It's about time to take down all these traps, and all the silly notions that go with it.
9
Can we hope that NYC will take steps to protect the Brooklyn Bridge from the tourist vandalism that's happening there?
9
It's about time. I hated the tacky displays that ruin the natural beauty of the bridges. I suggest Paris fine the vendors selling the locks in the first place.
5
The locks were a shabby blight on a magnificent city. Thank God reason and good judgment prevailed. Good riddance to the iron treacle. It drove me mad to see them. Men on both ends of the bridge made a living hawking locks, along side plastic toys and balloons. The tourists barely gave a passing thought to their vandalism of one of the most precious views in Paris, of the Seine, while crossing the bridge. It was becoming de rigueur simply to hang a lock. And there were locks upon locks as no room was left on the railings. This awful trend is spreading faster than bed bugs. Now you see them on the Eiffel Tower and other scenic places.
7
Romantics despair by this heartless but completely logical step. :)
1
If only you were obligated to remove your lock when your relationship ended. No doubt most of the locks would be removed by now.
2
How many of the love lockers are still an item?
This would only happen in Paris!
OK. I don't really know Paris. It's been nearly 50 years since I've been there. But I must admit that my longstanding desire to go back was sparked anew when I first read an article about the "love locks" a few years ago. I thought then, "Love locks ... how Parisian ... ahhh, the City of Love." It all made perfect sense in my romantic right brain. My engineering left brain never considered the ramifications. But now considered (along with the issue of defacing a historical icon) I do understand the problem.
What I don't understand is why the locks have to be destroyed. Even if the lovers are no more doesn't mean their love never existed, wasn't important or that its sybollic lock, the physical emoticon of an emotion the world could use more of, should be destroyed willy-nilly as if it was never real or important.
It seems to me that the locks could have been removed and reinstalled on a fence of sorts near the banks of the river withing sight of the bridge where they could be left as a permanent exhibit, a sort of homage to love expressed by thousands of lovers. Or, if the locks must be removed, why can't they be smelted and the metal sculpted into a permanent "love locks sculpture?" That would respect the historic city, preserve the bridge and honor the individual lovers. It would also encourage tourists to continue to add "Love Locks" to their bucket lists.
Even French bureaucrats should understand the value of this.
OK. I don't really know Paris. It's been nearly 50 years since I've been there. But I must admit that my longstanding desire to go back was sparked anew when I first read an article about the "love locks" a few years ago. I thought then, "Love locks ... how Parisian ... ahhh, the City of Love." It all made perfect sense in my romantic right brain. My engineering left brain never considered the ramifications. But now considered (along with the issue of defacing a historical icon) I do understand the problem.
What I don't understand is why the locks have to be destroyed. Even if the lovers are no more doesn't mean their love never existed, wasn't important or that its sybollic lock, the physical emoticon of an emotion the world could use more of, should be destroyed willy-nilly as if it was never real or important.
It seems to me that the locks could have been removed and reinstalled on a fence of sorts near the banks of the river withing sight of the bridge where they could be left as a permanent exhibit, a sort of homage to love expressed by thousands of lovers. Or, if the locks must be removed, why can't they be smelted and the metal sculpted into a permanent "love locks sculpture?" That would respect the historic city, preserve the bridge and honor the individual lovers. It would also encourage tourists to continue to add "Love Locks" to their bucket lists.
Even French bureaucrats should understand the value of this.
3
This is a new phenomenon and has NOTHING to do with anty intrinsic Paris tradition. This is no different than graffiti.
Bien Fait!
Bien Fait!
7
Clearly, New York does not have the market cornered when it comes to Change.
I find it humorous that people can get so worked up about this gesture because up until now, Paris officials encouraged by, for years, making no moves to discourage it. They could have discouraged this practice at any time. Now that they are discouraging it, however, I think any visitor leaving a mark is being disrespectful (and probably breaking some laws); I would think it appropriate if people were cited. A new revenue stream for the city!
1
Clearly, you missed the part where it said that they had already previously tried to remove sections of the bridge to keep it contained, but people kept filling them up...
3
Fascinating that not ONE of the comments I see here supports allowing the locks. Who was it that was doing this? I was there well before this nonsense started and it was a such lovely bridge to walk over. I loved Paris and want to go back, but glad I missed this whole thing. I would have hated to see it turned into an advertisement for people whose dubious "love" had to be confirmed in such a public way in order for it to be validated. My guess is that the more public you need to be, the less real it is in private.
3
I was there during the lock period and my question was How many of these couples are still together?
As a Parisian, I thought they were ugliest thing and symbolized the contrary of committed love which should make you feel so free and secure, that nothing needs to be locked.
5
Clearly tons of people like to express their love by putting a lock on it and throwing away the key. Perhaps a sculpture that would support the weight could be erected of the old and new empty panels in a public place near the bridge so that couples could continue the tradition in a harmless location. Recycling bins could be placed near by for the keys. The world could use a few more visual and symbolic gestures of love. "If you build it they will come."
1
très bonne opération!
2
Lovers could contribute $ to the eternal city to plant trees - an on-going activity in this most beautiful place - and leave the cheap, made in China locks where they belong. On a gym locker.
6
So after the locks are gone will these inane tourists make their marks by scratching their names in the plexiglass? What children they are. Or more like cats leaving their mark. Grow up people.
8
It's really sad when people need a gimmick to prove their love for one another. Wonder how many of those romances ended in divorce or otherwise and yet the $5 lock remains, bottom line is these locks were an eyesore.
2
If these folks are so eager to proclaim their love by making a statement on something, why don't they get tatoos? That way, they're responsible for the grafiti they've generated, rather than making others deal with it as well.
6
Here's looking at you, kid. We'll always have our lock in, Paris---oh, wait! Good riddance to the locks----I only fear what narcissistic act will follow.
5
I can't imagine any symbol less fitting to represent love than a lock. It's disheartening that so many couples equate the off-its-rails rollercoaster ride that is love with a joyless and flimsy shackle. I'm glad the City of Light is waking up to this ugly blight.
7
All one can say is thank God for the removal, they were an eyesore, as one idiot visitorsaid on the news yesterday after placing yet another lock, "it's one less thing to do on my bucket list"...um, you went to Paris to place a lock on a bridge, didja get to the Louvre? Notre Dame? Eiffel Tower? Sad. No placing a lock on a bridge was all that was important.
4
Turn the Pont des Arts into a dating scene instead, sponsored by cable television. 5 singles put locks on the bridge and then date interested tourists. The winner gets to unlock the lock.
Good. Maybe the lemmings will stop vandalizing public property. If you want to put a lock on something to symbolize your "eternal love" do it at your own home.
8
I am glad to see Paris is taking action to restore the bridges. Kudos to Paris officials. I hope all other cities with vandalized bridges also remove those ugly locks and restore the beauty of the bridges. I travel around the world for pleasure and business. I have seen so many "historical" and "landmark" bridges around the world (Paris, London, Munich, Salzburg, NYC... ) are vandalized with the notion of romantic gesture of putting padlock on the bridge artwork. I have been disgusted with this ugly display and notion of love. True love does not need a "flashy" padlock to show off, keep love in your mind and soul for forever. Travelers - indulge in the culture of the place, take in all you can and leave nothing but your footprint behind, absolutely no lock behind of course.
7
We had a similar problem in Hawaii, where people hauled white coral from the beach and made 'coral graffiti' along the roads, mostly things like 'Billy ♥️Suzy'. They accumulated over 40 years to become a major eyesore. Although some people thought it was cute, local people finally said 'enough is enough!', and removed them all. Now it looks pristine, as it was.
I have seen the locks on Pont des Arts multiply like a cancer growing over the past 50 years, and wondered why Paris tolerated this. Let the bridge go back to its graceful old self.
I have seen the locks on Pont des Arts multiply like a cancer growing over the past 50 years, and wondered why Paris tolerated this. Let the bridge go back to its graceful old self.
7
Interesting the number of people-- particularly Parisians it seems like-- that have near zero sentimentality.
It is unfortunate that the Paris government could not find a middle ground between starry eyed tourists and gimlet eyed locals. Everywhere it seems it is the same, we want your tourist euros/yuan/dollars/whatever, but please just send the cash and keep yourselves at home.
It is unfortunate that the Paris government could not find a middle ground between starry eyed tourists and gimlet eyed locals. Everywhere it seems it is the same, we want your tourist euros/yuan/dollars/whatever, but please just send the cash and keep yourselves at home.
Sentimentality? Really? It's called vandalism. As one person previously stated here, the first couple to place the lock was original, the thousands that followed just to be part of "something" are followers, nothing more.
1
I am sentimental - I am sentimental about the beauty of Paris defaced by these lock attaching vandals.
We're reduced to imagining an original expression of love, devotion, and eternal longing.
1
Good riddance. Time to put a stop to this self-indulgent, narcissistic silliness.
5
IMO, you are all making a huge deal out of nothing. They take the locks off, the tourists responsible spent a huge amount of money in the city. Who cares? It all works out in the end - for the city. I bet the tourists spent four of five orders of magnitude more francs than it will cost to remove those locks.
Why not erect fences along the Seine, on dry land; and invite besotten lovers to put their locks in those fences?
1
One of those belongs to my wife and I. We placed it to honour our 50th anniversary. I really thought it would outlast us.
3
You decided to celebrate by symbolically defecating on other people's achievements? How about if the architect decided to celebrate his anniversary in the field by coming to your house and doing the same to you? Or if the Paris taxpayers came to your house and trashed it to celebrate the liberation of the Bastille?
