Why is a French hamlet called Fleur d’Ecosse?

Connexion spoke to the mayor of the commune, Jean-Claude Flinois, who said there is no sure answer but theories abound about the name, which also features in the hamlet’s main street, the rue de la Fleur d’Ecosse. Fleur d’Ecosse simply means “flower of Scotland” and Mr Flinois said it first appeared on maps in 1714.

The simplest explanation is that it relates to the thistle, Scotland’s national flower, as at the time the thistle was cultivated in the region. It was known as the fuller’s thistle, referring to an old textile trade, due to its flowers having slightly hooked spines, which were used for carding wool.

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However, there are other possible explanations. In the 18th century, escosse (an old word for Scotland) could also mean “meeting”, he said. At the same time, “Fleur” was a common female French name, dating from the Middle Ages. It suggested “the best” or “an elite”, as in fleur de farine, meaning the best quality flour.

“One might imagine that perhaps the area was a farm specialising in the cultivation of thistles for the drapers of the region, or someone called Fleur might once have run a tavern or an inn, which are meeting places,” Mr Flinois said. There is also the possibility the area was so named because it was on a road heading in the direction of (or from) Scotland.

“In any case, it is a pretty street and hamlet in our village – a very hilly place in our otherwise flat country,” he added.

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