Le Pont des Arts

The Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge across the Seine, connects the Louvre with the Latin Quarter while offering some of the city's most stunning views. It is also known as the Lover's Bridge since lovers have been coming here for centuries to gaze into one another's eyes. In recent years, the phenomena of Love Locks has swept not just Paris but romantic spots throughout the world. Alas, this bridge, however, became one of the epicenters for this cultural tradition and its 19th c. railings crumbled this past summer under the weight of all that love, with a few panels even falling into the Seine below. The city is currently replacing these with plexiglass panels along with a friendly but firm campaign urging people to celebrate their #LoveWithoutLocks.