Octagonal basin, Fountain in Tuileries Garden, France

The Octagonal Basin is an eight-sided pool set flush into a broad pale gravel plaza in the Tuileries Garden, its surface a single even expanse of opaque green water. No rim, statue or inscription rises above the paving; low trimmed hedges in curving patterns border one side, while the gravel continues along the other.

The basin was created between 1666 and 1672 under King Louis XIV as part of a major redesign of the royal gardens. Landscape architect Andre Le Notre designed it following the French garden style of that era.

The basin's eight-sided shape follows the axis that runs from the Tuileries Palace site to the Place de la Concorde. Visitors today see it used as a seating edge: the flat stone rim serves as a bench, and model sailboats are floated on the water, a pastime documented in the garden since the 19th century.

The basin is located in the western section of the garden and is easily reached via metro stations Concorde and Tuileries. The area works well for a leisurely walk, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

The water of the basin reflects the Luxor Obelisk and creates a visual connection to different parts of the garden. This carefully planned sight line shows how thoughtfully gardeners arranged perspectives in that era.