“Why ‘dry tree’?” a curious visitor asks. Well, the story of Rue de l’Arbre Sec begins with its intriguing name. This street in the 1st arrondissement has several possible origins.
Some say the name comes from a draper’s sign. The sign depicted a tree without leaves. This shop was located on Rue de l’Arbre Sec. The sign or a successor is now at the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles in Rouen.
Another theory suggests a grim origin. “Arbre Sec” may have been a nickname for the gallows. This structure stood at the street’s northern end, where it meets Rue Saint-Honoré. Condemned criminals met their end here.
A third explanation links the name to an oak tree covered in frost. Back in the 13th century, the street was supposedly called “Rue de l’Arbre Sel” or “Street of the Salt Tree”. One winter morning, an oak tree appeared covered in frost. To onlookers, it seemed coated in salt.
Rue de l’Arbre Sec’s history stretches back centuries. The street existed as early as the 13th century. The southern part of Rue de l’Arbre Sec was inside Paris’s Carolingian wall. This wall was built in the 10th century. Remains of the filled-in moat were found in 2009. This was at the intersection of Rue de l’Arbre Sec and Rue de Rivoli.
In 1648, Rue de l’Arbre Sec became a stage for rebellion. The arrest of René Potier de Blancmesnil and Pierre Broussel sparked a riot. These Parliament of Paris members opposed new taxes proposed by Mazarin. The event led to the Day of the Barricades.
The people of Paris were angered by the arrests. They erected barricades throughout the city. Shouts of “Long live the King! Down with Mazarin!” filled the air. The parliament demanded the release of the prisoners. Queen Anne of Austria initially refused.
The first president of Parliament faced threats in Rue de l’Arbre Sec. An armed shopkeeper forced him to return to the Palais-Royal. The queen finally relented and released the councilors. This decision ended the Day of the Barricades.
In 1720, the Paris Bourse moved to Rue de l’Arbre Sec. Speculation on Rue Quincampoix had become disruptive. The Bourse’s relocation aimed to ease the problems.
Today, Rue de l’Arbre Sec is known for its interesting buildings. At number 8 once stood Dame Carcel’s lamp shop. Numbers 15-17-19 house a public elementary school. It was formerly a girls’ school. Number 21 marks the rear facade of the Hôtel Sourdis.
The chevet of the Église Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois faces Rue de l’Arbre Sec. The central chapel features a unique decoration. A frieze made of carp sections adorns its perimeter. This chapel was financed in 1505 by a wealthy draper named Tronson.
At the corner of Rue de l’Arbre Sec and Rue Saint-Honoré stands the Fontaine de la Croix-du-Trahoir. This fountain dates back to the 17th century. The square was once the site of public executions.
Catherine Grallot lived on Rue de l’Arbre Sec under the sign of the “Arbre-Sec”. The sign is now in Rouen’s Musée Le Secq des Tournelles.
So, as you stroll down Rue de l’Arbre Sec, remember its rich past. From its mysterious name to its role in historic events, this street has witnessed centuries of Parisian life.