Love Lock Bridge And well-known bridges
Lock Bridge, You probably already know the Pont des Arts in Paris as the “love lock bridge,” which got its name from the custom of lovers engraving their names on locks, fastening them to the bridge, and tossing the keys into the Seine.
Although Pont des Arts is unquestionably the most well-known love-lock bridge, did you know that the custom didn’t begin in Paris or even France? Where did the custom of placing a love lock originate, and is it still possible to do so on Paris’ Pont des Arts?
Right now, adding locks to the bridge is prohibited. In light of this, we advise against doing it yourself. When visiting an iconic location like Pont des Arts, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the history behind regional customs.
Learn more about the history of the love lock bridge custom and other well-known Parisian bridges by reading on. Check out our Paris in a Day tour if you want to explore the city’s top attractions with a knowledgeable guide who is passionate about the area’s culture and history.
Where Did The Custom Of Crossing The Love Lock Bridge Originate?
I want you is the title of a 2006 Italian movie that premiered in theaters. When I first saw it in 2015, I recall being especially moved by a scene in which two lovers sign their names on a lock and fasten it to Rome’s Ponte Milvo bridge before tossing the key into the river.
This is corny—they copied this from the Pont des Arts in Paris, I remember thinking, but as it turns out, the custom of placing love locks on bridges originated with this film. Even the love-lock custom on Ponte Milvo in Rome was influenced by it, though it didn’t catch on as well there.
The fact that Ponte Milvio is not exactly in the city’s center may be to blame for this. I therefore assume that the main reason it didn’t take off was that it wasn’t particularly convenient for guests.
Given Pont des Arts’ central location, it’s likely that the custom spread to Paris. It is incredibly convenient for lovers of all ages to visit on their trip to Paris because it is so close to the Louvre.
The Pont des Arts in Paris still allows the placing of love locks.
Although lovers are known for attaching locks to the Pont des Arts, doing so is forbidden today. Together, the locks put the bridge’s structural integrity at risk, endangering both it and anyone who crosses it.
Not only is it prohibited, but Parisians who care deeply about the art and architecture of their city dislike the practice. So while you can admire the Pont des Arts, it would be best to refrain from placing your own love lock on it.
See our Paris in a Day tour, which includes a stroll over this well-known landmark, if you’re visiting Paris and want to experience the love lock bridge from a local’s perspective.
Visit These Five Famous Bridges in Paris.
Bridges spanning the Seine River weren’t always present in the city of Paris. It didn’t occur until A. D. In response to the Viking sack of Paris in A.D. 864, the Edict of Pistres ordered the construction of bridges over the Seine. D. 845.
During the Siege of Paris in A., it worked as a strategy. D. Viking ships were unable to cross the Seine beyond the bridges in 885. Since then, numerous bridges have been constructed, some even by “private investors,” with the intention of making money by charging users to cross them.
Within the boundaries of Paris, there are currently 37 bridges spanning the Seine River. The only pedestrian bridges among these are five. Here are a few of Paris’ most recognizable bridges.
Pont Des Arts, also known as the Parisian Love Lock Bridge.
The Institut de France is linked to the Louvre by the Pont des Arts. When Napoleon was in power, the bridge was first built in 1804. On the other hand, it was subjected to two aerial bombardments during World Wars I and II. Furthermore, passing boats have abused it. Before it collapsed in 1979 due to a ship ramming into it, there had been numerous boat collisions.
Along with the rest of Paris’ Seine Riverfront, the current bridge, which was constructed in 1984, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picnics and outdoor art studios are popular activities at the Pont des Arts. The bridge is a well-liked location for photographers due to its location alongside the Seine River and close proximity to the Louvre.
Most people know the Pont des Arts as the “love lock bridge” of Paris, where people attach unique padlocks to its railing and toss the keys into the Seine. Even though the Parisian government removed a large number of the locks in 2015, over a million more (or roughly 45 tons) have been added to the bridge since then.
Pont Neuf
Paris’s oldest still-standing Seine River bridge is called the Pont Neuf. It is situated on the westernmost tip of the Seine River’s Île de la Cité, one of Paris’ two natural islands.
This “new bridge” was built to Henry IV’s satisfaction and opened for use in 1607. The stone masks that line the side of the bridge, the macarons, and the bronze statue of Henry IV on horseback at the Île de la Cité crossing are just a few of the sculptures that visitors to Pont Neuf will enjoy.
For a number of reasons, the bridge ought to be the most well-known bridge. In the beginning, the equestrian statue—a statue of Henry IV riding a horse—was a huge deal. Getting an equestrian statue in your city helped you become somewhat famous, despite the fact that this may sound ridiculous today.
Additionally, this bridge had a raised sidewalk, which was an entirely novel design element for Western civilization. Roads in rainy Paris were previously level from side to side, frequently dirty, and muddy. This bridge provided elevated paved sidewalks, which encouraged people to brag outside.
The fashionable nobility of Paris started walking across Pont Neuf instead of using their horses and carriages. So why isn’t Ponte Neuf Paris’ most famous bridge? In the end, love triumphs and Pont des Arts has made a stronger impact on popular culture. It is part of the reason why fashion became part of the fabric of Paris—pun intended.
FAQs: Visiting the Love Lock Bridge in Paris and other well-known bridges
Where is the bridge with love locks?
Pont des Arts is most famous for being the love lock bridge in Paris, where visitors attach personalized padlocks to its railing and throw the keys away in the Seine River.
What is a love lock bridge?
The ‘lock bridge’ is a sort of tradition or ritual that is practiced on the bridges of the Seine River in Paris. Couples inscribe their names on padlocks, lock it on the bridge and throw the keys into the river. The ritual symbolizes love locked forever.
Does the Love Lock Bridge still exist?
But when Paris’ Love Lock Bridge ended up succumbing to love of so many visitors, the love locks were removed and the bridge was restored to its original state. Love locks or not, the iconic Pont des Arts is still a must-see and one of the most romantic places to visit in Paris at night.