Bassin du Trefle (Clover Fountain), Versailles

The Clover Fountain occupies a meaningful place in the Trianon gardens of Versailles. Rather than serving as a display for monumentality, this fountain plays a practical role as an intermediary reservoir within the Trianon’s historic hydraulic system. Its geometric layout-suggestive of a cloverleaf shape-adds a subtle design touch, visible amid the garden’s sculpted flora.

Originally, the fountain alone fed water to the Trianon fountains, forming an integral part of the estate’s water network. Over successive modifications-under Louis XV and Louis XVI-additional hydraulic support, including an aqueduct drawing from Rocquencourt, was introduced. In recent years, restoration efforts have reinstated its central role: a new hydraulic loop now recaptures surplus water to feed both the fountain and other features.