When were in Paris last month – I really love saying that – we saw many iconic locations.
We rode to the top of the Tour Eiffel and admired the Arc de Triomphe. We walked along the Champs Elysees and toured Notre Dame
One of the more unusual sights we enjoyed seeing was the so-called “Love Locks” of Paris.
The Love Locks are placed along many of the bridges in the city. The idea is that young lovers buy a padlock, write their name on it, lock it to part of a chain-link fence and throw the key into the river below. The act symbolizes the eternal nature of their love.
We saw many of the locks along the Pont des Arts (the Bridge of the Arts). We saw the locks as we crossed the bridge, heading from our hotel to spend much of one day at the Musee’ d’Orsay and we were struck by the sheer volume of the shiny adornments.
We also saw a few at the top of the Eiffel Tower like this one from Deb and Dom!
Still, Pont des Arts, which crosses over the Seine River and provides a great view of the city, was the location for the largest display of love.
But as you know, at times, love can weigh you down. And so it was yesterday when a panel of the chain link fence collapsed. Just as there was one straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back, so it was with locks and the bridge. Two thousand locks and you’re okay; 2001 and it all comes crashing down.
No one was hurt by the incident and, in short order, Parisians replaced the fallen fence with a wooden panel. But, local government officials are seeking a way to put a stop to this time-honored practice.
Paris may be the City of Love but, in this case, Love Hurts.
It’s unclear what city officials may ultimately choose to do. It seems there is a delicate balance between protecting order and civil property and catering to the scores of tourists – many of whom are young couples in love – who come to the city.
For certain, it’s a conundrum. But, in the meantime, I have an idea than a number of young couples are heading to the local hardware store, picking out the perfect lock and heading to the bridge as soon as they can.
For the young and old alike, you see, love can’t be denied.
JG
Originally posted 6/10/2014
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