in the city where he was born.
FACTS:
12 m high and 8 m wide
50 tons
Wood: American Tulip
Hydraulic workings lubricated by 4 tons of oil
450 HP engine
An indoor lounge with French doors and balconies
A terrace accessible via stairways
Route: Approximately 45 minutes
Speed – 1/4 km per hour

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