Yesterday the City of Paris finally addressed the ridiculous "tradition" of clamping cheap padlocks on the Pont des Arts and tossing the key in the Seine. This symbol of undying love had reached epic proportions with over a million locks now defacing bridges all over Paris. The Pont des Arts is the first, with others to follow. The huge sections were removed yesterday and eventually plexiglass panels will be added so the view of the Seine will be restored. I took this photo in 2012. You can see some locks but in just a few years time, the panels were a solid mass of locks. Some panels even collapsed from the weight and had to be replaced with plywood. Good riddance!
14 comments:
Love it!
Virginia, this is my favourite of all the "Pont des Arts" pictures I have ever seen, a work of art!
I love the strong color of the foreground against the soft greys in the back. The perspectives lets one appreciate the beauty of the bridge itself and the stunning vistas beyond.
I agree whole heartedly V. This bridge was overwhelmed by padlocks during our visit. Boards had even been chained to the barricades in an endeavour to stop further locks being fastened to it. I hope you visit soon and take a current photo of this bridge in all it's splendour.
Lovely to be able to see the river once more, this is a wonderful shot Virginia.. such a shame things got out of control!
The real question is - Why did the city leave it so long? This is vandalism and no different than people spray painting buildings. A BBC report I listened to this morning stated that the 'tradition' of love locks comes from Syria.
Your picture is beautiful, it will be nice to see the bridge restored back with a clear view.
Great shot! It's about time. The same is done here on one of our bridges, and I've really come to think of the whole thing as first, no respect for property that doesn't belong to you, and second, extremely narcissistic.
Amen and hallelujah, Sister! I was so hoping they'd deal with that before I go back next month. (And I love this shot too.)
Finally! Safety and sanity has prevailed. What I wonder, though, is whether the City will now enforce the ban. If they allow lock-sellers and buyers to continue on - even if there are fewer places to put them - won't the problem just re-locate?
Good to hear! Brilliant shot!
The Pont des Arts is finally photogenic again. Thank you city of Paris! You finally came to your senses!
I was thrilled to hear that these silly locks are being removed......well done Paris!!!! I return to Paris later this year and I look forward to seeing this beautiful bridge as it should be.
Visit this page and scroll down to Moscow- I've seen these trees and they are interesting and useful.
http://beforeitsnews.com/fun-news/2010/09/locks-of-love-symbols-of-eternal-love-worldwide-181374.html
Fabulous photo .. Yes HOORAY and about time that the Locks were gone , lets hope gone for good .
I agree as well for the ridicules locks. And now you can see them in Venise... Just to make locker's selling happy !
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