Light revealing a historic heritage

Listed as Historic Monuments, the Jardins de la Fontaine in Nîmes are the subject of a poetic and immersive lighting project. Inaugurated on 30 June 2017, this emblematic site — a true green haven in the heart of the city — takes on a new visual identity after nightfall, at once mysterious and romantic.c.

Part of the City’s Lighting Master Plan, the project aims to enhance the site’s landscaped and historic heritage while facilitating nighttime strolls in a welcoming atmosphere. For local officials, it also strengthens the role of the gardens as a fully-fledged urban landmark.

Lighting designer Thierry Walger and his team at Le Point Lumineux chose to create a dialogue between natural elements and light. Inspired by ancient rituals, lustral water, wind, and the inhabited forest, the lighting scenography offers a sensitive, dreamlike interpretation of the site.

“At night, the wind plays with the garden lights, and the lustral water flows through the channels…”

A refined lighting palette

The lighting scheme is based on six LEC projector references, selected for their discreet integration, controlled output, and precise DMX control, including:

Each lighting scene was finely tuned to highlight majestic trees, classical sculptures, and water features, in full respect of the site and its history.

Contracting authority: Ville de Nîmes & Syndicat Mixte d’Électricité du Gard
Lighting designer: Le Point Lumineux
Installer: Citéos (mandataire) & Spie
Photo Credits: © Camille Lafon / Ville de Nîmes