“A treasure?” The name Allée du Trésor Perdu suggests adventure. However, this street is actually located in Les Pavillons-sous-Bois, a commune in the Seine-Saint-Denis department near Paris. But where does the name Allée du Trésor Perdu come from, you might ask.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Paris in 1882. Workers were demolishing a building near Rue Vieille-du-Temple. It was Marshal d’Effiat’s old hotel. He was the father of Cinq-Mars, a favorite of Louis XIII. Suddenly, they unearthed a copper vase. Inside? Thousands of gold coins from the 14th and 15th centuries. This treasure totaled 7,822 coins. The coins dated back to the reign of Jean II le Bon and Charles V. There were also some feudal coins.
The discovery created quite a stir. The Carnavalet Museum bought the vase and some coin samples. A new street was being built nearby. It was named Rue du Trésor in honor of the find. The plan was to connect Rue Vieille-du-Temple to Rue des Écouffes. But this plan was abandoned.
Instead, a fountain was placed where the street was supposed to end. It became known as the Fontaine du Trésor. The area was developed with Haussmannian buildings. These buildings were typical of the late 19th century. There was a narrow passage inside the development. It allowed pedestrians to reach Rue des Écouffes. This passage is now closed.
Today, Rue du Trésor is a quiet street in the Marais district. It features restaurants and shops. You can find fashion, design, and decor boutiques here. A startup is also located on this street. However, some feel the street has declined. There are concerns about maintenance and cleanliness. Restaurant terraces sometimes encroach on planted areas. Noise from unauthorized street musicians can also be a problem.
So, Allée du Trésor Perdu in Les Pavillons-sous-Bois may not be the exact location of this treasure. But it reminds us of a fascinating story. A story of a real treasure found in the heart of Paris. It serves as a reminder of the treasures hidden beneath our feet. And even though the treasure itself is gone, the name remains. It keeps the legend alive for generations to come. It invites us to imagine the moment of discovery.