Fifty years of marriage and still behaving like a self-absorbed child...
Fifty years of marriage and still behaving like a self-absorbed child...
Good riddance to the locks. They were just a different form of graffiti but not as easily removed. Wouldn’t it have been more honest and mature for the lovers to keep the key so that they could come back and remove the lock after they (inevitably) broke up?
8
Removals? Too bad. The "bridges of locks" have been a heartfelt triumph of Public Art. I have been touched with positive reactions every time I have seen them. Each lock has been worth a thousand pages in Facebook.
1
Firstly, let me express that I DO believe in the need to "attempt" to reify or make manifest one's love. But, really? A cheapo-padlock? 2 Euros, tops?
Buy jewelry or a book or clothing or an experience, i.e. movie or trip.
What these padlocks have done, is, make two of the most romantically see-through-railed bridges in Paris, disgustingly opaque.
Why must this faux expression of, Alvy Singer-esque: I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F's, yes I have to invent, of course I - I do, don't you think I do? i.e. his wooing of "Annie Hall," be sacrificed, transmogrified into a grossly, disgrace. Into two massive eyesores.
And where is the originality? This phenomenon was a warning to women, i.e., sure sign your lover boy's an unimaginative, cookie-cutter type.
Lastly, to quote Lady Di, "Good riddance, to bad rubbish."
Full disclosure : I live on Rue Frédéric-Sauton, i.e. across the Seine from La Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and Pont de l'Archevêché.
Buy jewelry or a book or clothing or an experience, i.e. movie or trip.
What these padlocks have done, is, make two of the most romantically see-through-railed bridges in Paris, disgustingly opaque.
Why must this faux expression of, Alvy Singer-esque: I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F's, yes I have to invent, of course I - I do, don't you think I do? i.e. his wooing of "Annie Hall," be sacrificed, transmogrified into a grossly, disgrace. Into two massive eyesores.
And where is the originality? This phenomenon was a warning to women, i.e., sure sign your lover boy's an unimaginative, cookie-cutter type.
Lastly, to quote Lady Di, "Good riddance, to bad rubbish."
Full disclosure : I live on Rue Frédéric-Sauton, i.e. across the Seine from La Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and Pont de l'Archevêché.
9
As someone who lives in the middle of a town designed for vacations and tourism I can tell you that people shut their brains down, forget common sense, and act like they are the center of the universe while escaping the "real world."
Placing a lock on a bridge was probably pretty original for the first person to do it. When thousands more do it, it becomes pretty silly. The list I could provide of stupid things that people do while on vacation is pretty overwhelming. Placing a lock on a bridge and throwing a key into the water and repeated endlessly is pretty ridiculous.
Placing a lock on a bridge was probably pretty original for the first person to do it. When thousands more do it, it becomes pretty silly. The list I could provide of stupid things that people do while on vacation is pretty overwhelming. Placing a lock on a bridge and throwing a key into the water and repeated endlessly is pretty ridiculous.
4
SILLY AND UGLY!!!!! Take 'em down! Stop defacing that gorgeous city.
9
Oh my gosh W84me I hate those things too. We had a poster/flower/candles alter at a cross walk for 3 years. 3 years. At first its sad, then curious then wishing for a major storm to blow it away. The locks the texture of all the locks squished together looks awful. Yay!
3
“It’s like carving your names on a tree or putting your names in wet concrete.”
- selfish.
We are losing the Brooklyn Bridge to this same ugly trend.
- selfish.
We are losing the Brooklyn Bridge to this same ugly trend.
6
This article quotes two American tourists, Anthony from Washington states that "..he's glad he saw it". Saw what exactly, graffiti? Now the authorities have to put up plexiglass to prevent further damage to the bridge - thanks tourists
Janice wanted to see come to Paris to see in addition "..the bridge of love". Seriously, go into the Catacombes instead.
IDK what these people were thinking when they placed the locks, they probably weren't but, but monkey see monkey do!
Janice wanted to see come to Paris to see in addition "..the bridge of love". Seriously, go into the Catacombes instead.
IDK what these people were thinking when they placed the locks, they probably weren't but, but monkey see monkey do!
6
Yeah they came to see the rusted locks, the Louvre? Not so much. Such childish behavior.
1
Merci! Beauty, history and authenticity prevail over commercial and ephemeral kitsch.
9
I think I'm one of the few people who enjoys the locks, but of course I also understand the various problems they cause. Yes, they should be prohibited and removed, absolutely. However, when I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge a few times a week, I have to admit that I find it sweet to see the messages on the locks of many colors and shapes.
When did the vandalism of public property morph into a romantic gesture? It is nothing other than self centered adolescent behavior. These locks, now spreading on the Brooklyn Bridge, need no new laws to govern their removal. They are both vandalism of a historic monument and pollution of the East River. As in Paris, if allowed to proliferate, their removal will be at great cost to the taxpayers. While the police on our bridge text in their little vehicles or pose for photos with tourists, thoughtless people are now attaching locks directly to the lamp posts which extend out over the traffic below. These can fall onto traffic, in the act of attaching them and will weigh down the lamp post which will eventually fall on cars also. Putting police or meter maids on the bridge to stop this ridiculous mess will be less costly than the accidents the locks will eventually cause.
11
It may be vulgar and narcissistic as all the outraged commenters are saying, but this sort of thing is nothing new. Check out all the oldest tourist sites in the world and you will find graffiti from centuries ago. Check out "Plymouth Rock" (which is an ersatz site in the first place, put up as a tourist trap) and you will learn that it is a fraction of its original size, because of all the 19th century tourists who hacked off a piece of it to take home.
Take heart: we're no worse than previous generations.
Take heart: we're no worse than previous generations.
2
Can they. Put the wall from the bridge. In a park overlooking. Three river. And let the tradition continue in the park.
Some of the most famous building from centuries ago would n o t be it it had to endure that kind of weight.
Idea. To put your lock on the fence. It cost. XXxX. Amount say 5.00$ To help pay for upkeep of park.
As for keys. Make a area in park where they can Put them and maybe recycle them to help pay also
Some of the most famous building from centuries ago would n o t be it it had to endure that kind of weight.
Idea. To put your lock on the fence. It cost. XXxX. Amount say 5.00$ To help pay for upkeep of park.
As for keys. Make a area in park where they can Put them and maybe recycle them to help pay also
It would be nice if they could keep the locks and construct something alongside the river for this cultural display. Then lovers could still toss the key into the river while hanging their locks on a panel that won't harm the bridge.
I have no evidence but I am sure that a very large number of locks there have nothing to do with love and have everything to do with tourists getting in the act, following like lemmings without giving much thought to the stupidity and vandalism that is represents. Not to mention giving a tidy profit to the people who are selling these locks nearby.
24
The idea that adding one lock to 50,000 locks is vandalism is really silly. At that point, it is not vandalism, it is adding to a trend. I haven't seen these before, but looking at the photos, it seems to be a neat display and fun to look at. I like this kind of urban art. So what if some locals were selling locks to tourists?
Of course, if it was posing a safety hazard, it needed to be fixed. From reading the comments, I can see that many found this distasteful and wanted it removed. It is littering to throw those keys in the river.
But the idea to me is romantic. I can see being in Paris with a lover and putting our lock on the bridge with the thousands of other lovers.....ahh. If mine were on there, I would likely feel a bit sad to see it go.
Of course, if it was posing a safety hazard, it needed to be fixed. From reading the comments, I can see that many found this distasteful and wanted it removed. It is littering to throw those keys in the river.
But the idea to me is romantic. I can see being in Paris with a lover and putting our lock on the bridge with the thousands of other lovers.....ahh. If mine were on there, I would likely feel a bit sad to see it go.
2
funny how one lock turns into 50,000 locks....the Bridge is beautiful without the locks....take a look at each lock....hunk of metal. Come on, Marty, can't you think of a more meaningful and original way to immortalize your affection? Sure you can.
Rather hard to believe this silly, gushy juvenile post received a Times pick. Who's choosing them this week? The new girl intern?
This is *NOT* urban art. But, if you enjoy it so much, you should invite these people to add locks around where you live, and you'll start to get some sense of what these "art" really is about.
2
Good move to clean up the locks from the bridge. A few years ago, the Manhattan Bridge was cleaned up. It looked wonderful, a clean bridge. Now it's tagged up with graffiti. Doesn't appear like its going to be cleaned anytime soon.
2
Love locks? How tacky.
10
Like all vandalism, "love locks" are a rather pathetic cry for attention, nothing more. If you love your partner, let him or her know by your actions every day. Don't damage public property in some otherwise meaningless gesture.
10
The "lock thing" has become as much of a cliche as Hallmark cards and candy on Valentines Day. It would seem that an act of undying love could benefit from an expression of some sincere thought and imagination. If its so "real", try a tattoo.........
4
I believe that Paris the city of love , should have such a place where loving couples will be able to consolidate its padlock symbolizing the strength of love bonds or other symbol !!! 45 tons of love will be thrown out on a garbage can??? Feel Paris soon cease to be the city of love ...
Paris is a real city where real people live. It is called the city of love in tourist brochures only.
Omg !!! I'm soooo sad !!! This was my engagement memory .. We just got engaged two years ago and the lock is gone ... Where are they taking them ??! I want it back !!!!
Get it back, IrinaP, by living your love in your every day lives, not by an object that destroys history and the city of light.
7
Really? You are bragging about vandalizing the public property of your hosts? You want the evidence back, but not to take back the offensive, criminal act itself? OMG!
