The Lion and Serpent fountain, Public fountain at Saint-Laurent district, Grenoble, France
Description
The Lion and Serpent is a fountain featuring a bronze sculpture of a lion grasping a serpent, mounted on a sandstone base at the foot of the Bastille. The work sits on Rue Saint-Laurent in the Saint-Laurent district and provides drinking water for pedestrians.
History
Victor Sappey created the work in 1843 following a request from the city for a new public fountain. A limestone portico was added later in the 1950s, bearing plaques marking Grenoble's Roman past.
Culture
The sculpture shows a lion grasping a serpent, a subject that appears in local tales and represents Grenoble's relationship with the Isère River. Visitors can understand this image as a symbol of control over the waters that surround the city.
Practical
The fountain is easily accessible on Rue Saint-Laurent for pedestrians and cyclists who want a drinking water break. The site sits at the foot of the Bastille, making it easy to reach when walking through the district.
Did you know?
The fountain was from the start both practical and artistic, showing what the city wanted to display. The blend of bronze and local stone reflects Grenoble's connection to its natural resources.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Grenoble).
Grenoble displays architectural developments from the medieval period to the present day. The medieval Notre-Dame Cathedral stands in the historic center, while the Art Museum offers modern exhibition spaces. The city includes the Tour Perret, a cylindrical tower building from the 1920s, and the...
Grenoble sits in the Isère River valley, surrounded by three mountain ranges in the French Alps. The city combines alpine landscape with urban infrastructure and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding mountain regions. The Fort de la Bastille, accessible via a historic cable car, provides...
Museum of Grenoble
306 m
Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car
287 m
Musée dauphinois
119 m
Musée de l'Ancien Évêché
338 m
Hôtel de Lesdiguières
268 m
Palais du parlement du Dauphiné
182 m
Collegiate Church of Saint-André, Grenoble
230 m
Passerelle Saint Laurent
96 m
Statue of Bayard in Grenoble
213 m
Théâtre Municipal de Grenoble
205 m
Musée Dauphinois
127 m
Tour de l'Isle
223 mCinémathèque de Grenoble
212 m
Citadel bridge
137 m
Tour de Sassenage
236 m
Hôtel d'Ornacieux
273 m
Hôtel de François Marc
277 m
Sainte-Marie-d'en-Haut
146 m
Jardin de Ville de Grenoble
337 m
Grenoble Courthouse
236 m
Chapelle des dauphins
192 m
Hôtel Pierre Bucher
289 m
Quai Perrière
266 m
Caserne Vinoy
183 m
Immeuble, 14 rue Chenoise
255 m
Hôtel 10 rue Chenoise
255 m
Immeuble, 9 rue Chenoise
245 m
Hôtel du Bouchage
240 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes