Bartholdi Fountain
A dramatic bronze masterpiece by the Statue of Liberty sculptor, depicting France and its mighty rivers in a powerful, dynamic display.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Water features active
Bartholdi Fountain
Best Time
Water features active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic bronze masterpiece by the Statue of Liberty sculptor, depicting France and its mighty rivers in a powerful, dynamic display.
"This stunning fountain is a powerful display of motion, emotion, and artistry in bronze."
💧 Seasonal Water Flow
Ensure your visit is after April 1st to see the fountain's water features active.
📸 Photo Policy Check
Confirm photography rules if planning an event or professional shoot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
France Triumphant
Place des Terreaux
A majestic female figure representing France commands a chariot pulled by four wild horses, symbolizing motion and power.
The Four Rivers
Base of the fountain
Four powerful horses represent the Rhône, Rhine, Loire, and Seine, France's great rivers, adding dynamic energy.
Sculptural Masterpiece
Place des Terreaux
Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, this bronze work is a dramatic display of artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Photography Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Proposal Photography at Bartholdi Fountain
💧 Seasonal Water Flow
Ensure your visit is after April 1st to see the fountain's water features active.
📸 Photo Policy Check
Confirm photography rules if planning an event or professional shoot.
Bartholdi Fountain, originally built for the 1876 World Fair, now located just south of the Capitol
From the designer of the Statue of Liberty, comes another gift to our Country of the prettiest fountain no one even remembers. Right across from the botanical gardens.
🏛️ Grand Surroundings
Enjoy the fountain alongside the Hôtel de Ville and Musée des Beaux-Arts.
🐴 Horsepower Detail
Admire the incredible detail in the rearing horses and flowing manes.
Do you have any favorite secret spots where you go when you are feeling sad/happy?
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Seasonal Water Flow
Ensure your visit is after April 1st to see the fountain's water features active.
📸 Photo Policy Check
Confirm photography rules if planning an event or professional shoot.
🏛️ Grand Surroundings
Enjoy the fountain alongside the Hôtel de Ville and Musée des Beaux-Arts.
🐴 Horsepower Detail
Admire the incredible detail in the rearing horses and flowing manes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Bartholdi Fountain as an iconic and dramatic landmark, highlighting its impressive bronze sculpture and symbolic representation of France. Its location in the vibrant Place des Terreaux, surrounded by amenities, adds to its appeal. However, some note that the water features are seasonal and only active from April 1st, which can impact the full experience if visiting too early in the year.
"Beautiful fountain, very nice place. We did a big Bulgarian folklore dance event there."
Tanya Sheridan
"A great spot to spend some time in this spacious square. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby. It's perfect for taking a break, enjoying a drink, or having lunch while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit!"
Koray (IG: koraytravels)
"The Bartholdi Fountain in Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon’s most iconic and dramatic landmarks. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the same sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty, this stunning fountain is a powerful display of motion, emotion, and artistry in bronze.
The sculpture features a majestic female figure representing France riding a chariot pulled by four wild horses, each one snarling and rearing as if frozen mid-gallop. The detail is breathtaking—from the flowing manes and rippling muscles of the horses to the commanding grace of the central figure. Water flows beneath them, adding life and movement to the already dynamic scene.
Originally commissioned for the city of Bordeaux, the fountain was eventually installed in Lyon in 1892, where it has become a beloved part of the city’s identity. Set against the backdrop of the grand Hôtel de Ville and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, it’s a striking photo spot and a magnet for visitors and locals alike."
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bartholdi Fountain is located in Place des Terreaux, a central square in Lyon, France. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Walking from other central Lyon attractions is also a pleasant option.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Place des Terreaux can be challenging due to its central location. It's recommended to use public transportation or consider parking garages a short walk away.
The fountain is a public space and can be viewed at night. It is often beautifully illuminated, offering a different, dramatic perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bartholdi Fountain is a public monument located in Place des Terreaux and is free to view at any time.
As an outdoor public monument, the Bartholdi Fountain does not have set opening hours. It is accessible 24/7, though water features are seasonal.
The water features of the Bartholdi Fountain are typically active from April 1st onwards each year. They are usually turned off for maintenance during the colder months.
📸 📸 Photography
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, for commercial shoots or events, there might be specific policies or permits required. It's advisable to check in advance.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Evening illumination also offers a dramatic backdrop.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in urban areas like Lyon. It's essential to research and comply with local drone laws before flying near the fountain.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The fountain is situated in Place des Terreaux, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can also visit the nearby Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Place des Terreaux is a public square and generally accessible. The fountain itself is a large outdoor monument, and surrounding areas are typically navigable.
Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (creator of the Statue of Liberty), it was originally commissioned for Bordeaux but installed in Lyon in 1892. It symbolizes France and its major rivers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon when the light is softer and the square is still bustling but perhaps less crowded than midday. The surrounding cafes offer convenient spots for snacks or a quick rest. Remember that the water features are seasonal, so plan your visit for spring or summer to see it in full effect.
📸 Photographers
Be mindful of the 'no photography policy' mentioned for certain events, and consider visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and capture the best light. The fountain is also beautifully illuminated at night, offering a unique opportunity for evening shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Vision of Bartholdi
The sheer detail in the bronze work is striking. Visitors often marvel at the flowing manes of the horses, their snarling expressions, and the muscular tension captured as if frozen mid-gallop. This dynamic composition, combined with the flowing water, creates a truly immersive and awe-inspiring experience. It's a piece that demands attention and invites contemplation of its allegorical meaning and artistic execution.
Interestingly, the fountain's journey to Lyon was not direct. It was initially commissioned for the city of Bordeaux, but the project was ultimately rejected, reportedly due to its high cost. Lyon then acquired the fountain, and it was finally inaugurated in its current prominent location on Place des Terreaux in 1892, where it has since become an iconic landmark.
Experiencing Place des Terreaux
Beyond the monuments, Place des Terreaux is a vibrant hub for daily life. The square is lined with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing ample opportunities to take a break, enjoy a drink, or have lunch while soaking in the lively atmosphere. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, often hosting events and gatherings that add to its dynamic character.
When planning your visit, remember that the fountain's water features are seasonal. To fully appreciate the dynamic interplay of sculpture and water, aim for a visit after April 1st. Even outside of the active water season, the sheer scale and artistry of the Bartholdi Fountain, set against the backdrop of the historic square, make it a compelling sight.
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