I really enjoyed the couples that used combination locks instead of padlocks...hedging their bets?
17
Good. The locks were nothing but graffiti in iron and steel.
7
I just returned from Paris. It seems that just about every bridge across the Seine now has these locks affixed Perhaps it could be a "charmant" tradition when there is only one special bridge involved and no danger is posed to that bridge's structure. But it has now reached such proportions as to be idiotic.
6
In a lot of these cases, the love lock will mutate into a ball and chain.
4
Fabulous! Thanks for a great laugh.
Travel to any major European city with a river, and you will find the locks. Tourist bureaus of Vienna, Bamburg, Prague, have at it!
2
Attaching a lock to the pont is as romantic or temporary as scratching your names within a heart, on the Eiffel Tower.
Don't laugh, when I was in Italy atop the Tower in Pisa there were two french tourists carving their names atop it in a Bic pen, I told them in French how stupid they were and how they were defacing and destroying property. They just laughed. Typical. These people are like cats, having to mark where they've been, message to all..........NO ONE CARES!!!
3
They're defacing every bridge on the planet. They need to be taken down. Those who put them up should be fined if caught in the act. I'm proud of Paris for doing so -- and the Italians need to do it on the bridges over the Arno; and the Brooklyn Bridge needs to have them removed as well.
And while we're on the subject of "commemorating" things, let's enact legislation to prevent crucifixes from being installed on highway shoulders where people died in accidents. It's not holy ground, and frankly, they're a distraction that drivers don't need. The gravesite ought to be enough. I've yet to see mourners "gather at the death site" for a service.
And while we're on the subject of "commemorating" things, let's enact legislation to prevent crucifixes from being installed on highway shoulders where people died in accidents. It's not holy ground, and frankly, they're a distraction that drivers don't need. The gravesite ought to be enough. I've yet to see mourners "gather at the death site" for a service.
32
In the South, it's a fashion to decorate the back of your pickup truck with the name and info of dead loved ones, making the window appear to be a grave marker
When I lived in Puerto Rico I used to make a lot of trips into the mountains dragging a generator up to Navy radio sites. There was a sharp turn on the road between Ponce and Juana Diaz that had dozens of these crosses in it. In the middle of the turn was a huge tree that kept cars from driving off the road into the valley below. There were always fresh flowers so someone was taking care of the site. It meant something to family members and I don't recall anyone complaining about it. Having seen it once it served as a reminder on every trip that this was definitely a "Dead Man's Curve" and I was careful to reduce my speed to the requested 15km.
This was over 40 years ago and the roads were horrible. Narrow mountain roads without guard rails and these collections of crosses were frequent throughout the trips to San Juan from Ponce on Route 1.
This was over 40 years ago and the roads were horrible. Narrow mountain roads without guard rails and these collections of crosses were frequent throughout the trips to San Juan from Ponce on Route 1.
What a lot of junk! What were those people thinking? Those folks don't deserve Paris. Good riddance to their detritus.
14
Why write "Paris city fathers" are trying to preserve the bridge when the mayor of Paris is a woman? Who are these mythical city fathers?
10
Remove the locks, but don't allow the plexiglass. Let people put their locks and remove them on a weekly or monthly basis. Everybody happy.
2
Padlocks are about as romantic as the graffiti and dog poop that people feel compelled to leave behind on their walks around the city.
17
Yay! get rid of the chastity belts!!! "locks' ain't love. they are symbols of prisons. sooo happy they will be history. bye bye freakin' locks. one more dumb idea bites the dust, and may the hands that fed it turn to something with a little more class and respect for the humanity of Paris and its REAL history . Misanthrope? Not at all. Just someone who loves Paris and NOT what messes with its beauty. grrrr. and YAY!
16
The art of loving is not hard to master...but it requires imagination. Not imitation. The locks are and were more "chastity belts' than symbols of anything fine and grand. Nothing to do with love. It was a bad idea and good good good riddance to it. Now , the problem is how to get the sorry fools to not do it everywhere else. Meanwhile: for those who think there is anything to mourn..try poetry.
Elizabeth Bishop, 1911 - 1979
The art of losing isn’t hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.
Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.
Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.
I lost my mother’s watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.
I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn’t a disaster.
—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident
the art of losing’s not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.
Elizabeth Bishop, 1911 - 1979
The art of losing isn’t hard to master;
so many things seem filled with the intent
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.
Lose something every day. Accept the fluster
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.
Then practice losing farther, losing faster:
places, and names, and where it was you meant
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.
I lost my mother’s watch. And look! my last, or
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn’t hard to master.
I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.
I miss them, but it wasn’t a disaster.
—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident
the art of losing’s not too hard to master
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.
8
More unthinking followers (sheep) . Enough already. Is everyone now a mini-Christo?
8
Ugly and unnecessary. Write each other a poem for crying out loud. I sincerely hope those locks will be recycled.
12
In Russia there are a lot of places (bridges, viewing points) with love locks. But the workers of those places cut them down 2-3 times a year. Everybody got used to it. Cause it helps to keep the place clean, and allow new couples do the same ritual!
4
I need to open a kiosk selling locks near these bridges. Same brand with a master key so I can unlock them after a while and resell them.
1
A ROMANTIC LOCK? A romantic type of lock, to me, would be something like a liplock. Not a piece of metal hanging from a bridge. The Parisians, thank goodness, are standing around French kissing, while the tourists file by on the bridge appending cold metal locks to it. Whatever happened to Vive L'amour! in the City of Lights? Is the amorous spirit of the city to be imprisoned. Or will the government include a lock attaching activity on the banks of the Seine when it opens its temporary beach, Paris Plage, there? The French response to this conundrum might be a Baf!, a shrug of the shoulders, or most idiosyncratically, a French version of a Bronx Cheer (aka a raspberry, renamed framboise or a Paris Cheer). That is performed by a Parisian sitting at an outdoor cafe, with his chin on his hands, elbows on table, sighing deeply and emitting a noise somewhere between a kid imitating a motorcycle and a machine gun (OK soft ones). Pppppppppppppppppppp!
4
What about all the keys at the bottom of the river?
22
Me, me, me, me....the locks reflect a culture that only thinks of "me". "Like carving your name in a tree...". Indeed!
39
The trees are happy that carving initials on them has turned to etching a metal lock.
Too bad the article did not mention where this fashion mania started....in Rome, Italy...locks placed on a north facing street light on the Ponte Milvio bridge... put on your lock and throw the key in the Tevere river....as in Paris, the locks became too heavy and had to be removed from the antique street light, in addition to removing locks placed all along the bridge...but not to worry, people are creative and those locks are showing up all over the city in various places....at the beginning of the bridge near Piazza del Popolo there are a few of them placed on an iron rail, including a very beautiful antique one!!!
6
I'm American and have lived in Paris for 7 years now. Of course I understand why people want to put the locks there, but at the end of the day, this is a real city, where people live and go to work and spend their lives. It's not a tourist playground. Not to mention it's very dangerous. It doesn't take much to understand that putting multiple extra tons of weight on a BRIDGE is not a good idea. Do you want your sign of love to destroy a Paris landmark? In the end the lock signifies nothing really more than an idea. How about taking a picture on the bridge, learning about when/why it was built, and going home with a beautiful memory? I'm an avid traveler, but I have let go of the idea that every place I visit I must do or buy something physical to preserve the memory. It's not true. The memories live on without buying something, I promise.
57
"this is a real city, where people live and go to work and spend their lives. It's not a tourist playground"
Sir, I would suggest that without tourism treating your newly adopted City as a playground, you would find yourself on a slow back to your original homeland, as that "playground" would dissolve, and you would no longer need bridges for people to get anywhere, as there would be no people.
Sir, I would suggest that without tourism treating your newly adopted City as a playground, you would find yourself on a slow back to your original homeland, as that "playground" would dissolve, and you would no longer need bridges for people to get anywhere, as there would be no people.
This tradition had a 50 Shades of Creepy attached to it.
Au revoir.
Au revoir.
42
Due to social media, the herd mentality that is so prevalent in our culture is amplified. Our culture of instant gratification also stifle imagination and creativity. One couple's expression of love is copied hundred of thousands of times over by tourists looking for 'must do activities' in Paris. This gesture with the lock is now banal and lose the uniqueness and intimacy that is love between two people.
It is somewhat sad that in a beautiful, romantic and diverse city like Paris, people can't come up with their own original ideas to express their love for each other. Especially one that doesn't deface public property and historical architecture.
It is somewhat sad that in a beautiful, romantic and diverse city like Paris, people can't come up with their own original ideas to express their love for each other. Especially one that doesn't deface public property and historical architecture.
62
Like most things that spiral out of control, there is also another side to it. Officials looking the other way allowed the bridge to become "a thing", ie a tourist attraction because of its locks. Once it was known as such, they likely allowed it to remain so as not to hurt the "lovers" feelings. Plus what city doesn't want another tourist attraction? In the end, you are right that our copycat culture is a bit off, but it's always been that way. Throw a penny in a fountain instead?
1
Instantaneous gratification, please. Agreed. Enough is enough. My mother used to ask " if everyone is jumping off the Empire State Builing, does that mean you should as well?"
There is a pleasure in delayed gratification. There is joy is original thought. There is delight in creativity. What do these sheep look forward to?
There is a pleasure in delayed gratification. There is joy is original thought. There is delight in creativity. What do these sheep look forward to?
