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- How The Pont des Arts Became The Love Lock Bridge Of Paris
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The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the River Seine, in the beautiful historic center of Paris and has been made famous around the world for its impressive collection of love locks (becoming known as the Love Lock Bridge in English) The Love Lock Bridge is nestled between the Louvre Palace and the eye-catching Institut de France, and is 155 meters long and 10 meters wide. It is internationally famous and one of the most romantic bridges in the world. Without a doubt, it is an unmissable part of any itinerary while in Paris.
Traveling in France can be expensive, but at least visiting the Pont des Arts or Love Lock Bridge is one of the attractions in Paris one can enjoy for free. Paris is a magical city and one that's an unforgettable place to bring one's valentine. Be sure to allocate enough time (at least 3 days) to Paris to soak in its romantic atmosphere.
UPDATE: 2023/05/27 14:09 EST BY AARON SPRAY
How The Pont des Arts Became The Love Lock Bridge Of Paris
It has only been in recent times that Paris' Pont des Arts became the Love Lock Bridge of Paris. This article was updated with more information about the origin of the trend of putting love locks on the bridge and how it quickly became the Love Lock Bridge of Paris. It was also updated with more information on why the authorities were forced to remove them.
History Of Pont Des Arts Or Love Lock Bridge Of Paris
The Pont des Arts links the Institut de France with the central square of the Palais du Louvre. It traces its history back to the Napoleonic times when between 1802 and 1804 a nine-arch metallic pedestrian bridge was constructed. That bridge was also the first metallic bridge in Paris.
- First Built: Between 1802 and 1804
Its association with romance goes all the way back to its origin. Originally it was conceived by its engineers that the bridge would resemble a suspended garden. The bridge would be complete with banks of flowers, benches, and even trees.
When it was built, there was a passage fare across the bridge that cost one sou.
- Damaged: The Original Bridge Was Damaged By War And Boat Collisions
- Collapsed: The Ordinal Bridge Partly Collapsed In 1979
It sustained damage from bombardments from World War I and World War II as well as boat collisions. Since 1975, the Pont des Arts has been listed as a national historic monument. In 1979 a large section of the bridge collapsed following a collision with a barge.
The Current Pont des Arts Bridge / Love Lock Bridge Of Paris
The current Pont des Arts was built between 1981 and 1984. It was built in a way so that the look of the old bridge could be preserved.
- Inaugurated: In 1984
Since then the Pont des Arts has been a favorite for photographers and artists. They have been inspired by the magnificent views along the river. It is also a popular spot for Parisians to come for a picnic.
And of course, it has become a magnet for lovers and romantics from the world over.
The Love Locks Of Pont Des Arts Or Love Lock Bridge
Couples and lovers from across the world soon came to the bridge to attach their love locks. It became a much-loved tradition and one that soon spread around the world. Lovers came with padlocks with their names engraved on them and attached them to the bridge (or other locks as space soon ran out). They would then throw the key into the river as a sign of their unbreakable devotion to each other.
- Keys: The Keys To The Locks Were Tossed Into The River
- Origin: The Tradition Originate Perhaps In Hungary Or Germany
The bridge has served as a place for art exhibitions and since 1991 has been part of the UNESCO-listed Parisian riverfront. It is also a "studio en plein air" for painters, artists, and photographers.
The tradition of love locks didn't actually originate on the Pont des Arts - or even in France. According to Cometoparis.com, some say it originated in Hungary (or even Cologne in Germany).
How Putting Love Locks On The Love Lock Bridge Started
It may be surprising to many people, but the tradition of putting love locks on the Pont des Arts is not a tradition at all - and until recently, authorities were still wondering if it was just a passing fad. No one really knows how it started on the Pont des Arts, but the trend arrived in the city in 2008 on the Pont des Arts. Some think it was associated with the Italian film called Ho Voglia di Te (or "I Want You" in English).
It didn't take long for the trend to catch on and by 2015 there were an estimated 700,000 padlocks on the bridge and the bridge was becoming known as the Love Lock Bridge in English.
While it may be romantic to visitors, for the authorities trying to protect the heritage sites of Paris, it was a nightmare. The weight was equal to around 20 elephants standing on the bridge - not something the engineers thought about when designing the bridge. Imagine asking the engineers if they had taken into account 1 million padlocks the weight of a herd of elephants when designing the bridge.
End Of The Tradition Of Love Locks On Paris' Love Lock Bridge
Unfortunately, the bridge was not designed for such large masses of padlocks. While an individual lock is negligible, the bridge was soon laden with over a million locks.
- Number Of Locks: Over A Million
- Weight: Around 45 Tonnes
In 2015 the city felt compelled to step in and started removing the locks in order to relieve the bridge of the crushing weight of all those love locks. In 2015 a part of the bridge collapsed under the weight and the authorities were forced to act.
- Forbidden: It Is Forbidden To Put Love Locks On The Pont des Arts
Today it is forbidden to put love locks on the Pont des Arts. Even so, the bridge remains one of the most romantic attractions in Paris and a great place for a picnic.
On February 2022 it was announced the bridge would undergo renovations since it had holes and broken and moving boards, which made it risky for pedestrians to walk on. There are also plenty of places in Paris where people continue to leave their love locks. The love locks removed from Pont des Arts are today under the custodian of French artist Cyprien Gaillard. They fill ten industrial sacks and form part of his quirky art exhibitions and installations.
There is much more than Love Locks that make Paris romantic. One of the most romantic things about Paris is its lovable architecture.