The Bassin de Neptune is the largest fountain basin in the gardens, occupying the northwest corner beyond the North Parterre. It was begun under Louis XIV but not completed until 1741, under Louis XV, when the final sculpture group of Neptune and Amphitrite was installed. When all 99 jets fire simultaneously during the Musical Fountains shows, the display is the most dramatic in the gardens — a wall of water shooting in every direction.
Outside of Musical Fountains days the basin is a quiet and often overlooked corner. It is flanked by the Allée des Marmousets, a long walk bordered by 22 small fountain basins, each decorated with bronze children (marmousets) holding fish and shells. This part of the garden has a lighter, less formal character than the main axis.
The Dragon Fountain (Bassin du Dragon) is immediately to the south — a smaller basin with a lead dragon at its centre, spraying water 27 metres high when running. Taken together, this northwest area of the gardens is worth seeking out, especially if the crowds near the palace entrance are heavy.