The Jardin de la Fontaine is a public park and garden in the centre of Nimes in the south of France. It has been created around a natural water source. The park is one of the first public parks created in France.
Explore the Jardins de la Fontaine
The Jardins de la Fontaine, or Fountains Gardens have been created around a natural spring. The spring has been in use since Roman times and this part of the city of Nimes is one of the oldest.
After a severe drought in the 18th century work began to regulate the flow of the spring and various Roman remains were found, including a sanctuary dedicated to Augustus.
As a result of the works and it was decided to create a public garden on the basis of these remains.
The gardens also encompass two other Roman remains that are in the same area. These are the Temple of Diana and the Magne Tower.
The gardens are in two parts. The lower garden has been developed around the natural spring and the remains of the sanctuary.
The result is a formal garden design with terraces and statues and canals leading from the pond around the spring and including the remains of the ancient nymphaeum.
Statues and Medici-style vases taken from the Chateau de la Mosson in Montpelier, which was being dismantled, are also displayed here.
Surrounding the formal gardens around the spring are large areas of grass and trees and shrubs and some flower borders.
There is also the quite substantial remains of the Temple of Diana which was built in the first century AD.
The building is part of the original sanctuary and is dedicated to Augustus. Rather strangely it is not in fact a temple nor has it anything to do with Diana!
In the Middle Ages the building became a monastery hence its relatively good state of preservation.
The gardens slope fairly steeply upwards from this lower area and the hillside has various paths meandering upwards.
The hillside has been planted with a beautiful mix of olive trees and other Mediterranean trees, shrubs and plants and this upper garden is a pleasure to explore.
As you wander upwards you will find a lovely pond planted with water lilies and at the top you get to another Roman monument, the Magne Tower, or Tour Magne.
The Magne Tower is a Gallo-Roman monument and is the most important remnant of the Roman walls that once surrounded the city.
Around the base of the tower is a pretty gravel garden filled with Mediterranean plants and flowers.
The Fountains Gardens have been awarded the status of 'Remarkable Garden' in France.
The gardens are open every day and locked at night.
Other gardens near to the Jardins de la Fontaine
The famous La Louve garden created by the French fashion designer Nicole de Vesian is not far away and well worth a visit.
The Jardin des Sambucs is a lovely verdant garden in the Cevennes Natural Park.
You can find more local travel ideas in the South East France guide,
See also Find Les Jardins de la Fontaine hotels
Photos of Les Jardins de la Fontaine
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Map of Les Jardins de la Fontaine and places to visit
Les Jardins de la Fontaine places to visit
Le Jardin des Sambucs
The Jardin des Sambucs is a very natural garden in the Cevennes National Park.
Le Jardin des Sambucs guide
La Louve
Les Jardins de la Louve were designed by a well known fashion designer whose artistic flair has created a stunning garden.
La Louve guide
Gardens du Chateau Val Joanis
The Gardens of the Chateau Val Joanis near to Aix en Provence includes parterres of box filled with perennials and a decorative vegetable garden.
Gardens du Chateau Val Joanis guide
Le Jardin de Saint Adrien
The Jardin de Saint Adrien is an award winning garden constructed in a medieval quarry.
Le Jardin de Saint Adrien guide
