The Pont des Arts — Lovers’ Bridge

Paris is connected by bridges.  The Seine divides her banks between the Rive Droite (Right Bank) and the Rive Gauche (Left Bank). Yet beautiful and historic bridges (“Ponts”) cross the river to connect the banks.  For a time, King Louis lived on an island between the banks.  A boat ride, in one of the many that leave from the banks near the Eiffel Tower, is a great way to learn a little bit about each bridge–and there are many. My favorite bridge is the Pont Alexandre.  It is stunning with its golden horses.  Yet one book I read pointed out they are all male horses.  It is hard to see them now without…oh, my.

Paris is divided about a bridge.  There is a bridge called Pont des Arts.  Here, people place locks on the bridge, sometimes dated and signed.  It is a symbolic act of undying love.  The locks are so thick you can’t even see the metal on the bridge. Parisians are divided about whether these “Lovers’ Locks”, as they are known, should be permitted on the bridge which is starting to suffer from the tremendous weight of these burdensome locks.  You can read more here.  As for me, I like that I have seen the bridge but I am on the side of stopping the locks and saving the bridge.  What do you think?

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