To replace the ancient water sources that had supplied Nîmes for centuries, the huge Fountain Gardens were built in the mid-18th century.
Remnants are still there of the original water holding basin on the hill, which would have received the water via aqueducts, including the Pont du Gard where I will take you next. As these remnants, like those at Pompeii, are extremely rare, I tried to visit, but it was closed on a Sunday.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-2.jpg)
Fountains abound, with walkways shaded by large plane trees.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-3-879x1024.jpg)
Fish and ducks and pigeons make use of the water, as does the occasional frolicking dog, and once I even saw a swan.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-4.jpg)
Even the gates are guarded from climbing trespassers by decorative extensions – rather more attractive than rolled barbed wire.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-5.jpg)
My favourite ruin was this Temple of Diana, from the 1st century BC: possibly not to Diana, possibly not even a temple. Romantically shrouded in mystery and time…
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-6-1.jpg)
The central basin has this Nymph statue… with attendant pigeon, but as usual I wonder why the wingless cherubs below look so miserable.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-7.jpg)
This one looked positively demonic.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-8-754x1024.jpg)
The Gardens were full of statues, but I especially liked this gentle one to Love… quite young love too.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-9.jpg)
From the formal pools and waterways, paths wind up through a shady forest to the 36 metre high Tour de Magne, once part of the defensive Roman walls around the city.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-10.jpg)
I had intended to climb up the internal spiral stairs, but I chickened out. From the outside, looking up at those who had made it, I knew I’d been wise. Bugger the view.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-11.jpg)
But even away from the Fountain Gardens, in the centre of main avenues there is water, shallow, unpretentious, just coolly flowing along.
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-12-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://sharynmunro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/city-13.jpg)
Sometimes, as in the modern Place d’Assas, it is combined with statuary, non-mythological, but still symbolic.
Nîmes still appreciates its water origins. So do I.
Robert, there were far too many people there, as it was holiday season; the gardens are huge so visitors well spread out. I probably focused on not having them in the pictures for topics like this one.
And thanks for subscribing!
What a beautiful city but where is everybody to enjoy it ?
Thanks Derek; I was concerned people would get sick of it, but it is as much for me as anyone. There are a few more to go about Nimes before I return to local nature…
What a amazing travelogue you have assembled of your travels. Carefully chosen subjects, expertly photographed, appropriate captions, treasures to keep. Safe trip back home.