What Kind of Trees Line the Streets of Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Paris, the City of Light, is famous for its picturesque streets lined with beautiful trees. The trees not only provide shade and beauty but also serve as a habitat for various birds and insects. Parisians are proud of their trees, which add to the charm and character of the city.

But what kind of trees line the streets of Paris? Let’s take a closer look.

Planes

The most common tree lining the streets of Paris is the Plane tree (Platanus). These trees have been planted since the 17th century and have become an integral part of the city’s landscape.

The Plane tree has a large canopy that provides ample shade during hot summer days. The bark is also unique, as it peels off in patches, revealing a smooth bark underneath. This gives the tree a distinctive look that can be seen throughout Paris.

Lindens

Another popular tree in Paris is the Linden (Tilia). This tree has heart-shaped leaves that provide dense shade and an abundance of small fragrant flowers during summer. Lindens are often planted on both sides of a street to form an archway effect over pedestrians.

Horse Chestnuts

Horse Chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum) are also commonly found lining the streets in Paris. These trees have large palmate leaves and produce beautiful white flowers in springtime. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red before falling off.

Sycamores

Sycamores (Acer pseudoplatanus) are another species of tree that can be found in Paris. These trees have distinctive winged seeds that spin when they fall from the tree. Sycamores provide ample shade with their broad leaves and are commonly planted along boulevards.

  • Tip: If you want to see the most beautiful Plane trees in Paris, head to the Champs-Élysées.
  • Tip: The best time to see the Linden trees in bloom is in June.

The Importance of Trees in Paris

The trees lining the streets of Paris are not just for decoration. They play a vital role in the city’s ecosystem by providing shade, reducing air pollution, and creating habitats for wildlife. Trees also help to regulate the temperature of urban areas, which can be significantly higher than surrounding rural areas.

In conclusion, the streets of Paris are lined with a variety of beautiful and unique trees that add to the city’s charm and character. From Plane trees to Sycamores, these trees have become an integral part of Parisian life and are essential for maintaining a healthy urban environment.