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Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde: A Symbol of Unity

A stunning 19th-century fountain in Paris's Jardin des Grands Explorateurs, symbolizing unity through allegorical figures representing four continents.

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The Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde, also known as the Observatoire Fountain or Carpeaux Fountain, is a magnificent Parisian monument in the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs. Completed in 1874, it represents the four continents known at the time, showcasing a celestial sphere supported by allegorical female figures.

A brief summary to Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde

  • 27M Av. de l'Observatoire, Paris, 75006, FR
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details of the sculptures and the fountain's design.
  • Take a stroll through the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs and neighboring Jardin du Luxembourg for a relaxing experience.
  • Note the fountain's closing times, which vary depending on the time of year, ranging from 5:30 PM in winter to 9 PM in summer.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde is easily accessible via public transportation. The nearest RER train station is Port Royal (Line B). The closest Metro stations are Raspail (Lines 4 and 6). Several bus lines also stop nearby, including lines 38, 82, 83, and 91. A single Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.50. A single Bus-Tram ticket costs €2.

  • Walking

    The fountain is located in the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs, which extends the Avenue de l'Observatoire towards the Jardin du Luxembourg. From the Jardin du Luxembourg, walk south along the Avenue de l'Observatoire. The fountain will be visible in the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Paris. A short taxi ride from a central location like the Panthéon to the Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde will typically cost between €8 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Keep in mind that Parisian taxis have a pick-up charge of €4.10.

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Discover more about Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde

Located in the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs in Paris's 6th arrondissement, the Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde is a stunning bronze fountain created between 1867 and 1874. The fountain, also referred to as the Observatoire Fountain or Carpeaux Fountain, stands as a testament to artistic collaboration and a symbolic representation of the world. Designed by architect Gabriel Davioud, the fountain features sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Emmanuel Frémiet, Eugène Legrain, and Louis Villeminot. Carpeaux sculpted the central group of four women representing the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, supporting a globe adorned with the signs of the zodiac. Frémiet created the eight sea horses, along with the fish and turtles in the basin. Legrain sculpted the globe, while Villeminot crafted the pedestal's frieze and garlands. Each continent is represented by a female figure with distinct features and attire. Africa is depicted as a Black woman with a broken chain at her ankle, symbolizing the abolition of slavery. America is represented by a Native American woman with a feathered headdress, Asia by an Asian woman with a long braid, and Europe by a woman of Caucasian descent. The fountain is strategically positioned on the axis of the Paris Meridian, facing the Paris Observatory. The absence of Oceania reflects the limited knowledge of the continent during the fountain's creation in the late 19th century.

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