If you’ve ever visited Paris, then you are probably familiar with the tradition of placing a lock on one of the city’s many bridges. This practice, known as “love-locking,” has been popular for years and is a way for couples to symbolize their love by attaching a padlock to a bridge and throwing away the key into the Seine River.
However, in recent years, this tradition has come under scrutiny due to safety concerns and damage caused to the bridges. In 2015, part of the Pont des Arts bridge even collapsed under the weight of thousands of locks. As a result, city officials began removing locks from bridges and discouraging tourists from participating in this tradition.
So, can you still put a lock on a bridge in Paris? The answer is yes and no. While some bridges still allow love-locking, others have implemented measures to prevent it.
For example, on the Pont des Arts bridge, where the collapse occurred in 2015, authorities replaced the metal grills with panels that make it impossible to attach locks. Instead, visitors can now take selfies with heart-shaped cutouts on these panels.
On other bridges like Pont de l’Archevêché and Pont Neuf, love-locking is still permitted but officials have installed signs asking visitors to limit their locks to certain areas or use designated structures designed specifically for this purpose.
It’s important to note that while love-locking may seem like a harmless gesture of love, it can cause significant damage to historic landmarks and put people’s safety at risk. In addition to potential structural damage caused by the weight of thousands of locks, removing them can also be dangerous for workers tasked with this job.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to participate in this romantic tradition during your visit to Paris, it’s important to consider the impact it may have on these beautiful landmarks and follow any guidelines or restrictions put in place by city officials. Remember, there are many other ways to show your love and appreciation for Paris without damaging its historic monuments.