A Romantic Tradition in Paris
“We’ll always have Paris,” as the immortal line goes. Now, it seems, Paris will always have something to remember as well.
A short while I ago, I blogged about a romantic tradition in Seville. Lovers fix padlocks to the side of the Puente Isabel II, write their names on the metal and cast the keys into the flowing Guadalquivir below.
As I paced across the Pont Des Arts this week, a telltale golden spark caught my eye.
Here, over the water of the Seine and under the watchful eye of Notre Dame, true love clings on.
According to the dates on the locks, the authorities are more forgiving here. Perhaps the legend extends beyond the tourist office blurb after all and Paris really is the city of romance.
Padlocks on the Pont des Arts, Paris
Tips on Paris
Read a series of tips on things to see and do in Paris on my sister site Cheap Weekend Breaks. It includes information on how to use the Paris Metro, Paris Sightseeing Essentials as well as some unusual tips on Paris.
Hi, I'm Abi, a journalist who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. 
Ah – how interesting to find out that it’s spreading across the world! I’ve really enjoyed reading these comments – especially Paul’s ;)
really sweet! however, i worry what throwing keys in rivers does to the aquatic wildlife there. lovers should be keeping their keys as a souvenir.
they have this in liverpool, uk by the docks too.love it!
@Jennifer – good point! Although if someone kept a key, I suppose they could always go back and unlock the padlock. Less of a commitment!
Perhaps the authorities could post a “key deposit box” on the side of the bridge, although that would be far less romantic…
This is a stupid tradition spawned by the even more stupid film “tre metri sopra il cielo”.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388483/