Weight of love: Pont des Arts, Paris’ love lock bridge that collapsed

Did you ever catch yourself day-dreaming about Paris, and wondered why the city was also called the City of Love? Several sources give credit to the romantic atmosphere. But what makes a place romantic? People in love, possibly carrying a padlock or two. We will come to that.

Nothing in the history of love stories in Paris says that the Love Lock Bridge has nothing to do with the romantic atmosphere that the city is so well known for.


The Pont des Arts, also lovingly called Love Lock Bridge, is a pedestrian bridge located in Paris, over the iconic River Seine. The bridge connects the Institut de France with the central square of the Louvre Palace. Needless to say, the bridge is an important thoroughfare.



So, when a section of the bridge's fencing came crashing down, the city realised the weight of love. You see, Pont des Arts was called Love Lock Bridge for a reason. There was a long-standing tradition of lovers visiting the bridge and placing a padlock on the fencing. People took this as a sweet gesture of locking their love for one another. Cute.

But, as we like to say, all good things must come to an end, this too came to an end. Back in 2015, the weight of thousands of metal locks took a toll on the iconic bridge. Thus came down a section of the bridge with all those padlocks, still…locked.



In case you were wondering what happened to the keys, River Seine has them all.


A compromised bridge and, an important one at that, is never good news. A collapsed section could also mean further weakening of the structure. So, keeping the danger in mind, the city's authorities decided to bring this tradition to an end. Thus began the tedious process of unlocking the padlocks.


To many lovers' dismay, since the unfortunate collapse, glass panels have now replaced the fence. Now, you may bring your loved one to gaze at the scene in front of you through the glass panel. The scenic view of the city and River Seine never disappoints. Needless to say, the Pont des Arts remains one of the most popular sites in Paris.


Also read: An evening in Paris!

It is illegal to put up padlocks on the bridge but that hasn't stopped anyone. Maybe, love outweighs caution?


If you want to know if there is anything like too much love, ask the Pont des Arts bridge.

1. Can we still put locks on Pont des Arts bridge in Paris?
   Putting locks is illegal nowadays. It used to be a common practice a few years back.
2. When did the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris collapse?
   A section of Pont des Arts bridge in Paris collapsed in 2015.
3. Why did the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris collapse?
   The Pont des Arts bridge in Paris collapse due to the excess weight of all the metal padlocks that were placed on the metal railing.