Jardins de la Fontaine (Fountain Gardens), Nimes (must see)

The Fountain Gardens is a picturesque public park nestled in the heart of Nîmes. These gardens have a rich history and are closely tied to the city's ancient roots.

Originally, the site was home to a sacred spring venerated by the people long before the Romans arrived. In fact, the source of the Fontaine played a significant role in the founding of the city centuries before the Gallo-Roman era.

The Fountain Gardens is not only one of the earliest public parks in Europe but also one of the most enchanting. As you wander through these gardens adorned with monumental vases and Baroque-style statues, you'll come across various terraces and water features. The layout of the gardens was part of an 18th-century project to enhance the beauty of Nîmes and is framed by the remnants of the ancient city walls.

While exploring the tranquil ponds and meandering waterways, you may stumble upon the captivating ruins of the Roman-era Temple de Diane. Although its exact purpose remains a mystery, it is believed to have been a sanctuary connected to a sacred spring or possibly part of an ancient bathing complex.