Darcy's garden

Darcy's garden is a public park in Dijon with multiple terraced levels separated by stone railings and adorned with decorative fountains. Trees frame the space around a central water reservoir that once served the city.

The garden was designed in 1880 by architect Felix Vionnois around a water storage system created by engineer Henry Darcy. This hydraulic infrastructure became essential for providing fresh water to Dijon during the 19th century.

The bear statue at the entrance, created in 1937 by Henry Martinet, echoes an original work by François Pompon that now hangs in a Parisian museum. This sculpture sets the tone for how visitors experience the space and gives it a distinctive character.

The garden sits in central Dijon and is open daily from early morning until sunset for free access. Designated play areas for children and well-maintained pathways make it easy to walk around.

Beneath the garden lies an underground water reservoir system that once supplied drinking water to residents throughout Dijon. This hidden 19th-century engineering feat remains largely invisible to visitors but shaped how the city developed.

Location: Dijon

GPS coordinates: 47.32450,5.03184

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42