3
On my first trip to Paris I fell in lust. Walking hand in hand along a bridge an elderly gentleman admonished us to kiss in the middle of the bridge and let a little romance into the air. We did and every time I'm in Paris I say a prayer for that dear man who helped turn a brief flirtation a lifelong memory. Merci mille fois.
13
I like the idea of the art display. what about the love lock building/museum go in there if you want to attach your locks or view them, of course built to be structurally sound to carry very large amount of weight. Those who think it's an eyesore don't have to see it but an exterior that matches the beauty of the city. Win Win. I personally don't understand the locks but to each their own and if they are going to keep trying to find other areas give them one that is appealing on the outside. charge a small fee, have a shop inside with pretty locks to purchase and engrave your lock for an extra fee, and place your lock inside that building and inside that building only.
7
I want to echo the comment of another who posted here. A love letter, an actual written expression of love and an explanation of why you love someone, other than their "hot bod". is something that can, truly, last a lifetime. In taking the time to write down the thoughts behind your feelings and emotions, you can actually bring forth a greater, stronger understanding yourself. Besides, whatever lovers are doing when they are in Paris should certainly exceed the symbolism of a piece of metal on a bridge. Make that your memory.
Here's the new tradition: when lovers arrive in Paris, or when they fall in love there and vow to stay that way, each one should write a love letter to the other expressing their feelings of the moment. Mail the letter home to the address of each person. If you really want to do it right, write five or six letters and have them mailed home by someone in Paris (a small fee would probably ensure this). Have a letter from Paris arrive every year or every few years expressing the love that each felt in that moment. This might help many couples get over and survive the difficulties that are certain to ensue in life and love. Try it. Take Paris home with you (it's a moveable feast) and make it part of your life.
Here's the new tradition: when lovers arrive in Paris, or when they fall in love there and vow to stay that way, each one should write a love letter to the other expressing their feelings of the moment. Mail the letter home to the address of each person. If you really want to do it right, write five or six letters and have them mailed home by someone in Paris (a small fee would probably ensure this). Have a letter from Paris arrive every year or every few years expressing the love that each felt in that moment. This might help many couples get over and survive the difficulties that are certain to ensue in life and love. Try it. Take Paris home with you (it's a moveable feast) and make it part of your life.
30
The idea of the locks is disgusting. Nothing can make it better than vulgar narcissism.
35
Glad to see them go. They became an ugly cliche and wholly unoriginal. Like the multitude of selfies and Facebook posts, the locks were all about self promotion. Far too much of that today. Narcissisum is rampant...and dull.
54
Maintain the locks in their grids, mount them on display panels and sell them to art collectors. Its true symbolism of love in the modern world. Who knows what these will be worth in 100 years? !!!
4
display the grids on the shore line near the bridge.. and let others continue to place the pad locks and throw the keys into the Seine.. have marriage ceremonies near the bridge too.. this way the shop owners that sell the locks can still continue with their business.. and only allow it to be done there at those grids near that bridge.
Wouldn't it be more romantic to write a love letter? Paper, unless it's a really really long letter, weighs less, too.
17
Those locks were so ugly. Good riddance.
48
The story shows that practical considerations can and often do override the sentiments and emotions we call love.
1
Nothing says I love you like a padlock.
129
Better for the lovers to chain themselves together than put a lock on the bridge. Over time, they can decide if: 1) they want to cut the chain and go their own way; 2) add a ball to symbolize the state that their committed relationship has devolved into; or 3) replace the chain with a large rubber band to symbolize the continuing tie to their loved one and an ability to let their loved one go do their own thing knowing they will come back. In other words, people need not put a padlock on the bridge to symbolize their love. The foregoing is written in jest.
In all seriousness though, the truest token or evidence of your love and commitment to your loved one is the work you put into your relationship with them each and every day to make it a successful one. Your loved one will remember and appreciate that far, far longer than they will a padlock half a world away. It is much more meaningful.
Leave no trace to the extent possible, wherever you go!
In all seriousness though, the truest token or evidence of your love and commitment to your loved one is the work you put into your relationship with them each and every day to make it a successful one. Your loved one will remember and appreciate that far, far longer than they will a padlock half a world away. It is much more meaningful.
Leave no trace to the extent possible, wherever you go!
13
You can be sure the negative comments are by those who have led restricted and passionless lives. That the locks had to be removed is without question. That they oould have become a part of a museum or outdoor sculpture seems a simple solution.
To those who crab about cheap locks etc. The idea was never the lock itself. It was to 'lock ones heart away' in the city of love. It was as Romantic as a poem by Keats or Bllackbird by the Beatles.
Sadly the world is filled with shortsighted people Fortunately the need for them is being diminished as automation eats its way up to their job and makes their work easily replaced as their thinking is dull.
The naysayers would be amazed at those who still cheerish the night or day they set their lock on the bridge and enrapted their love for each other both in steel and soul.
That the steel must be removed is understandable. But the foolish blurbs throughout the comments is not.
To those who crab about cheap locks etc. The idea was never the lock itself. It was to 'lock ones heart away' in the city of love. It was as Romantic as a poem by Keats or Bllackbird by the Beatles.
Sadly the world is filled with shortsighted people Fortunately the need for them is being diminished as automation eats its way up to their job and makes their work easily replaced as their thinking is dull.
The naysayers would be amazed at those who still cheerish the night or day they set their lock on the bridge and enrapted their love for each other both in steel and soul.
That the steel must be removed is understandable. But the foolish blurbs throughout the comments is not.
10
Masses putting locks on the bridge is not romantic. The first couple to do it were romantic. The rest of them would never have thought of the idea, and so they killed it.
20
@James Watt, very interesting that you should mention Blackbird by the Beatles (really, almost exclusively by Paul, I think). That song struck me long ago and I had wondered for years about its origin and meaning. Then, by chance I came across Blackbird by Nina Simone. She sings about a blackbird "you ain't never gonna fly" and the meaning for blacks in America is obvious, undeniable. Paul McCartney, it seems, took a very downbeat, despairing song and turned into a lovely affirmation, yet another "silly love song" that, in his case, exceeded the genre and our expectations. His blackbird is waiting for this moment to arise; Nina Simone's is doomed from the start.
Despite what you say, to me the lovelocks at some point became stupid, excessive and a cliche. 700,000 tossed away keys in the river below? Of course, many people realized that in putting the locks there, they were expressing a wish, a dream, and one that would have no bearing on the proceedings in divorce court.
Despite what you say, to me the lovelocks at some point became stupid, excessive and a cliche. 700,000 tossed away keys in the river below? Of course, many people realized that in putting the locks there, they were expressing a wish, a dream, and one that would have no bearing on the proceedings in divorce court.
9
An elegant ode to vandalism.
22
Personally, I don't think people's private expressions of love should include vandalizing public structures. Your relationship is your concern and if it's of any substance doesn't need silly expressions of this kind. As a gesture, it strikes me as immature and selfish. Akin to tagging/graffiti only more damaging because of the weight of the locks. I say good riddance to the locks, and to the lovers, find a way to honor your love that doesn't impose itself on the rest of us.
115
Somehow if these cheap padlocks had been affixed to the gates of Buckingham Palace or Hampton Court, I doubt that as many people would have been charmed by their accumulation.
If people find their visit to Paris disappointing without the sight of these locks, there are countless museums, buildings, restaurants, churches and other places to see.
If people find their visit to Paris disappointing without the sight of these locks, there are countless museums, buildings, restaurants, churches and other places to see.
19
Thank you. Expressions of personal love should never deface public monuments
11
Lovelocks started out as something beautiful, a small token of the good intentions of those who were apparently deep in the throes of love and all of its emotions and attractions. Then, they turned into something very ugly. Sort of like a lot of marriages.
Those sections of railings being hauled away look like something infested with a disease, or maybe a billion bees trying to fit in the space for 10,000. Now, the locks are headed for the junk pile, where they will find a happy home and be returned to metal for other applications.
Having once been a resident of Paris, I wonder if I would have fallen prey to such an exercise, had I been in love while I was there (I was in love with Paris, and that was enough, for awhile). Even though I has just turned 24, I think no lovelocks would have marked my passionate passage through the city. Any woman who was smart enough and agile enough to put up with me would not have wanted to mark the occasion in a way that, over time, essentially became a public display of meaninglessness. She would have sharply criticized me for even thinking of it.
I do not understand why people go to Paris, Rome, London or any other place so they can say they saw "the sights". I just don't get it. I suppose if you are just spending three days there, you do what you can do and move on. However, no one should ever go to Paris, especially for the first time, for three days. You will have seen it and missed everything important about it.
13
Long overdue. The locks were metal graffiti.
31
A sure way to end your relationship is to scribble you and your beloved's names (with a heart of course) on $5 lock bought from a guy rolling one of the bridges here, toss the key into the Seine, talk a selfie and make up the fiction that this act has any meaning at all. Not only have these locks polluted the bridges, the waters and destroyed the bridges, they've also polluted the idea of love, and unquestionably will look foolish in the rear view mirror as this once happy couple rambles off to collide into a white picket fence. Another poster suggested an excellent idea: Plant a tree (in Paris or somewhere else). Something that will grow, not rust. Allez!
40
...and with even odds of colliding into divorce court.
What a complete disregard for historical sites and monuments. They should be fined the same way a tagger gets fined.
32
This is a blow to true love everywhere.
1
True love, thankfully, has absolutely nothing to do with clamping a small piece of metal to a bridge.
1
The idea was nice, for a while, but being there recently I realized it was just too much. Time for another, organic, tradition.
3
Paris is greatly overrated. Go to Lovelock Nevada, where the city has even established a place for lovers to place locks.
