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Jardin de la Fontaine: A Nîmes Oasis

Explore Nîmes' Jardin de la Fontaine, one of Europe's first public gardens, blending Roman history with French elegance and natural beauty.

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The Jardin de la Fontaine, dating back to the 18th century, is one of Europe's first public gardens, built upon the site of an ancient Roman sanctuary. This 15-hectare park offers a blend of classical French garden design and Mediterranean landscaping, complete with historical monuments like the Temple of Diana and the Tour Magne.

A brief summary to Jardin de La Fontaine

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the entire garden, including the ascent to the Tour Magne, involves a fair amount of walking.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience and to avoid the midday heat.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated picnic areas within the gardens.
  • Check the opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Don't miss the Temple of Diana and the Tour Magne for a glimpse into Nîmes' Roman past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Maison Carrée in the city center, walk north along Rue Gaston Boissier, then turn left onto Quai de la Fontaine. Continue along the Quai, and the main entrance to the Jardin de la Fontaine will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes and is free.

  • Public Transport

    From the Nîmes train station, take the Tango bus line 7 towards Arènes. Get off at the Arènes stop, which is a short walk to the Jardin de la Fontaine. A single ticket costs approximately €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Nîmes. A taxi from the train station to the Jardin de la Fontaine will cost approximately €7-€9 and take about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available at the Jardin de la Fontaine car park located at Place Jules Guesde, a 4-minute walk from the gardens. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2-€3 per hour.

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Discover more about Jardin de La Fontaine

The Jardin de la Fontaine in Nîmes is a stunning example of landscape architecture, blending history, nature, and art into a serene urban oasis. Created in the 18th century under the reign of Louis XV, the gardens are considered one of the first public gardens in Europe. The King's engineer, Jacques Philippe Mareschal, designed the gardens in 1745 around the city's original spring, aiming to showcase both the natural source and the Roman ruins discovered during its construction. The gardens are divided into two distinct sections: a lower, French-style classical garden and an upper, Mediterranean landscape garden. The lower garden features symmetrical paths, canals, balustrades, statues, and meticulously designed flower beds, reflecting the formal elegance of the era. This section includes the Temple of Diana, the remains of an ancient Roman structure believed to have been a library or place of worship. The upper garden, developed in the 19th century, offers a more naturalistic setting with winding paths, diverse Mediterranean vegetation, and rocky grottoes. The Tour Magne, a pre-Roman tower incorporated into the Roman city walls, stands at the highest point, providing panoramic views of Nîmes. Visitors can explore the gardens, discovering various settings, picnic areas, and shady rest spots. The Jardin de la Fontaine is a classified “Remarkable Garden” by the French Ministry of Culture, a testament to its historical and aesthetic significance.

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