Was water always the essence of beauty here at Bassin du Fer à Cheval? This basin sits on the south side of where the Saint Cloud castle once stood. It represents the last design on this spot. Many different layouts came before it.
Saint Cloud’s estate saw a great variety of designs over time. Each owner had their own ideas. Jules Hardouin Mansart reshaped the area in the late 1690s. He aimed for more grandeur. Mansart added two ramps for access on the sides. He also included fountains. Part of this design was removed in the late 1700s. The basin only regained its full form around 1900. This was thanks to architect Alfred Leclerc.
Mansart rerouted the castle’s water supply. This ensured enough water for the gardens. Before Mansart, in 1675, Antoine Le Pautre created a mirror pond. This was called the Swan Basin. It reflected the beautiful facade of the Saint Cloud castle. Monsieur, Louis XIV’s brother, had rebuilt the facade. The Swan Basin was very large. It formed an outward-facing arc. A small staircase led to its center. Statues on pedestals surrounded the basin.
Even earlier, during the Gondi family’s time, the first basin was dug here. The Gondi family were the first owners to develop Saint Cloud’s park. A French-style garden parterre filled the space around this early basin. The Bassin du Fer à Cheval evolved through different eras. Each design reflected the tastes and needs of its time. Today, it stands as a testament to the changes and artistry of the past.
The Bassin du Fer à Cheval that we see today is a result of these changes. It is a blend of different visions. It is a place where water has always been central to the beauty of the landscape. The park of Saint-Cloud is registered as an historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture. The Bassin du Fer à Cheval is part of this cultural heritage. It is a place where history and art come together.