7
Undeniably the worst expression of love ever...and ugly. People are doing it on the Brooklyn Bridge and I hope the city will get rid of the eyesores as quickly as they go one. Get a room, will you!
25
A Paris resident, no regrets about the solution to an eyesore and safety hazard. As for the loss of a symbol of a couple's love, a suggestion - plant a tree; in fact the City of Paris maybe should begin a "plant your love in Paris" campaign to let tourists in on the "greening" of the city, and allow them to leave a better symbol of a love that takes root and grows, and that will give back to the city that gives lovers their memories ... now ... isn't THAT romantic?
127
This is a very sustainable idea and more beneficial for the people of Paris if two people to express their love for each other as you suggest. Certainly, this idea will have a much more lasting impression as the love between two people should be an ever-growing emotion, like that of a growing tree, which seems to be a more sincere symbolism of their love…
7
How dare you simultaneously sound logical, sensible and sustainable!!! :)
2
If the couple must have their initials, they can pay for a small plaque to be placed in front of the tree. Like we place plastic flags to tell us what we planted in our garden. And the proceeds of those plaques can go towards keeping the grounds clean and the trees healthy.
This phenomena is starting in other places now.
I recently saw it along side parts of the historic and beautiful Cliff Walk in Newport, R.I.-bad idea.
I recently saw it along side parts of the historic and beautiful Cliff Walk in Newport, R.I.-bad idea.
13
What a great way to express love. With a cheap padlock purchased at a hardware store. Or some old garbage lock that you took from your Father's toolbox.
11
I am surprised at the caustic remarks in the forum. It's clear that the love lock tradition was very strongly and widely embraced. To blithely dismiss it as the work of egotists and narcissists is not only to show a misunderstanding of the terms, it shows a surprising degree of cynicism and intolerance. I support removal of the locks, but for the reasons that the authorities have given. The locks are being removed because in aggregate they pose a danger, not because the couples that installed the locks were warped in some way. Seems more warped to deny the validity of a cultural tradition that honors love.
9
Thanks for your sobering remarks. The French people are truly romantic.
"Misunderstanding of the terms?" Leaving a physical mark which alters (and damages) the structure, view, experience of others living in/visiting a city, is rightly criticized as narcissistic. It's not a blithe dismissal. Love is selfless, not self-absorbed, so take only memories and leave your locks at home. Cynicism and intolerance would be insisting those offenders simply stay home. See the difference? Cities welcome and love tourists. Not their locks.
14
Who cares if it was widely embraced? It's public space. Attaching personal stuff to public space is cheesy vandalism.
21
Sadly, we kept our key and were prevented from removing our lock by the plywood barricades!
As for the view of the Seine, how long do you think that will last before it will be obscured by graffiti?
As for the view of the Seine, how long do you think that will last before it will be obscured by graffiti?
No doubt 80 pct or more were tourists. Paris is well rid of them - the locks, not the tourists. It is sort of like all those Times Square photo hustlers, something only a tourist would do.
6
We put a lock on the Pont des Arts during our eighth anniversary celebration. There were not really that many on the grillwork, and there was lots of space around our little lock. We were back a year later and there were locks on top of locks on top of locks, a foot deep. What was a charming little idea had become a monster. We are more than willing to give up our lock to restore some sense of sanity and beauty to this little pedestrian bridge.
11
OK, I propose a new tourist activity - visit the city of your choice with pair of bolt cutters. Take a selfie while you and your sweetie remove narcissistic padlocks from the beautiful architectural item of your choice, leaving the city a little more beautiful than when you came. Deposit clipped lock into recycling bin on way home. Smart vendors can sell or rent bolt cutters adjacent to the bridge.
16
One word - brilliant. :)
2
This is starting to happen in NYC too. There are a bunch of ugly locks on the Brooklyn Bridge. Next time I walk across I'll be carrying a lock cutter with me, and I hope some other NYers do the same!
12
Now that Parisians have succeded in removing the locks, will they tackle the smelly remnants left by Parisian dogs all over Paris sidewalks??
1
Show some real commitment: get matching tattoos and spare the environs these expressions of undying love.
(Or is that oo much of a commitment?)
(Or is that oo much of a commitment?)
10
The rule is that as soon as you have your lover's name tattooed on your body, the relationship is over.
If only those tens of thousands of narcissistic tourists had done that instead!
If only those tens of thousands of narcissistic tourists had done that instead!
Why not put up a sacrificial fence that people can attach locks to? The fence can be taken away monthly to discard the locks and a new fence put in its place. That would allow people to continue to attach locks, but eventually the whole idea would just disappear because their locks are removed regularly, making the whole practice less permanent than intended.
1
The expression of love is worth it's weight in iron but after a while it's sags.
2
Such locks are appearing all over the Brooklyn Bridge too, to my dismay. How many will it take to begin to destabilize the bridge? How long will we wait to find out?
7
"pas de luck" seems like a good segue to sum up what long ago has been resented by most of the helpless locals as a virus which completely overshadowed the bridge's outline within a matter of a few months. Tacky on top of being kind of dangerous for the superstructure especially if you happened to walk under the arches while walking alongside the quays, or glide across the Seine channel while passing underneath by boat. Chatting this morning with one of a secondhand bookseller yet in faction at a stone throw away distance of the bridge while the hive of camera buzzing about recorded details of the showdown going live, the bookseller next to his deserted booth expressed disbelief, apparently struggling to sell his (affordable) books to swarms of tourists who, for equal price rather turned to padlocks mass produced in China and who, in his terms kept flying out the shelves as of late. That seemed to be all that mattered around the bridge, blind tourists coming in droves, do their thing, drop their lock, and move on in disregard with much of what's around. Let's see what happens next. No doubt, the replacement glass awaits its turn to be vandalized and nearby bridges might also pay the consequences.
11
The real bridge of love is Pont Alexandre III, the bridge in the final scene of Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris," when Gil and Gabrielle meet in the rain and walk off together into the night. C'est magnifique!
4
Didn't she decide to stay in a former era?
No, that was the other girl.
I'm so glad to see that the overwhelming number of commenters recognize this fad for what it is: narcissistic vandalism. Or maybe it's part confusion too.
I've walked over this bridge many times, before and after this fad took hold, and two things occur to me: 1) Who wants to be such an unimaginative copycat when it comes to love? See "I gave her red tulips for Valentine's Day!" 2) Whose vision of a loving relationship is a padlock? The only reference to "locking up and throwing away the key" isn't one I'd associate with True Love (Hint: the other reference in the same area has to do with a river, though not the Seine).
I've walked over this bridge many times, before and after this fad took hold, and two things occur to me: 1) Who wants to be such an unimaginative copycat when it comes to love? See "I gave her red tulips for Valentine's Day!" 2) Whose vision of a loving relationship is a padlock? The only reference to "locking up and throwing away the key" isn't one I'd associate with True Love (Hint: the other reference in the same area has to do with a river, though not the Seine).
8
Styx?
God I'm glad I didn't weaken and waste the few bucks that were much better spent on a slightly higher quality of wine at dinner that night. And what a miserable symbol: a love lock! Bad enough so many are joined at the hip, but this is an emblem that transforms that fleeting thing we call love into a veritable prison.
8
Those stupid padlocks were a visual and cultural disgrace. The equivalent of graffiti painting "Billy and Janey" on Notre Dame.
16
Love locks have no appeal to me, but my old love letters do. I keep mine in an old Macanuduo cigar box under my bed. They remind me of the time when I was young and goatish and had my priorities straight.
2
I have wondered why Paris took so long to get rid of them. The bridge over the Guadalquivir in Seville was at one time practically covered with locks, until they sent in a couple of men with cutters and got rid of them. The interesting thing is that most of the locks were of good, valuable metal and the city was able to sell them at a profit. There are no more locks on that bridge, the City sends someone periodically to cut the few that creep in.
42
Even though I think the scorn that people are heaping on the lovers is mean, I must say I am glad the locks are coming down. They're both silly and disturbing, a rare combination. I hope they'll come down off the other bridges as well, especially (since it's my daily walk taking my son to school) the pont de l'archeveque.
15
I saw the locks 2 years ago. There was still considerable space on the bridge. This seems to have taken off like herpes. It's only a 5 year old phenomenon, not tradition, and not visually appealing. Good riddance!
43
Good - it is about time this eyesore is removed. Five will get me 10 that more than 50% of these couples are no longer together. True love no longer exists.
11
Also I think the best title for this article would have been "Love's Labour's Lost".
8
I saw the bridge just recently and wasn't sure how I felt about it until I saw the comments from all the condescending bien-pensants who posted here.
PS - @John Norton Love the poem
PS - @John Norton Love the poem
1
Good. The height of arrogance. Let my love be remembered by an obnoxious defacing of a European treasure. Selfie-generation. Please, please, go away.
26
Vandalism indeed! Wouldn't it be better to show the world your love by being a good, humble, loyal, loving and supportive partner in daily life? Symbols are undoubtedly important and powerful, but daily deeds have a much greater impact on your "love" and on the world.
11
Well said. The same criticism applies to Mother's Day, Father's Day and ....
Parisians, I'm told, were offended that a temporary fair exhibit, the Eiffel Tower, wasn't going to be promptly removed. Took them a while to make it The Icon of Paris. Of course, it's now a wonderfully vulgar light display.
I have every confidence that the whole lock phenomenon will also find a place in the heart of Paris, although not in that form, on that little old bridge. Artists and planners, get on the job!
