The Jardins de la Fontaine are among the first public gardens in Europe. Located about 15 miles from Les Amandiers campsite, they can be reached in less than 30 minutes by car. With basins, staircases, statues, the Temple of Diana, and the climb to the Magne Tower, it is the calmest and shadiest side of Nîmes, just minutes from the historic center.
The site covers 37 acres, offering plenty of space for a long walk. You will find both the landscaped architecture of 18th-century classical gardens and that of Mediterranean gardens.
The French-style layout is the work of Philippe Mareschal, King Louis XV’s engineer. In the early 19th century, Augustin Cavalier added greenery to the hill by introducing numerous species: Aleppo pine, holm oak, olive trees, and cypress.
Around a bend in the path, the rock-style cave designed by Cavalier is well worth a look. The Magne Tower overlooks the entire site from Mount Cavalier, and the Temple of Diana, below, adds a second ancient touch to the route. The basins provide a refreshing feel.
The best time for a stroll is in the morning or at the end of the day when the heat subsides. Picnic areas allow for lunch on-site, and playgrounds keep the children busy.
Cultural events take place throughout the year: concerts, exhibitions, and shows. The paths are also great for jogging.
The lower part offers classical French architectural landscapes, while the upper part is wilder and more natural. The two complement each other well during a single visit.
From the park, the discovery of Nîmes continues on foot. The Maison Carrée is about ten minutes away, followed by the narrow streets of the historic center, its lively squares, and its terraces.
The Nîmes Arena is the other must-see visit in the area. Right across from it, the Museum of Romanity helps place everything in its historical context.
For a gourmet break, the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle and the Halles de Nîmes provide a great overview of local products.
Les Amandiers campsite, in Gallargues-le-Montueux, offers fully equipped mobile homes, family models for 5 to 6 people, and pitches for motorhomes, tents, or caravans.
On-site: tennis, ping-pong, pétanque, and tournaments organized depending on the season. Water polo, water aerobics, or just a swim—the pool area is perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing.
Mobile Homes
Yes, access to the Jardins de la Fontaine is open and free. Only the climb to the Magne Tower, which overlooks the park, requires a fee. The garden is open from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM from April 1 to September 15, and from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM the rest of the year.
Allow one to two hours to explore the 37 acres, including the upper part toward the Magne Tower. A simple stroll through the lower part, around the basins and the Temple of Diana, takes about forty minutes.
The lower part of the garden is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The upper part, which climbs toward the Magne Tower via stairs and sloping paths, remains difficult to access.
Yes, picnic areas are provided in the park, as well as playgrounds for children and public restrooms. Pets are allowed.
Les Amandiers campsite, a 4-star campsite in Gallargues-le-Montueux, is located about 15 miles from the Jardins de la Fontaine, or less than 30 minutes by car. It offers mobile homes for 2 to 6 people and pitches for tents and caravans, with a pool and restaurant.
Jardins de la Fontaine
26 Quai de la Fontaine
30000 Nîmes
