Fountain Gardens

The gardens of the Fontaine, in Nîmes

The gardens of the Fontaine are a magnificent French-style garden laid out around an ancient spring, in the heart of Nîmes. The Nîmes audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this historic park, one of the first public gardens in Europe.

An eighteenth-century garden around a spring

Laid out in the eighteenth century around the ancient spring that gave birth to the city, the gardens of the Fontaine are among the first great public gardens in Europe. Designed in the French style, they deploy pools, balustrades, statues and monumental staircases, which highlight the vestiges of the Roman sanctuary. Extended by the vegetation of Mont Cavalier, they link the Temple of Diana to the Tour Magne and offer a majestic setting in the heart of Nîmes.

What to see

You admire the pools, balustrades, statues and monumental staircases of the French-style garden, as well as the vestiges of the Roman sanctuary, including the Temple of Diana, at the foot of Mont Cavalier. The gardens of the Fontaine are a majestic setting in the heart of Nîmes. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The gardens of the Fontaine lie in the heart of Nîmes, on Quai de la Fontaine, at the foot of Mont Cavalier, reachable on foot. It is a public park freely accessible during opening hours, which vary with the season; the paths suit a stroll. The place is particularly pleasant in spring and at the end of the day.

Why are the gardens of the Fontaine historic?

Because they were laid out in the eighteenth century around the ancient spring of the city and are among the first great public gardens in Europe.

Where are the gardens of the Fontaine?

In the heart of Nîmes, on Quai de la Fontaine, at the foot of Mont Cavalier.