Paris, the city of love, has been famous for its tradition of “love locks” for years. Couples from all over the world used to attach padlocks to bridges and throw away the key as a symbol of their love.
But in recent years, the authorities in Paris have taken steps to put an end to this practice. So, can you still do love locks in Paris? Let’s find out.
Why Love Locks Were Banned
The tradition of love locks started in the early 2000s on Pont des Arts bridge. The bridge was soon covered in thousands of padlocks, which added weight and started damaging the structure of the bridge. In 2014, a part of the bridge collapsed due to the weight of these locks.
After this incident, Parisian authorities decided to take action against this practice. They removed all the existing locks from Pont des Arts and other bridges in Paris and put up signs asking people not to attach any more locks.
The Consequences Of Attaching Love Locks
Despite all these efforts by authorities, some couples still attach love locks on Parisian bridges. However, they can face a fine of up to 150 euros if caught doing so. Moreover, attaching love locks can be harmful to both people and infrastructure.
Not only does it cause damage to bridges but also poses risks for pedestrians as sometimes padlocks fall off and hit people below. Additionally, removing these padlocks is costly for officials and taxpayers as they have to regularly clear them off bridges.
Alternatives To Love Locks
If you want to commemorate your visit or express your love for your partner while visiting Paris without causing any harm or breaking any rules, there are many alternatives available that you can try.
One way is to take a picture with your partner at one of Paris’s romantic spots such as Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Pyramid, or the Pont des Arts bridge that used to be covered in love locks. You can also write a love message on a note or leave a small gift at the spot where you met or had your first date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, attaching love locks in Paris is no longer allowed due to safety concerns and potential damage to infrastructure. It is vital to respect Parisian authorities’ decision and find alternative ways to express your love for your partner while visiting this beautiful city.
So, next time you visit Paris with your loved one, remember that adding a lock to the bridge may seem like a romantic gesture but it can cause harm and lead to hefty fines. Instead, try some of the alternatives mentioned above and make unforgettable memories without damaging the city’s landmarks.