If you’ve seen dreamy pictures of a bridge in Paris covered with thousands of padlocks, you’re not alone. Content creators, couples, and curious travelers have all fallen in love with this iconic tradition. But there’s one question that keeps popping up: how many locks are on the love lock bridge in Paris? And more importantly can you still put a lock there today? Whether you’re planning a romantic trip, researching for a blog post, or just intrigued by this famous spot, you’re in the right place.
Quick Answer:
At its peak, the Love Lock Bridge in Paris the Pont des Arts held over 700,000 padlocks, weighing around 45 tons. However, in 2015, Paris authorities removed the locks due to safety concerns. You can no longer place locks on Pont des Arts, but there are alternative locations around the city.
What Is the Love Lock Bridge in Paris?
The Love Lock Bridge is the nickname for the Pont des Arts bridge, a pedestrian bridge crossing the Seine River near the Louvre. It became famous for couples attaching padlocks to its railings, symbolizing their love.
How the Tradition Began
- Started around 2008.
- Couples wrote their names on a lock.
- They attached it to the bridge.
- Then, they tossed the key into the river.
Why It Became So Popular
- Instagrammable location.
- Featured in movies and travel blogs.
- Became a must-do activity for visitors in love.
Ever wonder why that is? The idea of “locking in love” became a viral romantic ritual — like tossing coins in Rome’s Trevi Fountain, but with metal and meaning.
How Many Locks Were on the Bridge?
At the height of the trend, the official count of locks on Pont des Arts bridge was estimated at over 700,000.
- Total weight: around 45 tons (CNN Travel)
- Enough to damage the bridge’s structure.
Paris authorities feared a potential collapse risk and took action to preserve the historic site. So if you’re wondering how many locks are on the love lock bridge in Paris today — the answer is none.
Weight Problem and Urban Planning Decisions
- In 2014, part of the bridge’s railing collapsed under the weight.
- The city launched a safety campaign.
- Locks were fully removed in 2015.
This wasn’t just about appearances. It was a critical urban planning decision, backed by engineers and heritage experts concerned with structural safety.
Why Did They Remove the Love Locks?
The main reason was safety. According to city officials, the combined weight of the locks posed a serious risk to the 19th-century bridge.
Other Concerns Included:
- Damage to historic architecture
- Environmental impact (keys in the Seine)
- Over-tourism and crowd control
Paris authorities’ response was clear: the love had to be expressed differently — not through padlocks, but through more sustainable gestures. That’s why when people ask, how many locks are on the love lock bridge in Paris? — the answer always includes why they had to be taken down.
Can You Still Add a Lock in Paris in 2025?
No, not on Pont des Arts. But here’s where it gets tricky: you still can find places in Paris where love locks are tolerated.
Where Can I Put a Love Lock in Paris Today?
- Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor — lesser known, but sometimes used
- Near Montmartre or Canal Saint-Martin — occasional love lock spots
- Temporary lock walls installed during Valentine’s Day by the city
Still, officials encourage couples to consider alternative romantic acts. Before placing a lock, many still ask: how many locks are on the love lock bridge in Paris now? Knowing that the answer is zero helps guide more responsible tourism.
The Story Behind the Love Locks on Pont des Arts
Here’s a quick timeline:
| Year | Event |
| 2008 | First reports of love locks on Pont des Arts |
| 2010 | Social media drives trend global |
| 2014 | Section of railing collapses |
| 2015 | Full removal of locks by city |
| 2025 | Locks still banned from main bridges |
Cultural Impact
- Inspired similar trends in Rome, Seoul, and New York
- Featured in pop culture and romantic films
- Continues to live on through photos, art, and stories
Think of it like a digital handshake between real-world romance and online virality. And yet, people still want to know: how many locks are on the love lock bridge in Paris? It’s part of the lore now.
Paris Romantic Landmarks to Visit Instead
If you’re visiting Paris for love, there’s more than just one bridge.
Top Romantic Spots:
- Eiffel Tower at sunset
- Montmartre’s “I Love You” wall
- Seine River boat ride at night
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Sacré-Coeur view over Paris
Want to make it unforgettable? Write each other letters, take a Polaroid, or book a couples’ photo session. You don’t need to ask how many locks are on the love lock bridge in Paris when the whole city is full of romance.
FAQ’s
How many love locks are on the bridge in Paris right now?
Zero on Pont des Arts. The city removed all the locks in 2015.
Is the love lock bridge still in Paris?
Yes, the bridge still exists, but the locks are gone.
Where can I put a love lock in Paris today?
Try Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor or temporary installations.
What happened to the locks on the Paris bridge?
They were taken down and recycled or used in art installations.
Why did they remove the love locks in Paris?
To protect the bridge’s structure and reduce environmental harm.
Can you still add a lock to the love lock bridge in Paris in 2025?
No, placing locks on Pont des Arts is now prohibited.
What’s the story behind the love locks on Pont des Arts?
It was a viral trend that became too heavy — literally.
Why did Paris remove the padlocks from the love bridge?
They caused damage and posed a safety risk.
Most popular romantic spots in Paris for couples?
Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Seine River, and Luxembourg Gardens.
Expert opinion on the love lock bridge weight issue?
Structural engineers warned it could collapse without intervention (The Guardian).
Expert Sources and References
- CNN Travel — “Paris removes thousands of ‘love locks’ from famous bridge”
- The Guardian — “Paris starts removing ‘love locks’ from bridge”
- Paris Tourism Office — “Responsible Travel in Paris”