I have every confidence that the whole lock phenomenon will also find a place in the heart of Paris, although not in that form, on that little old bridge. Artists and planners, get on the job!
1
My wife and I were in Paris in 2002 and there were no locks (that I remember) on the Pont des Arts. The bridge itself was beautiful and the view from it in either direction was romantic. Glad i never saw it covered by those ugly and stupid locks. The bridge will be and was better and so much more romantic without them.
20
With all due respect to eternal love, the locks were were overwhelming and ugly and it is good that they are being removed.
16
Beautiful Pont des Arts of the Silv’ry Seine!
Alas! It’s romance is now has-been
Since all its locks have been cut away
And love forever I’m sorry to say,
Turns out to be remember-when.
If only William Topaz McGonagall were here to do this justice.
Alas! It’s romance is now has-been
Since all its locks have been cut away
And love forever I’m sorry to say,
Turns out to be remember-when.
If only William Topaz McGonagall were here to do this justice.
1
This was previously a beautiful bridge that provided transparent views across the Seine. There is no love lost for these hideous locks and this decidedly unromantic trend of defacing public property with such an ugly symbol. Locks represent imprisonment, not love. They look beyond awful.
I hope Paris will also implement a hefty fine to anyone who is ever caught doing this in the future.
I look forward to seeing the bridge restored and applaud the Americans who stood up for the beauty and love of Paris.
I hope Paris will also implement a hefty fine to anyone who is ever caught doing this in the future.
I look forward to seeing the bridge restored and applaud the Americans who stood up for the beauty and love of Paris.
204
I have the answer: putting virtual locks on photos of bridges on a website of the city of Paris. (Or who knows, giant virtual locks on the Eiffel Tower?)
Anyway, something harmless for tourists to show their friends.
Anyway, something harmless for tourists to show their friends.
3
Narcissistic ritual driven by the internet which encourages more and more people to treat public spaces like their living rooms which in most cases resemble playpens.
64
There are other places that do this, though not in such numbers. They are ugly blights, no different than garbage strewn everywhere.
31
Historic bridges worldwide are in no need of accessorizing. Please, enjoy the view or take a photo, but leave your locks and egos at home. The locks are damaging, ugly and diminish the experience of others.
58
@Brunella,
The words in your comment make me think of how we are supposed to behave when being in "nature" - take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Why should the standard for behavior in an urban environment be any different?
Do these lock-leavers behave with similar disregard for their surroundings when out in "nature?"
The words in your comment make me think of how we are supposed to behave when being in "nature" - take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Why should the standard for behavior in an urban environment be any different?
Do these lock-leavers behave with similar disregard for their surroundings when out in "nature?"
Beautiful public space is priceless and personal decorations and individual of taste have no business there.
This goes double for grand cities, historic sites, and great new spaces.
Want to express your personal taste? Do it where you are entitled to do it, not on public space.
This goes double for grand cities, historic sites, and great new spaces.
Want to express your personal taste? Do it where you are entitled to do it, not on public space.
40
Some thoughts...
• Sell the locks for scrap, help pay for the repairs.
• Have an artist design some sort of place to hang the locks that isn't the bridge. Periodically remove the locks, send to a Locks of love museum.
• License a "Paris bridge lock" for sale; Have the sale of the locks help upkeep the bridge.
• Sell the locks for scrap, help pay for the repairs.
• Have an artist design some sort of place to hang the locks that isn't the bridge. Periodically remove the locks, send to a Locks of love museum.
• License a "Paris bridge lock" for sale; Have the sale of the locks help upkeep the bridge.
9
"Good riddance!" says this old curmudgeon. Though I have to confess, I always admired the pragmatism of the couples who used combination locks...
28
I agree with all who think this is vandalism that should not be tolerated. But if the Paris authorities want to put a stop to it, they would do better to bar souvenir dealers from selling cheap padlocks to the tourist trade than to cover the ironwork with plexiglass, which just trades one form of defacement for another.
14
Perhaps the lock-laden bridge panels could somehow be fixed to the sides of the Montparnasse Tower, starting at the base. Lovers could then be encouraged to add more, but they would have to climb several floors on the outside of the building to fasten them on—a much more rigorous test of one's ardor. Nearby vendors could rent technical gear as well as selling locks and keys. Eventually, the weight would bring the whole thing down, of course, but it would not be seen as a problem...
15
Yes! Comment of the day.
Absolutely! That tower is a far greater aesthetic blight on the city than those silly locks.
1
The locks on the Pont des Arts is a visual manifestation of what globally connected tourism has done to cities like Paris, London, Venice and, yes, New York. But the damage to the cultures of these runs much deeper. There isn't much we can do now to save these cities that have had their cultural heritage crushed under the wheels of wheelie suitcases, battered by selfie sticks and Airbnd'd to death.
25
You must be SO fun at parties huh
3
This seems harsh. Tourism has always been part of the formula for great cities. Without ever-renewed interest in its fantastic sites and views and buildings and vistas, Paris would lose both incentive and popular support for the sponsorship of the culture that makes it Paris, the culture that we both want to promote. Tourism isn't an add-on to culture; it's part of it. And France does a really good job, on the whole, of preserving those parts. I doubt that they'd tolerate the looting of the Seagram's Building and the Four Seasons now going on in NYC, for example.
6
Ahh
The attitude of the cultured 'local', LOL!
One must presume that you don't make a living at the minimum wage level of restaurant kitchen help, hotel maids, taxi drivers, sales clerks, etc-the people who benefit from the hordes of "wheeled suitcase wielding, Air BnB livin' tourist-mongrel herds" , LOL!
The attitude of the cultured 'local', LOL!
One must presume that you don't make a living at the minimum wage level of restaurant kitchen help, hotel maids, taxi drivers, sales clerks, etc-the people who benefit from the hordes of "wheeled suitcase wielding, Air BnB livin' tourist-mongrel herds" , LOL!
1
I've seen the bridge, groaning under its weight, and the vendors only too happy to cash in by selling cheap locks, making the bridge yet more unattractive and more unsafe. I wonder how the romantics would feel if a section of the bridge fell on a passing boat? I'm glad they're removing the locks and fixing the bridge.
After all, love is a state of mind.
After all, love is a state of mind.
32
This is what happens when you don't support infrastructure, even love and romance are affected.
Surprising that some enterprising event grade artist hasn't requested all of the locks to turn into a massive sculpture.
Surprising that some enterprising event grade artist hasn't requested all of the locks to turn into a massive sculpture.
This lock business is silly. True lovers would lock themselves to the bridge and starve to death operatically. Perhaps they could sing to each other. Visitors could watch.
50
This sums up my feelings perfectly.
Funniest comment by far! "....starve to death operatically." is a hilarious phrase.
No couple with an enduring love that I know feels the need to commit vandalism in order to "announce" how fabulous their love is. Good riddance to the locks.
30
Some people just don't get it... you're one of them
This fad has extended to the tiny Mass Ave bridge that is over the turnpike. This is an is an area where there are plenty of students. How many adults who have shed their adolescent shells practice this bit of romantic declaration? Is it just an adolescent (defined loosely to the mid 20s) phenomena?
If this bridge is besieged with tons of locks the bridge will fall upon an interstate. Instead of these thousands of public "love" declarations sinking to join the swirls of the Seine or the churl of the Charles they will just land with a giant thump on the highway or worse a car. Given that one person already died when an object (ceiling panel) fell from Boston infrastructure another fatality because kids have to play copycat would be tragic to the family of the victim and shaming to the city of Boston.
Although the actual Mass Ave bridge (aka, Harvard Bridge) may already be infected with this plague of cheap declarations. Now that would sink love to the bottom of the Charles!
A few is cute. Celebrating love, or at least mutual long term lust is fun. Vicariously witnessing the declarations of eternal (or at least monthly) amor is sweet. But all puppies are cute and sweet except for the few that shed their sweetness for aggressive biting. Same with the lock. A few is cute. When a few morphs into thousands and cause destruction the cuteness has expired (just as the eternal love celebrated by each lock has probably dissipated into, "What did I ever see in him/her?")
If this bridge is besieged with tons of locks the bridge will fall upon an interstate. Instead of these thousands of public "love" declarations sinking to join the swirls of the Seine or the churl of the Charles they will just land with a giant thump on the highway or worse a car. Given that one person already died when an object (ceiling panel) fell from Boston infrastructure another fatality because kids have to play copycat would be tragic to the family of the victim and shaming to the city of Boston.
Although the actual Mass Ave bridge (aka, Harvard Bridge) may already be infected with this plague of cheap declarations. Now that would sink love to the bottom of the Charles!
A few is cute. Celebrating love, or at least mutual long term lust is fun. Vicariously witnessing the declarations of eternal (or at least monthly) amor is sweet. But all puppies are cute and sweet except for the few that shed their sweetness for aggressive biting. Same with the lock. A few is cute. When a few morphs into thousands and cause destruction the cuteness has expired (just as the eternal love celebrated by each lock has probably dissipated into, "What did I ever see in him/her?")
