Preheat oven to 180°C. Butter a gratin dish generously.
Combine cream, crème fraîche, garlic, nutmeg, and thyme in a saucepan. Season well. Warm gently (do not boil).
Pat vegetable slices dry. Layer alternating cauliflower and celeriac in the gratin dish, seasoning each layer lightly.
Pour warm cream mixture over the vegetables, pressing down to submerge.
Scatter Gruyère over the top.
Bake 50–60 minutes until the top is deeply golden, the cream is absorbed, and the vegetables are very tender.
Rest 10 minutes before serving. The gratin should be spoonable.