Neptune Fountain, Versailles Travel Guide

4.8 (32)

Experience the grandeur of French landscape architecture at the Neptune Fountain, the largest and most spectacular fountain in Versailles' gardens.

Home
Travel Guides
France
Versailles
Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain, built between 1679 and 1682 and completed in 1740, is the largest fountain in the Gardens of Versailles. Admire its 99 water jets and sculptures of Neptune, Amphitrite, Proteus, and Oceanus.

A brief summary to Neptune Fountain

Versailles, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Neptune Fountain.

Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.
Check the schedule for water displays, as the fountain features water shows at specific times.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the gardens requires a lot of walking.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Royal Chapel

Bassin du Miroir

LA RENOMMÉE DU ROI

Madame Élisabeth's Estate

Hall of Mirrors

Explore Neptune Fountain on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Neptune Fountain, mapped for you.

Getting There

Train

From Paris, take the RER C train to Versailles-Rive Gauche station. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. From the station, follow signs to the Château de Versailles, about a 10-15 minute walk. Once inside the gardens, walk for about 10 minutes to reach the Neptune Fountain. A round-trip train ticket costs around €7-€8.
Bus

Take bus line 171 from the Pont de Sèvres metro station (terminus of Paris metro line 9) directly to the Château de Versailles. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. From the bus stop, it's about a 10-minute walk through the gardens to the Neptune Fountain. The bus fare is approximately €1.90, using a standard Paris public transport ticket.
Car

From central Paris, take the A13 motorway towards Rouen. Exit at 'Versailles Centre' and follow signs for 'Château de Versailles'. Look for parking near the Château. The Neptune Fountain is located within the gardens and requires a 10-minute walk. Parking fees typically range around €2-€3 per hour. Place d'Armes car park, a 5-minute walk to the Palace of Versailles, charges €9.6 for 2 hours.

Discover more about Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain, or Bassin de Neptune, is a stunning water feature located at the northern end of the Gardens of Versailles. Initially conceived between 1679 and 1682 during the reign of Louis XIV, it was known as the Pool Below the Dragon or the Fir Tree Pool. André Le Nôtre, the landscape designer, oversaw its construction.While Louis XIV desired a magnificent design, the fountain's sculpted features weren't completed until 1740, during Louis XV's reign. Ange-Jacques Gabriel modified the pool's shape in 1736 before the sculptures were added. The sculptures include three groups: Neptune and Amphitrite by the Lambert brothers, Proteus by Edme Bouchardon, and Oceanus by Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne.King Louis XV officially inaugurated the completed fountain, which was celebrated for its numerous water jets. Today, the Neptune Fountain boasts 99 jets, showcasing an extraordinary hydraulic system. The fountain also features stone vases and sea cupids. The Neptune Fountain receives water from the other fountains located above it. The fountain is the site of the grand finale of the Versailles Fountain Show. During the summer months, fireworks displays reflected in the fountain's pool create spectacular views.