Love Locks in Paris

Returning from my favorite hot chocolate cafe on Isle St. Louis in Paris...

I discovered the thousands of love locks on Pont de l'Archeveche.

The bridge crossing from Notre Dame Cathedral to the left bank of the Seine is covered with

"cadenas de l'amour".

Lovers from around the world ..

engrave their intials, fasten the locks to the bridge, and throw the keys into the Seine..

proclaiming undying love!

Love locks stretch beyond Paris and can be found in several European cities...

Rome, Moscow, Prague, Cologne, Florence, and Pecs, Hungary.

Paris officials have not always looked kindly on this practice of showing love.

In May, 2010, overnight...

thousands of love locks were cut off from the bridge Pont Des Arts near the Louvre.

The officials' desire to 'preserve heritage' was overpowered by lovers that have now adopted

Pont de l'Archeveche.

What were the officials thinking??

Paris is more than buildings.

Paris inspires emotions.... beauty, romance, and love !