Les Jardins de la Fontaine

Europe's first public garden, it is composed of two landscaped architectures:
- an 18th-century classical garden
- a Mediterranean landscape garden

Its creation began in 1745. At the request of Louis XV, King of France, Jacques Philippe Mareschal (King's Engineer, Director of Fortifications for the Languedoc Provinces) designed the gardens.
Mareschal's ambition was to showcase the spring and the ancient remains that had been discovered, in a composition inspired by French gardens: symmetrical paths, lines of trees, the whole enriched with balusters, vases and benches (in the center, the allegorical sculpture representing Nîmes).

The plan for several terraces was never finalized.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Augustin Cavalier, Mayor of Nîmes, undertook the development of the hill and gave it its name. Vegetation was planted with a variety of species, including Aleppo pine, holm oak and cypress. Pathways were laid out, allowing walkers to discover different settings, such as the rock-style grotto.

At the end of these paths, a remarkable monument dominates the garden: the Tour Magne. Since then, many new areas have been created to enrich the garden, such as the rock garden, a skilful blend of rocks and Mediterranean plants, the Montgolfier basin with its aquatic plants, and the Mazet garden.

Shady rest areas, picnic areas.
Disabled access on lower level.