In what corner of Paris does a tree hold the weight of forty crowns? Here on Rue de l’Arbre aux 40 Écus, of course. This street, tucked away in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, holds a botanical treasure. Rue de l’Arbre aux 40 Écus isn’t named for some forgotten king or wealthy merchant. It’s named for a tree, the Ginkgo biloba, and its exorbitant price tag.
The story goes that in 1788, a passionate botanist named M. de Pétigny acquired five young ginkgo trees. He purchased them from an English horticulturist. The price? A staggering 25 guineas per tree, equivalent to 40 écus. This purchase, an act of botanical extravagance, earned the tree its French moniker, “l’arbre aux quarante écus”, and in turn, gave this street its unique name. The Rue de l’Arbre aux 40 Écus, therefore, commemorates not just a tree, but a moment of botanical history.
The Ginkgo biloba itself is a living fossil, a species that has graced our planet for over 270 million years. It predates the dinosaurs. It witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. This tree, with its distinctive fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant gold in autumn, is a testament to nature’s resilience. In fact, a ginkgo tree was one of the first plants to sprout new growth after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Here at Rue de l’Arbre aux 40 Écus, we are connected to this incredible history. While the street itself might seem unassuming, its name whispers tales of botanical wonders. It speaks to the enduring fascination humans have with the natural world. It reminds us of the extraordinary stories hidden in plain sight. So, next time you stroll down Rue de l’Arbre aux 40 Écus, remember the tale of the tree. Remember its remarkable journey through time and the passionate botanist who paid a king’s ransom to bring it to France.