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Neptune Fountain: Versailles' Aquatic Masterpiece
Experience the grandeur of French landscape architecture at the Neptune Fountain, the largest and most spectacular fountain in Versailles' gardens.
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.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Neptune Fountain
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Versailles, FR
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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.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.
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Check the schedule for water displays, as the fountain features water shows at specific times.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the gardens requires a lot of walking.
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.
A brief summary to Neptune Fountain
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More about Versailles
Discover the grandeur of Versailles, a city steeped in royal history and French elegance, just a short trip from Paris. Explore its iconic palace, charming streets, and lush gardens.
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