Did you hear about the incredible Pont des Arts bridge in Paris?
For years couples have been saying je t’aime by placing a padlock on the railings of this bridge. Lovers (mostly tourists, Parisians say) have placed nearly a million padlocks on a fence along the bridge and then thrown the key into the Seine river as a symbol of their undying adoration.
But city officials have a less romantic view of it all, blaming the padlocks for “long-term heritage degradation and a risk for visitors’ security” as it has become so weighty parts of the bridge are snapping off under the pressure! About 45 tonnes!
