The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge which spans the Seine in the heart of Paris. A tradition has developed in the last few years whereby lovers come to the bridge and pledge their love by attaching a padlock to the railing and throwing the key into the river below.
My son Philippe and daughter-in-law Rachel became engaged on the Pont des Arts in 2007. A few years later, in 2011, they returned to Paris and carved their names into a padlock which they attached to the almost-empty bridge.
I went back to the bridge last week to see if I could still find their padlock. I did. You can see how the tradition has grown in just a few short years!
Forgot to bring a lock? No problem. Itinerant entrepreneurs offer solutions.
And entertainment
The bridge attracts lovers of all ages and all nationalities
However, the railings have become so heavily laden that the city of Paris worries about the weight of all that metal damaging the railings and even the bridge itself. At least one section has already collapsed under the weight of all the locks.
Now you know where to find one of the most romantic locations in Paris.
The sun typically returns quickly, leaving me with memories of cobalt blue skies.
