Rectangular north basin

The Rectangular North Basin is a classical water feature in the Tuileries Garden with three stone statues surrounded by paved walkways and metal benches. The basin combines water and sculpture within a formally designed garden setting.

The basin was added in 1664 during Louis XIV's transformation of the garden following André Le Nôtre's formal French garden principles. The statues themselves were created in the early 1700s and reflect the artistic development of that era.

The statues surrounding the basin depict characters from Greek mythology and were crafted with refined stone carving techniques. These sculptures tell stories that visitors can discover while walking through the garden.

The basin is easily accessible from the main pathways through the garden and provides seating areas on the metal benches around it. The water is managed through a modern closed circulation system that operates throughout the day.

The basin is home to a population of carp fish that are monitored by Louvre staff to maintain the ecological balance of this historical site. These living inhabitants often surprise visitors who discover them while exploring the classical water feature.

Location: 1st arrondissement of Paris

Part of: fountains in the Tuileries garden

GPS coordinates: 48.86370,2.32790

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:26