‘Love locks’ are over in Paris, but these cities welcome the symbol of everlasting love
A worker on June 1 removes love locks that were attached to the railings of the Pont des Arts in Paris.
Paris got rid of hundreds of thousands of love locks from its iconic Pont des Arts on Monday, but cities in Germany and Canada say they embrace the idea of love sealed with a metal padlock.
What happened in Paris?
Paris cracked down on love locks last year after a 5-foot section of the bridge's parapet collapsed from the weight.
"This phenomenon generates two problems: a lasting degradation of the heritage of Paris and also a risk to the safety of visitors, Parisians and tourists," City Hall said in a statement about the locks.
Reactions on social media were mixed -- some cheering, some a little bittersweet.
It's not just Paris that's fed up with the locks. Lots of cities are saying no to this tradition. Most recently, Melbourne, Australia, in mid-May cleared its Southgate bridge of the pesky padlocks. From Italy to New York City's Brooklyn Bridge, the metal is being cleared and viewed as a nuisance.
Where can I safely put a love lock?
Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany
Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany. (Koln Tourismus)
The German city of Cologne seems to be saying, "Welcome to love-lock land." Its tourism website says, "For several years now, love locks have been considered one of Cologne’s most charming traditions. As proof of their love, couples fix padlocks to the railings on the Hohenzollern Bridge; to ensure everlasting love, they then throw the key into the Rhein river below."
Toronto makes room for love locks too. The Canadian city now hosts the Love Installation at the Distillery District. It
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