Paris loses its famous ‘Love Locks’ from bridge

It’s official…

The city of Paris has commenced the removal of ‘love locks’ from the Pont des Arts.

The locks that line the sides of the famous bridge are being removed due to a potential bridge collapse as a result of their accumulative weight.

After a section of the bridge’s railings collapsed last year, safety concerns had grown to the point that action needed to be taken.

It is estimated that Parisian council workers will remove close to one million locks, weighing forty-five tonnes in a matter of days.

In what has become a symbolic sign of love for many tourists visiting the French capital, couples would tie a lock to the bridge’s railing and then toss the key into the River Seine.

The edges of the bridge will be replaced with padlock-proof barriers.

Locks will also be removed from the Pont de l’Archeveche, near the Notre Dame cathedral.

Deputy Mayor of Paris, Bruno Julliard said “Paris will stay the city of love…it’s possible without the love locks”. Whether that’s the case or not, time will tell.