Discover the unusual Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes : History and curiosities

The Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes, near the entrance gate on rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, is an invitation to plunge into history. The peculiarity of one of the fountain's lions, which seems to be sniffing a human foot, arouses curiosity and reflection.

Here are some key facts about this iconic work:

• Origins : The labyrinth reservoir, designed by Charles Rohault de Fleury in 1834, was fed by the Ourq canal. At the time, it supplied water to the Garden's various fountains via a pump placed beneath the basin.
  
• Sculptures : In 1857, Henri-Alfred Jacquemart was commissioned to create a bronze depicting the story of Woira, the lion from the Versailles menagerie. It was joined by a second lion, initially destined for the Louvre's parterres, but finally awarded to the Muséum in 1860.
  
• Composition : The fountain is composed of two imposing bronze lions towering over a rock. Behind them, a basin holds the water, which then flows to the fountain below, nestled among the rocks.
  

• To be read
• This week's top deals in Paris and Île-de-France, April 20–26, 2026.
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

The largest basin in the Jardin des Plantes, at the foot of the Buffon belvedere and the great labyrinth, is the famous Fontaine aux Lions. In the past, this basin played a crucial role as a water reservoir for summer horticultural irrigation. Until the 1950s, frogs croaked happily in this place.

In addition to the Fontaine aux Lions, the Jardin des Plantes is home to other aquatic treasures:

• Two wells, one at the south entrance and the other in the Jardin Alpin.
• Several Wallace fountains, ideal for quenching the thirst of strollers.
• One of the last two Wallace wall fountains in Paris, set into the wall of the Jardin des Plantes on rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire.
  

Every nook and cranny of the Jardin des Plantes is brimming with stories and discoveries. The Fontaine aux lions is one of those hidden gems you'll be delighted to have explored.

Also worth discovering:

Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.
In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure. [Read more]

Did you know? Discover France's oldest cedar of Lebanon in Paris and its unusual history.
In the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes is home to a historical curiosity: the oldest cedar of Lebanon in France. Planted in 1734, its history is a mixture of botany, legend and an incredible journey. Let's take a green walk through Buffon's labyrinth to discover this remarkable 300-year-old tree. [Read more]

The Jardin Alpin at the Jardin des Plantes, a lovely hidden garden to discover
The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round. [Read more]

The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]

The beautiful Jardin des Plantes rose garden unveils its beautiful colors
The Roseraie du Jardin des Plantes, located along the Galerie de Minéralogie, to the right of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle or to the left if you're coming from the Seine, is a wonderful place to discover in spring and especially in June. With its 390 species of old and modern roses, it's a magnificent and free rose garden, in addition to the superb rosebushes that stand proudly in front of the Muséum. [Read more]

Tulips and poppies, extraordinary blooms for the 400th anniversary of the Jardin des Plantes
To mark its 400th anniversary in 2026, the Jardin des Plantes is unveiling two waves of extraordinary blooms along its Grand Perspective, pairing tulips, anemones, and poppies from spring into summer. Already in bloom, the parterres are stunning right now and deserve a quick visit. [Read more]

Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]

What to do with children at the Museum of Natural History Family activities and visits
The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, one of Paris's leading cultural centers, has several locations around the city, with nature, biodiversity and the study of life sciences at the heart of the project. [Read more]

Visiting Paris with your family: six free game trails for fun walks with children
Visiting Paris is good, but with animations or devices to entertain the children, it is even better! The Paris Mômes team is now offering six new game trails to discover the capital's emblematic neighborhoods with your family! [Read more]