5
PONT DES ARTS
On the Pont des Arts
hundreds of couples
so many to count
secure their love
padlocks of all sizes
tagged with their names
fastened to the curlicues
and filigrees along the guardrails
Réné et Jeanne
Carlos y Morita
Wystan and Rick
Yannick et Monique
keys cast into the river
love never undone until a city crew
work orders in hand
arrives with bolt cutters
to snip each lock open
déchets to be recycled
the paint will dry
another season's young and ardent
will testify how they're attached
with new padlocks
keys to be cast into the river
vowing never to be separated
no matter what
On the Pont des Arts
hundreds of couples
so many to count
secure their love
padlocks of all sizes
tagged with their names
fastened to the curlicues
and filigrees along the guardrails
Réné et Jeanne
Carlos y Morita
Wystan and Rick
Yannick et Monique
keys cast into the river
love never undone until a city crew
work orders in hand
arrives with bolt cutters
to snip each lock open
déchets to be recycled
the paint will dry
another season's young and ardent
will testify how they're attached
with new padlocks
keys to be cast into the river
vowing never to be separated
no matter what
2
Bravo! I went to Paris for the first time a couple of years ago and had heard of this bridge. We happened upon it and thought it was ugly and of course, a little unoriginal. Happy to see this blight over the Seine is gone.
34
I remember walking across the bridge and seeing the tens of thousands of locks. At first, it seemed charming, but then there were street vendors selling locks. The original charm of what the locks meant had turned into a tourist attraction with no thought behind the act.
Glad to see them come down since they don't mean what they originally did.
Glad to see them come down since they don't mean what they originally did.
16
"Bruno Julliard, the deputy mayor in charge of culture, who supervised the removal of the locks, tried to be sensitive to the feelings of those who had placed them there." Good God, man, have some perspective. It's ugly and it's vandalism through and through.
32
So glad they're gone! I saw them in February and they looked awful; basically, no different from graffiti. What a stupid "trend."
82
45 tons? That's 90,000 pounds of weight this 1800's bridge is supporting 24/7 that it surely wasn't designed for. Some "traditions" are just silly. The city officials should take them down, melt them down, replace the grillwork, and then forbid the sale of such cheap locks within a two block radius of the bridge - and then use bolt cutters on any which appear, preferably within 24 hours. They're like cockroaches, you need to stamp them out right away or they multiply.
82
I don't have a problem with putting a stop to the practice as it exists, but isn't there some way to allow people to express their sentiments in a public way that could replace this practice? Seems like the authorities just need to get a bit creative and find a way to split the difference --protect the bridge AND allow a sweet tradition to carry on. I can't imagine this is bad for tourism. Just channel the energy a new way.
"isn't there some way to allow people to express their sentiments in a public way"
I believe it's called marriage.
I believe it's called marriage.
46
Why would it be the job of the authorities to provide a way to allow this tradition to carry on? I'm pretty sure city officials and workers have better things to do. Tourists and lovers could, perhaps, continue to proclaim their devotion in ways they always have: poetry, or song. Or wear rings, or get tattoos. This is akin to carving your initials into a tree - it harms the tree, and ultimately, means nothing.
26
I'm not suggesting that they have an obligation to do so. But so many of these comments seem to reflect an either/or mentality. As is generally true in life, there's a lot of space in between that. Looking at things in such an oppositional way is a choice --and one that generally leaves the best solutions undiscovered.
I wonder how many of those romantics who placed locks on the bridge are still together? I agree with the city officials to remove the locks.
15
So, you're in love....for now, that is, and like all the narcissistic selfies and Facebook sharings of what you had for dinner and where you are going on vacation, who really cares besides yourself and maybe one other needy person? All of the self promotion and excessive need for attention these days has become beyond ridiculous. I, for one, am pleased to see the end to what is vandalism by narcissistic fools, of which there are far too many in this day of cell phones, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc., etc., etc. Good for the City of Paris for doing what is sensible in a era sorely lacking in common sense and restraint !
61
Started only 5 years ago - are you sure? I haven't been to Paris for 10 years, but i definitely remember locks on the bridge. But I must say, nothing like the photos - a whole lot fewer - seems to have gotten out of hand. I can easily understand how that can be a structural threat.
2
So happy that this touristic nightmare is ending...these idiotic locks have totally wrecked the gorgeous, historic bridges that were iconic in Paris...the bridge near my yearly apt. there was clogged with idiots all buying overpriced, inscribed locks and contibuting to the breakdown of the infrastructure...the ditzes who think that this has anything to do with Paris are a joke-the mother and daughter from Atlanta who say it's part of the romance of Paris have been watching too many Nicholas Sparks movies. I couldn't applaud Paris more for taking this step. Now if someone in my hometown of NYC could address the jerks affixing locks to the Brooklyn Bridge....
93
Unfortunately, as mass tourism has taken off one sees more and more of this type of behavior and more and more tourists like the lock leavers and the mother and daughter from Atlanta (sorry. don't knpw what Nicholas Sparks movies are, but assume they appeal to sufferers of chonric diarrhea of the emotions).
1
Oh and one more thing! Sorry, I'm just loving this story too much. If the superstition around these locks was correct, then the tens of thousands of couples who attached locks to this bridge should all be experiencing caustic breakups right now, at the very moment their lock is walked off the bridge or possibly melted down for scrap.
If they're not all breaking up at this time, then it was always a meaningless charade. Somehow I'm betting the superstition was wrong, but then I do walk under ladders at every opportunity.
If they're not all breaking up at this time, then it was always a meaningless charade. Somehow I'm betting the superstition was wrong, but then I do walk under ladders at every opportunity.
7
Furthermore, I think replacing the chain-link with plexiglass panels is a bit lacking in aesthetics. What they should really do, in the spirit of romanticism, is have the bridge have no railing at all, so that lovers experiencing jealous tiffs could hurl eachother into the Seine, and so star-crossed lovers from families riven by ancient feuds could dramatically leap into the river together, and so narcissistic idiots taking selfies could hilariously step back off the bridge for a quick dunking. Can't see a down side to it really.
33
Cue the snarky, never-been-in-love, curmudgeon (hmmm... maybe there's a redundancy there) crowd that's probably not ever to Paris or begins to understand why something like this, and why there.
For those who think it's vandalism, know that it was encouraged by the authorities.
For those who think it's vandalism, know that it was encouraged by the authorities.
You're kidding, right? I spend alot of time in Paris, and find your touristic comments about these locks laughable. Locals don't affix these eyesores-self absorbed, clueless tourists do. How is this about Paris and love? Please. it's vandalism, and I'm thrilled it's being removed.
31
Mr./Ms. whatever, I'm a snarky, head-over-heels-in-love curmudgeon who has been to Paris many times with the one I love-- as I'm sure you have too, of course. I'm not sure what "authorities" you're talking about, but at some point the proper authorities thankfully realized they had made a huge mistake.
1
I've been in love, been to Paris (several times) and been in love in Paris (with the same man, also several time). And during exactly NONE of those times did I need a tacky, $20 lock to clip to a beautiful bridge to prove it to myself, my lover or the world at large. There is only one thing to understand about this: the people who do it are egotistic, trashy and have no appreciation for anything but their own experience. I am delighted these locks are coming down. And, if there was a volunteer service vacation to take to Paris whereby you could walk around the city with bolt cutters and cut off all the other tacky, trashy locks, my love and I would sign up.
1
I have a problem with people who believe that this copycat mutilation of a historic bridge in Paris is anything other than narcissistic. That so many felt compelled to follow the leader in such a public way is disturbing. Why can't you enjoy your love in Paris the way millions have for what seems like millions of years; by simply walking together, side by side, over the Seine -- and not pausing to snap a cheap lock on the bridge?
80
"Some are likely to be melted down, meeting the same fate as the love of some who attached them to the bridge..." Ha! I didn't even know this was a thing until I read about it in The New Yorker (Adam Gopnik "The View from a Bridge"). Sensitivity my foot! Get those locks off the bridge right this minute. This very second. Pronto.
30
I agree with the city officials, remove the locks and melt them down. Tourists shouldn't come to your city, lock pieces of trash on to your bridges and building, and think it is okay. So very disrespectful, no better than dropping your fast-food trash on the street. I would go forward with fining or arresting people. Use the money to hire people to cut off the locks daily.
67
I have seen this bridge in Paris a year and a half ago. I have also seen copycat bridges in other European cities.
As an artist/designer and the daughter of an architect, IMHO it's basically just vandalism of public property. The concept may be "romantic," but in actuality it's nothing more than an enormous amount of ugly hardware on (in some cases decorative) metal railing. It's selfish, narcissistic, and the bridges were not engineered for that weight.
Why are some humans in such narcissistic desperate need of immortality that they need to deface public property, other people's private property, and nature (carving one's name in trees and boulders)?
As an artist/designer and the daughter of an architect, IMHO it's basically just vandalism of public property. The concept may be "romantic," but in actuality it's nothing more than an enormous amount of ugly hardware on (in some cases decorative) metal railing. It's selfish, narcissistic, and the bridges were not engineered for that weight.
Why are some humans in such narcissistic desperate need of immortality that they need to deface public property, other people's private property, and nature (carving one's name in trees and boulders)?
289
These locks epitomize the worst tendencies of tourists. The narcissistic tourists, selfie stick aimed squarely back upon themselves, cannot be contented to quietly visit, experience and observe. Instead they behave as a parasite that can only sustain itself through scarring its host.
David Foster Wallace commented: "To be a mass tourist…is to spoil, by way of sheer ontology, the very unspoiledness you are there to experience, it is to impose yourself on places that in all non-economic ways would be better, realer, without you."
David Foster Wallace commented: "To be a mass tourist…is to spoil, by way of sheer ontology, the very unspoiledness you are there to experience, it is to impose yourself on places that in all non-economic ways would be better, realer, without you."
