Latona Fountain Versailles
A dazzling Baroque masterpiece, the Latona Fountain brings mythology to life with its grand marble sculptures and enchanting musical water shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Dazzling marble and water displays
Latona Fountain Versailles
Best Time
Dazzling marble and water displays
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dazzling Baroque masterpiece, the Latona Fountain brings mythology to life with its grand marble sculptures and enchanting musical water shows.
"The best of all the fountains in the gardens. The moment when the music starts and the waters move as if dancing to the rhythm is unique."
☀️ Sunny Day Essential
The fountain's beauty is amplified by sunshine. Don't miss it on a clear day!
👟 Comfy Shoes for Walking
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the gardens. Prioritize comfort!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Latona and Her Children
Center of the Latona Basin
A magnificent marble ensemble depicting the goddess Latona and her children, Apollo and Artemis. A true masterpiece of Baroque sculpture.
Musical Fountain Shows
Latona Basin
Experience the magic as water dances to music, bringing the Baroque spectacle to life. A must-see event that happens hourly.
Grand Garden Panorama
Surrounding the Latona Basin
The fountain serves as a stunning focal point within the immense and meticulously designed Versailles gardens, offering breathtaking views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Latona Fountain
Comfort is Key for Garden Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Versailles Night Fountain show or daytime visit?
☀️ Sunny Day Essential
The fountain's beauty is amplified by sunshine. Don't miss it on a clear day!
👟 Comfy Shoes for Walking
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the gardens. Prioritize comfort!
Versailles Musical Fountains Show
Best way to maximize trip to Versailles?
🎶 Check Fountain Show Times
The water and music shows are magical and happen periodically. Don't miss them!
💧 Bring Water and Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for exploring the vast gardens.
My experience May 2025: do NOT waste your time at Versailles
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sunny Day Essential
The fountain's beauty is amplified by sunshine. Don't miss it on a clear day!
👟 Comfy Shoes for Walking
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the gardens. Prioritize comfort!
🎶 Check Fountain Show Times
The water and music shows are magical and happen periodically. Don't miss them!
💧 Bring Water and Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for exploring the vast gardens.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Latona Fountain as a dazzling and magnificent highlight of the Versailles gardens, especially during the musical fountain shows. Its artistic grandeur and mythological narrative are deeply appreciated, though experiencing it on a sunny day is highly recommended for full effect. Some find the gardens require significant walking, emphasizing the need for comfortable shoes and water.
"It's amazing to walk through the gardens after visiting the Palace and suddenly discover the immense expanse of the gardens and this beautiful fountain at their beginning.
Dazzling.
Just remember to choose a sunny day otherwise half the fun will be mostly ruined."
Dan Maarek
"The best! Make sure to wear comfy shoes and some water. If you don’t mind the walk there are a few restaurants 15/20 min walk away."
Emily Hernandez
"Such a grand place with amazing views and fountains!"
Chi Wijmans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Latona Fountain is located in the main gardens of the Palace of Versailles. After exiting the palace, follow the main axis of the gardens. It's a prominent feature and one of the first major basins you'll encounter. Allow for a pleasant walk through the grounds.
Yes, you can take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the palace entrance. From there, follow signs to the gardens.
There are parking facilities available near the Palace of Versailles, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transport is often recommended for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Latona Fountain is located within the Gardens of Versailles. Access to the gardens typically requires a ticket, especially on Musical Fountain Show or Musical Gardens days. Check the official Palace of Versailles website for current ticketing information and schedules.
The gardens generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. Musical Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days have specific timings. It's best to consult the official Palace of Versailles website for the most up-to-date hours.
The Paris Museum Pass often includes access to the Palace and the Gardens on non-musical show days. However, for Musical Fountain Show or Musical Gardens days, a separate ticket for the gardens is usually required, even with the pass. Always verify current conditions.
Musical Fountain Shows typically occur on select days from spring to autumn, usually around midday and in the afternoon. The schedule varies, so check the official Palace of Versailles website for the exact dates and times.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon on a sunny day offers the best light for photography. Golden hour can create stunning shots. During musical shows, capturing the movement of water can be challenging but rewarding.
Generally, photography is allowed in the gardens. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using tripods in crowded areas. Check for any specific signage regarding photography rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are cafes and restaurants within the Versailles estate, some of which are a 15-20 minute walk from the fountain. For more options, you can find eateries in the town of Versailles just outside the palace grounds.
Picnicking is generally permitted in designated areas of the gardens. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery and save money.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of a family visit, prioritize comfort: wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. The vastness of the gardens can be tiring, so consider bringing a stroller or renting a golf cart for younger children. There are open grassy areas perfect for a picnic, allowing kids to run around and burn off energy in a beautiful setting.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilize public transport like the RER C train to reach Versailles, which is generally more economical than driving and parking. Focus your exploration on the main gardens and the Latona Fountain, which are stunning in themselves, rather than feeling pressured to see every paid attraction within the estate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the Latona Fountain
The fountain is not just a static sculpture; it's a dynamic water feature. During the Musical Fountain Shows, the water jets are synchronized with classical music, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. This integration of art, mythology, and engineering was a hallmark of Louis XIV's reign, designed to impress and awe visitors with the grandeur of Versailles. The sheer scale and artistry make it one of the most celebrated fountains in the world.
Visitors often describe the experience as dazzling and amazing, especially when the music and water come alive. The fountain's prominent location at the beginning of the main garden axis makes it an unmissable sight for anyone exploring the vast grounds. It serves as a perfect introduction to the opulence and artistic ambition of the Palace of Versailles.
Navigating the Versailles Gardens
Exploring the gardens requires comfortable footwear, as distances can be significant. Many visitors recommend wearing comfy shoes and bringing water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. While the main paths are well-maintained, venturing into some of the more secluded groves can involve uneven terrain. Consider renting a golf cart or a bicycle if you wish to cover more ground without extensive walking.
Beyond the Latona Fountain, the gardens offer a wealth of other attractions, including the Orangerie, the Grand Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's Estate. The Musical Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens are special events that animate the entire garden complex, transforming it into a living work of art. Planning your visit around these shows can significantly enhance the experience, though it also means higher crowd levels.
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