LOCKS OF LOVE, PARIS STYLE

During one of our walks we crossed over the Pont Des Arts, a bridge whose name may ring a bell with you. A couple of years ago this is the very 1804 9-arch pedestrian metal bridge over the River Seine which made worldwide newspaper headlines.  Sweethearts, in the name of their undying love, for years had been attaching locks to its railings then throwing the keys into the river below. 

The estimated 45 tons of locks had taken its toll on the bridge compromising its integrity as a 5 foot section crumbled and there was no other choice, the locks had to be removed. 

During the three day repair entire sections of railing were removed at a time . But Paris wanting to maintain one of its nicknames as the City of Love, kept these discarded sections installing them land side off the bridge. 



As you can see messages, names and dates are written upon the locks.

Apparently folks couldn't be dissuaded by the campaign to just 'take selfies' so hopefully this land side reinstallation is dissuading this bridge and others bridges from becoming padlock heavy. Tourists can still visit the locks just off the bridge. It is still plenty romantic and impressive...