MY TRIP TO PARIS: THE UNUSUAL LOVE LOCKS BRIDGE

The Love Locks bridge is one of the places you don’t hear about a lot when the subject of Paris comes up. However, it was one of my favorite places I discovered on my first trip to France. I got to go to Paris because my mom and our friend, Becca, had to go for a work fashion show. And, it just so happens that Becca’s daughter, Remy, is my age and one of my best and oldest friends, so we both got to go to Paris with them and our fathers!

*With my good friend, Remy, on the Pont Des Art bridge, Paris*

The real name of the Love Locks bridge is Pont des Arts. The interesting thing about this bridge is that couples and families place locks on the bridge with their names written on the locks with a sharpie. Sometimes, there will be quick sketches on the locks, too. And, every now and then you will see a custom designed lock that is engraved (like the brass heart above). Lots of couples on their honeymoon bring the engraved locks.

*It’s fun to read the messages on the colorful locks*

The locks come in all kinds of colors, shapes, and styles. It was interesting to walk by the locks and imagine all the stories of the people who left them. The locks represent their love for each other and their special relationship.

*Taking photos with my Lomograph camera*

The really fun part is that once you’ve locked your love lock to the bridge, you take your key and throw it into the Seine river! You can even make a wish if you’d like. Once your key sinks to the bottom, it means no one can break your love or friendship. My family and I put a lock on the bridge, too, and one day we will go back to see it.

MORE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE LOVE LOCKS BRIDGE IN PARIS:

1. One night, city officials cut off all the locks. But the next day, the citizens of Paris put more locks on and even started another Love Locks bridge!

2. There are other bridges like this around the world.

3. The original Pont Des Arts Bridge was built between 1802 and 1804, under the reign of Napoleon (Want to know more about Napoleon? Just click on his name to read more about him). Later, in 1979, the bridge collapsed because of damage from boats, World War 1, and World War 2. The bridge that now stands in Paris is a rebuilt replica of the original bridge.

Watch this SHORT FILM by Islands & Rivers to see what the Love Locks looked like on a 2000 year old bridge in Italy.

Have you seen love locks on a bridge? Or do you have a question about Paris? If so, share your experience or ask a question in the comments section below.