Les Jardins D'Annevoie

Nestled just South of Namur (X:show me where), les jardins d'Annevoie (the Annevoie gardens) are a set of fountains which have been running constantly for approximately 200 years (since they were created!)   [ Most such water gardens utilize pumps to move the water around, and so are subject to high levels of maintenance and frequent breakdowns, but these gardens utilize the height differences in the grounds to provide the necessary water pressure for the gardens, and so can run continuously with minimal maintenance. ]

The gardens are on the green grounds of a castle (the castle, however, is off limits to visitors).  Below is the entry way to the water park, with a symmetric view of the first fountains.  Note the hedges in the background, which prevent the visitor from seeing what lies beyond - this was done intentionally, so that each area of the gardens would guard its secrets until the traveler happens upon them.

Note also the rise in the land - this unevenness is exploited by the pipes which feed the fountains, thus utilizing water's natural downward flow to power the fountains.

Further view of entrance   The entry to the jardins

A little bit further on, another fountain (spouting 10-20 feet high), with a smaller fountain behind.

    Main view

Continuing our walk, the family pauses next to an artificial waterfall (again, note that we are continuing to climb, and guess which direction the water is going!).  Note the two statues above the waterfall - the grounds were also dotted with various statues of Greek gods, religious figures, etc.  Some of the statues (the ones with their backs to a shrub) were quite interesting - there was NO back to the statue, only the front had been carved!  This wasn't to save money, instead it was another trick of the garden designer, attempting to make sure that the visitor never knows what's around the corner or if it is real...

Family near a waterfall


The end of the gardens, on the descent back to the beginning.  This gives an attractive overview of the grounds and helps to show off the sheer number of fountains in one small area.

Mark and John



And, of course, no such park would be complete without a little playground...

Lydia with the bum   Ride 'em cowboy



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