Medici Fountain in Jardin du Luxembourg — The Most Romantic Fountain in Paris

La Fontaine Médicis, or Medici Fountain, is a romantic fountain in the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris found in the 6th arrondissement. Built in 1630 for Marie de Médicis, the monumental fountain is of an ornate Italian design that stands out from the geometric French layout and the formality of many areas of the Luxembourg Garden. You'll find it in a quiet, shaded corner of the garden surrounded by benches, urns and sweeping ivy vines that border and separate the fountain from its surrounds. Stunning in any season, it's easily the most romantic fountain in Paris.

The History of Medici Fountain

The Medici Fountain was commissioned by Marie de Médicis around 1630 for her palace on the Left Bank. Marie de Médicis is one of the 20 illustrious women of French history who are honoured with a statue in the Luxembourg Garden. See our post 20 Queen Statues in Luxembourg Garden to read more about these incredible French women.

The fountain takes inspiration from Florence’s Boboli Gardens. It was moved to the present site and expanded in 1864 to 1866. Sculptor Auguste Ottin added the figures from Greek mythology, including bronze cyclops Polyphemus discovering white marble lovers Acis and Galatea. In the myth the jealous giant kills human Acis, so sea-nymph Galatea transforms her dead lover into an immortal river spirit. The long reflecting pool in front is fringed with charming flowers and foliage.