The Pont des Arts bridge is being turned into glass panels — Paris says no to love locks

▲ The management authority has installed two non-lockable glass panels on the Pont des Arts in Paris. (Photo / Screenshot from YouTube)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Visiting the Pont des Arts in Paris to experience the charm of love locks is arguably one of the most romantic things to do, but in a few months, you might not see a single lock left. AccordingThe New York Times, the bridge management authority announced a trial removal of the locks last Friday, and immediately replaced the original iron grilles on the Pont des Arts with two glass panels that cannot hold locks, which will be followed by the replacement of more than 100 others.

The office of the Mayor of Paris launched an initiative this summer encouraging people to use social media instead of attaching locks, promoting the hashtag “#lovewithoutlocks” as an alternative to the traditional lock tradition. Tourists are encouraged to take selfies on the bridge and upload them online — not only does this preserve memories longer (without the risk of collapse), but it also symbolizes greater freedom (no locks) and environmental friendliness.

▲ The Pont des Arts in Paris is covered in dense locks, each symbolizing the love of couples. (Photo / Visual China CFP)

The Pont des Arts was built between 1981 and 1984, spanning the Seine River. It was inspired by British bridge designs and conceived by engineers Louis-Alexandre and Jacques Dillon. Originally designed with nine arches, it was later changed to seven, making it Paris’s first metal bridge. Located near the central square of the Louvre and the Institut de France, with beautiful riverside views, it often serves as an open-air studio for artists or a spot for public picnics in the summer.

There are currently 700,000 locks on the bridge, weighing an estimated total of 93 metric tons — equivalent to 20 elephants standing on an ancient bridge. Due to concerns about the excessive weight and number of locks, and fears that the bridge may not be able to bear the load, an online campaign called No Love Locks was initiated earlier this year to discourage the practice of attaching locks.

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