For all the walking, for all the years, I had never seen this until recently. I was crossing the Seine heading towards the Ile de la Cite and found these love locks along the Pont de l'Archeveche.
Mais oui! I was in the city of love! Lovers find their way here, clip their padlock onto the fence of the bridge, and throw away the key---declaring their eternal love.
Was the little pink heart lock put there by a young female who also tied a pretty pink ribbon to it? Was the largest one on the fence put there by a biker? Was there one there, locked firmly in place, by someone wishing for love?
And if I held one and said a prayer, would it bring me luck in love? Already my heart was reveling in all the love on this bridge.
I lived in Paris for several years before I noticed this as well. And, I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic so I'm a sucker for this little tradition. However, I heard some time ago that the city was talking about removing all the locks because they were an 'eyesore' I'm not sure what happened with that - but I certainly hope they don't. How sad would it be for a couple to return to their spot and find their eternal-love lock gone!
However, I've also noticed a couple of combination locks - and wonder if that's for those who weren't quite 100% sure enough to throw their key into the Seine! :)
Posted by: 52martinis | 03/26/2011 at 07:31 AM
Hi 52Martinis!
Is that 52 at one time?!
I too am enthralled with this romantic tradition. Love your last comment! :))
Hillary
Posted by: Hillary Davis Travels | 03/26/2011 at 03:44 PM