106
Good, it was a stupid and polluting superstitious practice. It's a bridge, meant to cross over a river, it's not a connection between individuals. If peoples' love is so weak that it needs a demonstration of attaching a padlock to some fence somewhere to indicate that the lovers are chained together by reinforced steel (or possibly a titanium-aluminum alloy which is stronger and doesn't rust), then they shouldn't consider their love that eternal. Either people really love eachother or they don't, vandalizing bridges isn't going to make a difference.
23
Given the current popularity of nose piercings, would it not be better for everyone involved if these hopelessly romantic couples hung locally-purchased padlocks from their columellas?
42
Leave it to the French to be so unromantic.
Since when is vandalism romantic?
73
Because destroying beautiful old bridges in the name of narcissism when you are a guest in someone else's country is somehow 'romantic'?
99
Since when is romance vandalism?
7
IIRC this began in Italy, and not all that many years ago - 2005? I saw similar lockpiles on the Great Wall in China in 2007, on a bridge near the Kremlin in 2008. I paired up photographs of the two scenes, framed them on a wall at home, but then came to realize it had become nearer graffiti than enduring signs of love.
17
"custom-made plexiglass"
If it's the same as the plexi-glass which has already been on the bridge, it may be custom-made, but it scratches, is not completely transparent, and looks horrible. The locks looked much better.
The problem wasn't so much the locks but that there wasn't any thought on how to be able to remove them on a periodic basis. What one needs is panels of grill that, with the appropriate tools, snap in and snap out. The locks get put on; the grill fills up; the grill is removed; a new grill is put on. This process could probably be done so that it doesn't cost too much money, since you could then sell the grills with the locks on them as souvenirs of Paris. (They would be heavy souvenirs, but surely someone would want them.)
If it's the same as the plexi-glass which has already been on the bridge, it may be custom-made, but it scratches, is not completely transparent, and looks horrible. The locks looked much better.
The problem wasn't so much the locks but that there wasn't any thought on how to be able to remove them on a periodic basis. What one needs is panels of grill that, with the appropriate tools, snap in and snap out. The locks get put on; the grill fills up; the grill is removed; a new grill is put on. This process could probably be done so that it doesn't cost too much money, since you could then sell the grills with the locks on them as souvenirs of Paris. (They would be heavy souvenirs, but surely someone would want them.)
22
As a former structural engineer, I think it's important to mention that the added load of the locks is quite significant. Even if it is periodically reduced, having excess weight on the bridge continuously will reduce its lifespan. I'm not OK with tourists contributing to the destruction of a historic structure for fun.
10
I agree wholeheartedly (no pun intended) with your comment. I work for a municipal government, and this smacks of the kind of solution that I refer to as "blowing up the whale": it is the obvious, expedient, less than optimal decision to a seemingly intractable problem. (See http://bit.ly/1LYIy58) Here is what Paris should do, avec tout le respect que je vous dois. Paris should create an online registry. Each panel should be numbered, un à x. When I visit le Pont des Artes avec l'objet de mon couer, I go to the registry, enter the number of the panel and the date that we placed our lock. Eventually the Paris department of pubic works, romantics all, send me an email telling me that the section of railing with my ironclad testament of love is about to be unceremoniously removed and scrapped--unless of course I'd like to bid on it to have it shipped to me so that I can keep it is an immutable testament to the love that had been pledged, etc. One among the many who placed a lock in that section will be fool enough to pay an exorbitant price for the section, the Paris department of public works will be more than compensated for the cost of installing and removing the sections, and the tourists will continue to flock to Paris for many generations to come to pledge their everlasting love and boost the local economy. Everyone lives happily ever after. That is the non-combustible solution to the intractable problem, sans plexiglas.
That doesn't address the problem the weight of the locks creates for the structural integrity of the bridge.
I'll never forget the night what's-her-name and I put our lock on that bridge! Was it really only four years ago this month?
65
A suggestion: Have one panel where people can affix the lock and take a great picture, and then throw one of two keys away and use the other to remove the lock and take it with them. Otherwise, they are just defacing public property. Sorry.
35
Here's an idea. Just take the picture, holding the lock, leave the bridge alone.
Why so many apologies. This was never anything more than vandalism.
178
I agree. Why so many feel so entitled I cannot understand.
13
L'amour véritable EST le vandalisme...it was never anything more, my dear.
3
And the guy from Washington who said it was no different from carving your name on a tree,!,,
That also is sheer vandalism. What.s wrong with these people.
That also is sheer vandalism. What.s wrong with these people.
16
The City of Paris should rent locks....give people a biodegradable key to throw off the bridge...let people take their selfie....and then use the master key to remove the locks each night.
16
Good idea, and a source of revenue to maintain the bridge...
7
I have a better idea. Give your sweetie a bouquet of flowers.
20
Oh, so the tax euros should be spent on city employees undoing the selfish vandalism done by stupid, naive tourists?
6
They should create a public space or public art project nearby for couples to use instead of the bridge.
4
Why "should" they do that, Ron?
Aren't there already enough ways for people in committed relationships to express and show that to the rest of the world?
Engagement rings, wedding rings, wedding and engagement announcements in the media, photos on your desk at work, etc, etc, etc. We get it -- you're in a relationship! Congrats, now leave the bridges alone.
Aren't there already enough ways for people in committed relationships to express and show that to the rest of the world?
Engagement rings, wedding rings, wedding and engagement announcements in the media, photos on your desk at work, etc, etc, etc. We get it -- you're in a relationship! Congrats, now leave the bridges alone.
131
what better example of this self-centered age we live in.
108
Perhaps not a better example, but at least one that's equally illustrative: the number of itinerant African merchants along the Seine selling "selfie sticks."
4
You see them attached to sculptural and intricate decorative elements of bridges and other works of engineering and architecture. Couples wishing to memorialize and celebrate their love already have tens of thousands of selfie opportunities in Paris. That should be enough. If not, when back at home, use a popular photo manipulating software program and "shop" in your personal lock wherever you'd like it to be. That'll be a memory made, too. And it will also be based on having been together in Paris, Rome, Berlin... wherever.
10
'...Anthony Boccanfuso, 52...“It’s like carving your names on a tree...”...'
Which can kill the tree.
But who cares about that, as long as you get to do whatever you want, right?
Which can kill the tree.
But who cares about that, as long as you get to do whatever you want, right?
197
Actually, carving one's name into a tree cannot kill it. It's certainly not good for the tree, but it won't die from it.
3
YES. I like the idea from another commenter of planting a small tree to symbolize love and commitment. As long as no one carves their initials in it later.
1
Get a few thousand of your friends to carve their initials on the same tree and I'm pretty sure the tree will die.
3
Tourists deface Manhattan bridges in the same manner, as if only their feelings matter, and they owe no consideration or respect to the country they are visiting.
Narcissism run rampant.
Narcissism run rampant.
156
You really think it's primarily tourists who deface Manhattan bridges? Most graffiti and such vandalism in NYC is conducted by members of gangs and gang member wannabes who tag sites the same way that dogs urinate to mark territory.
About the worst thing that most tourists do aside from eating in bad chain restaurants and somehow thinking it's special to buy products from the Hershey's chocolate store is to spread across the sidewalk and walk too slowly.
About the worst thing that most tourists do aside from eating in bad chain restaurants and somehow thinking it's special to buy products from the Hershey's chocolate store is to spread across the sidewalk and walk too slowly.
18
WOW... comparing gangs tagging members to dogs urination is highly questionable
ZoetMB: Best not to encourage us NYers to complain about how tourists walk (if one can even call it that), but the fact that gangs graffiti all over NYC does not change the fact that it is mostly tourists who put locks on our bridges.
Fortunately, it appears that the locks are removed every night and our beautiful bridges are not being destroyed by anything other than the forces of nature combined with political inertia and cowardice, neither of which are in short supply.
Fortunately, it appears that the locks are removed every night and our beautiful bridges are not being destroyed by anything other than the forces of nature combined with political inertia and cowardice, neither of which are in short supply.
5
Surely there's a solution to this.
At first i thought they might try recycling them off the bridge. Then, the article mentioned that they've tried that and failed. There's simply too many of them.
So, here's another suggestion.
How about they build something specifically for this purpose somewhere else, perhaps.
Something like a steel art piece or some sort of interesting structure that can hold, say, up to a couple of million!
They built the Eiffel Tower, surely somebody can come up with something interesting for this purpose.
I can see, perhaps, a small village somewhere building something, if the good folks in Paris feel they've had about enough of these love-sick birds in their town!?
At first i thought they might try recycling them off the bridge. Then, the article mentioned that they've tried that and failed. There's simply too many of them.
So, here's another suggestion.
How about they build something specifically for this purpose somewhere else, perhaps.
Something like a steel art piece or some sort of interesting structure that can hold, say, up to a couple of million!
They built the Eiffel Tower, surely somebody can come up with something interesting for this purpose.
I can see, perhaps, a small village somewhere building something, if the good folks in Paris feel they've had about enough of these love-sick birds in their town!?
9
Uh oh, I'm afraid you may have unwittingly planted the seed for locks on the Eiffel Tower.
12
Putting locks on bridges is egotistical littering. How many couples took them off once the romance ended? Glad they are coming down. The Pont des Arts is glorious, and better without this silly gesture.
343
The reason seems to be to say "I did that". I love my wife, do I need to affix some lock? We have way to much psycho drama about things that are not "that much". :)
6
I agree, it is just egotistical littering. I'd hate to have been on one of the Bateaux Mouche if the bridge had given way under the weight of all those locks. Leave the bridge alone!
8
Whose romance ended? Love in Paris is forever, even if the locks are not.
2