For many of us, the
Locks of Love attached to some of the Paris bridges was a lovely thought, and for a time I supported that. Now, as is the case in so many things, what started as a delightful way for lovers to share the Paris experience, has become a public nuisance! Have a look at the Pont de L'Acheveche, directly behind Notre Dame. Not only have the locks covered the bridge but taggers have added insult to injury. Lest you scream, "How can the city of Paris do this?" Be aware that the weight of the locks is creating a huge problem and compromising the fragile bridges, and the keys at the bottom of the Seine, another issue. I've read that the city of Paris, who has cut off the locks before, are now in the process of taking care of this eyesore once again.
Oh dear V. It is way over the top. What happened to a kiss? Wishing you the best for Easter. Bon Vivant J.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about this. I'm amazed that the city permits vendors to walk around on the bridges selling more locks. Even many of the bouquinistes sell them. It's going to be tough problem to solve.
ReplyDeleteMy Gosh! the weight will cause a problem. Kinda dumb. Why don't they leave a quarter or a dollar if they love Paris so much for repairs?
ReplyDeletePut a guard on the bridge to collect
memories in coins. yvonne
I do love the locks a lot -- and have done one. But yes, you're right -- enough is enough. Perhaps they should police it more carefully -- have a charge that goes toward clean-up, an aggressive removal plan -- "Locks are removed on the first of every month" or something. There must be a way to keep a part of this tradition yet preserve the bridges and the water.
ReplyDeleteI have an idea - have a competition for artists to design a permanent (large) sculpture (constructed of melted down locks cut from the bridges) where people can attach their locks and next to it a Pool of Passion for throwing in the keys. This could be another Paris monument to love - constructed in the heart of Paris but away from the bridges.
ReplyDeleteseems to me what starts out as a free romantic gesture gets commercialised and then gets out of hand and in the end it all turns sour.
ReplyDeleteIt's done here on one of the bridges, but not to that degree, yet. I agree, it's too much, and my feeling has been, they're doing this on something that doesn't belong to them, throwing something else into the water without a second thought, and not really regarding the effect on the structure itself over the long term. It's something at this point which should be stopped.
ReplyDeleteI love Silly Girls idea & definately agree that this has gotten out of control.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion, Sillygirl! Bibi had the same idea when I showed these last Wednesday. Maybe we should propose it to the new mayor.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am SO tempted to say I told you so! So many people swoon and say "Oh, how cute." I immediately said, "You put umpteen thousand locks on these old bridges and someone's going down." People can be dumb.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad my idea has been in the air - not original after all but an idea whose time has come. Please, Mayor, take action!
ReplyDelete