Neptune Fountain

The basin spreads out below the garden, with its sculpted groups arranged along the far side. Neptune, the god of the sea, gives the fountain its name. Work began under Louis XIV, and the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel altered the design in the eighteenth century. Louis XV inaugurated the completed display in 1741. The open space allows the sculpture and water effects to be seen from across the basin. Water runs according to the fountain programme, so a view of the figures and an operating show are different visits. Nearby paths connect the basin with the Dragon Fountain, the Water Walk and the North Parterre.