Can You Still Put Love Locks on the Bridge in Paris?

By Alice Nichols

If you are planning a trip to Paris with your significant other, you may have heard about the tradition of placing love locks on the bridges of the city. The practice involves attaching a padlock to a bridge and then throwing the key into the river as a symbol of eternal love. However, in recent years, the love lock tradition has caused controversy and safety concerns in Paris.

What are Love Locks?

Love locks are padlocks that couples attach to a bridge or other public structure as a symbol of their love. The idea is that the couple will throw away the key after they lock it, signifying that their love is forever locked together.

The Controversy Over Love Locks

The tradition of placing love locks on bridges started in Europe in the early 2000s and quickly spread across the world. In Paris, people began attaching locks to the Pont des Arts bridge over the Seine River. However, as more and more people added locks to the bridge, it became clear that there were problems with this practice.

The weight of all these locks started to damage the bridges and posed safety issues for pedestrians crossing them. In 2015, part of the Pont des Arts collapsed under the weight of too many locks, forcing authorities to close it for several months while they removed all of them.

Since then, authorities have removed over a million padlocks from Parisian bridges and put up signs encouraging tourists not to participate in this practice. However, despite these efforts, some visitors still attempt to add locks to bridges around Paris.

So Can You Still Put Love Locks on Bridges in Paris?

Technically speaking, it is illegal to place a love lock on any bridge or public structure in Paris. Authorities have banned this practice and there are fines for anyone caught doing so.

However, there are still many tourists who attempt to add their own padlocks to bridges around the city. If you are caught, you could face a fine of up to €135.

Alternative Ways to Show Your Love in Paris

If you are visiting Paris with your significant other and want to show your love, there are many alternative ways to do so that won’t damage public structures or break the law.

One popular option is to take a romantic stroll along the Seine River. There are many beautiful bridges and spots along the river where you can stop and take in the city’s beauty together.

Another idea is to visit one of Paris’s many romantic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Notre-Dame Cathedral. You could also enjoy a candlelit dinner in one of Paris’s many restaurants or cafes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while love locks may seem like a romantic gesture, they pose safety concerns and damage public structures. It is important to respect local laws and find alternative ways to show your love when visiting Paris. Whether it’s taking a walk along the Seine or enjoying a romantic dinner, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this beautiful city with your significant other without breaking any rules.