We'll Always Have Paris? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

We'll Always Have Paris?

The symbol of romance may not be as eternal as lovers had initially wished.

94
We'll Always Have Paris?
KRISTY SPAROW, GETTY

Ask anyone what the most romantic and gorgeous city on earth is and they will no doubt dreamily reply, "Paris". Paris is deeply rich in the French-Parisian culture, modern and traditional architecture, and a magical beauty that can undoubtedly ensnare the mind. Through it's picturesque landscape and various debuts in romantic cinematic features, it is evident why there are few places more desired to fortify and enrich young and old love than in the City of Lights.

Among the copious number of historic architectural sites located in Paris, is the magnificent Pont Des Arts Bridge. The Pont Des Arts Bridge is one of the most romantic bridges in Paris and has become accustomed to a significantly famous cultural tradition for the lovers of the world. This is a tradition that begins with two people that have found undying love and ends with a tangible object that will forever signify their eternal love on the railings of the Pont Des Arts Bridge. This tradition is known as the "lover's lock."


The tradition of the "lover's lock" bestows the Pont Des Arts Bridge the cultural nickname of the “Love Lock Bridge.” It is often referred to as the "Love Lock Bridge" by tourists of the world because of the romantic immigrated tradition that involves a “love lock”, a key, and a couple that believes in their unyielding everlasting love. The process is simple. A couple would write each of their names onto a paddock lock ("love lock"), lock the paddock onto the bridge, and then, as a tangible act to signify their unfailing love, the couple would throw the paddock key over the bridge and allow the the key sink into the depths of the Seine River so that their love would be eternally locked and never broken. This tradition is done in various cities around the world and has become an extremely popular act to demonstrate a tangible declaration of unyielding love. The Pont Des Arts Bridge has become one of the more distinguished bridges and as of May 2015, it was covered by over a million padlocks fastened by countless optimistic romantics across the globe.


However, this symbol of romance may not be as eternal as the lovers had initially wished. As of June 1st, all locks will be removed from the bridge in order to eliminate the impending structural damage. The works of local artists now temporarily replaces the bridge until a highly resistant lock-proof glass can beinstalled later this year. For many hopeful visitors, and for those that have previously left behind their memorable symbol of love, the removal is causing heartbreak in the loss of the notable foreign tradition.

Nonetheless, the citizens of Paris have voiced approval for the removal of the locks in order to ensure future architectural preservation of the beautiful bridge. The truth is that the locks are scourging the historic landmark causing parts of the railing to break loose due to the intense weight. It is strongly believed by the city that the locks are harming the preservation of the traditional heritage of the landmark. In a beautiful city such as Paris there is no need to add to the already exquisite architecture and the removal of the locks will allow the Pont Des Arts Bridge to return to it's original architectural state.

Although some people may be sad that the locks have been removed, there is still no greater joy than to remember the memories shared by thousands of lovers as they attached their own lock to the bridge. The lock was simply a tangible object that represented an even greater phenomenon- love. The memories of the moment and the love that was shared on the historical bridge is what will be remembered, not the inanimate objects. Whether there will be "love locks" representing a symbol of new and old love or not, Paris will always be the epitome of romance and there is no place more beautiful than the City of Love.

How do YOU feel about the removal of the love locks? Tell us in the comments!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

704
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

638
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Your Friend Group, As Told By Disney Princesses

Each Disney Princess has their own personality, and chances are you've got a friend in your group to match it.

1179
Disney Princesses

The dynamics of any friend group are usually determined by the personalities which make it up. Chances are, while personalities may overlap, each person in your friend group holds his or her own place. It is the differences which bring the groups together and keep them functioning. No matter how functionally dysfunctional your friend group may be, if you're anything like me, you feel absolutely blessed to have found such a wonderful group of humans to call "your people." Here is what your friend group might look like if they were Disney princesses (and that wasn't just a thing you all pretended in your heads):

Keep Reading...Show less
dorm roon
Tumblr

College is a place where you spend four years exploring opportunities you never knew were there, creating the person you are, and making life-long friends. College is hard, but it is worth spending four years there. Just because college is difficult doesn't mean that it's not fun. There are plenty of great memories you can make during your four years if college. Here are ways college is designed to be the best four years of your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

You Know You Go To The Ilstu When...

If you are an ISU student, you will come across most of these things during your time on campus.

114
You Know You Go To The Ilstu When...
Community Link

When it comes to Bloomington-Normal, there are many outstanding factors that any Illinois State student can say are unique to our college town (and maybe others too). Proud or not, we Redbirds know all the ins and outs of Blono.

1. The wait for Buffalo Wild Wings is always going to be long on Thursday nights.

As hard as we try, it's nearly impossible to resist the 69-cent wings on a college student budget. Plus, they are always delicious!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments