The most beautiful tree in France could well be in Strasbourg. 29 meters high, 5.60 meters in circumference at the base of the trunk, a golden canopy that covers more than 500 square meters and more than 120 years of existence. The imposing gingko biloba of the Place de la République in Strasbourg is among the 14 nominees under the title of “Tree of the Year 2021”. The competition rewards a specimen remarkable for its characteristics “naturalists, aesthetics, historical” details the site of the competition organized by the National Forestry Office, the remarkable ARBRES association and the magazine Terre Sauvage.
The giant of the Place de la République was chosen among five other trees during a regional competition in July 2021. And by far: it collected 82% of the votes. “The tree with 40 écus” is now part of the fourteen finalists, one per region.
– Francois Chagnaud
The charm of the Neustadt giant does not leave passers-by indifferent, even regulars. “It is absolutely magnificent. It is very high, very wide, it is superb! I look at it from the spring and now, it is as if it gave back all the sun it had had in the year”, exclaims Nicole during her daily walk at Place de la République.
“In autumn, with the almost golden leaves, it makes great photos. It is a tree that I have known since my childhood, since I grew up here. It is both memories and a beautiful setting”, William adds, his camera in his hand.
You have the possibility to vote until January 4, 2022. If the gingko of the Place de la République wins, it will be among the candidates for the title of European Tree of the Year.