Paris is mainly known for its romantic vibes. Everything in the city offers a dreamy and enchanting feel that the French capital is regarded as the City of Love. No wonder, most couples choose Paris as their honeymoon destination. After all, which place will as perfect as the capital city of France to rekindle your romance? One of the main staples that symbolize the eternal love in Paris is the love locks.
Note that lovelocks are a modern tradition in which people use to inscribe their names or initials along with their sweethearts’ on a padlock and attach it to a public structure. Then, they will throw the key away and, thereby, seal their love forever. Unfortunately, Paris padlocks of love are permanently closed now because of its negative impact on the architectural appeal of the city.
A few years ago, lovers used to adorn love locks on the majestic Pont des Arts which crosses the picturesque Seine from the left bank to the Louvre and on the Pont de l’Archeveche. Later, many political discussions were carried out regarding whether or not these locks were an eyesore that masks the integrity and appeal of the city’s architecture. Following this, all the locks were cleared one night mysteriously from the Pont des Arts. Now, the rest of the love locks at various locations around the city are being routinely cleared.
Apart from its displeasing look, many people consider that the weight accumulated by the lovelocks on the bridge may threaten the strength and durability of these grand constructions. In fact, one of the metal grills of the Pont des Arts collapsed in 2014 as it was lugged down by the weight of the locks. As a result, the officials had to close a part of this bridge for quite some time. This is when the city council regarded this as a severe issue and decided to clear them all and panel the grills to prevent people from adorning padlocks on it again. You will be amazed to know that the total weight of the lovelocks removed from the Pont des Arts alone is over 45 tons.
Of course, many locals and tourists bemoan this decision taken by the council in 2105 since they regard it as a loved Parisian tradition. If you are also thinking the same, note that the regal Pont des Arts Bridge was constructed during the reign of Napoleon I. On the other hand, the tradition of lovelocks began only during 2008. Nevertheless, you can still see lovelocks over the charismatic Seine. You can find vendors who sell padlocks and permanent markers here. Anyhow, beware that authorities are currently removing such lovelocks attached to public structures. So, your lovelocks that are supposed to secure your love are likely to break into pieces.