Love Lock Bridge in Paris: 17 Photos of Pont des Arts & Pont Neuf Bridge

See my photos of Paris’ love lock bridge before it was made illegal to add love locks to the railings.

I’m a bit of an old fashioned romantic.

In an ideal world, I would have a romance like Carl and Ellie from the movie Up! You know, meeting your soul mate when you’re kids and growing old together – first and only love. *Warning, if you cry watching sad things, you should not watch the second video below as you will be a mess – or at least have a tissue at hand in preparation for the water works.

When I first heard the notion of love locks I thought, ‘aw, that’s sweet’. I’ve come across some love locks in London, but learned those don’t even compare to a bridge in Paris which is covered in symbols of love.

As part of my ‘one new city every birthday’ mission, I went to Paris for my 25th. So naturally I went in search for this bridge.

I just love the variety and messages on them. I can just imagine loved up couples coming here and throwing away their key into the River Seine. And then it did happen – a couple adding theirs whilst documenting the moment with a camera. As much as I wanted to, it felt wrong to take a picture, so I left them to cherish the lovely moment. Here are some of my favourite locks in Paris.

Hey, I love bed and breakfasts as much as the next person, but a lock to declare your love of them?

John and Madelyn’s love is just that much more than everyone elses judging by the size of the lock… Notice the date, 72′! It’s certainly weathered like it!

I like to think they were celebrating their 50th year together as a couple.

This love lock makes me kind of sad. The dates suggest to me someone has passed away, or maybe they broke up.

I just love the colours of these!

My absolute favourite has to be this… and I do love cake!

As I walked along the River Seine, I stumbled upon an even greater sight. Having thought I found the bridge, I was surprised to discover an entire bridge decorated in love locks. ‘Ah, so this is what they were talking about’ I said to myself.

‘There’s what, a thousand? A hundred thousand? A million?!’ I really couldn’t guess a ball park figure. It was just an insane amount of padlocks in one place. An already pretty bridge with it’s wooden boards, Louvre at one end and Canal Académie at the other, is instantly transformed into one of the most beautiful and colourful bridges you’re ever likely to see any where in the world.

I kind of got lost in the moment. It was hard not to with the sun reflecting on the River Seine and a few street musicians playing (I think Quandro, Quandro, Quandro – I have a new appreciation for the oboe). I walked slowly up one side of the bridge and back down the other.

I love this extremely secure looking lock – that’s love forever!

I liked these name plates in the style of Paris’ street signs.

I was shocked to see on the 8th of June, almost a week after my photo trip to Pont des Arts, that a railing had collapsed due to the shear weight of the locks on it. It’s not the first time this has happened though. Last February another railing gave way and hundreds of locks were cut off.

As much as I love the idea of love locks (maybe I should have a lock lock for love locks?) I think they should be removed and banned. Gasp I hear from you! As you can see in some of my pictures, people lean on the railings. Luckily no one was hurt when the railings caved, but it might not be third time lucky for someone next time.

In 2017, all love locks were removed and sold off and the money was donated to charity.