Neptune Fountain (Bassin de Neptune)

Versailles’ chateau gardens are vast, laid out in formal French style and famed for their geometrically aligned terraces, tree-lined paths and, notably, their ponds.

Of all the lovely fountain pools gracing the Versailles gardens, the Neptune Fountain (Bassin de Neptune) is the largest.

Designed by famed landscape artist Le Notre and laid out between 1661 and 1700, the fountain features three groups of statues, including Neptune and Amphitrite.

A new fountain installed by Louis XV in the 1730s was acclaimed for the force and variety of its jets water playing over the sculptural groups. In all, the fountain boasts 99 water effects and is fronted by the lovely Dragon Fountain

In summer, Neptune Fountain (Bassin de Neptune) is a focus for a display of choreographed fireworks, spectacularly reflected in the fountain’s expansive pool.