I do agree with PalenQ's comments.

Those upset about Parisians placing locks in various places should complain to the Paris civic authorities. Of course, if you are not a Parisian, you might be ignored.

Most Parisians have never seen the locks because they spend absolutely no time on these bridges -- they are in the metro.

There was actually an article about the petition in one of the free newspapers today. Unfortunately, the photograph used to illustrate the article was at least two years old, so it did not look as devastatingly appalling as it looks in 2014. I'm sure that this article was the very first time that many Parisians have ever even heard of the locks.

I don't know if I am a typical Parisian because sometimes two months can go by without me even setting foot on the Left Bank -- and my Parisian friends consider me to be someone who is out and around at all times and in the know about everything happening in the city. Actually, I do generally know just about everything that is happening because I read a lot of newspapers and tend to keep an eye on the internet.

There is a 'slogan' about Parisian life that was invented at the beginning of the 1970's and absolutely nothing has changed for most people since then: "metro, boulot, dodo." That means "commute, work, sleep." Tourists and visitors really have no idea about how the majority of Parisians live.

I place this issue right below world hunger but above Sex Trafficking.

Actually, I place this "issue" in the trash.

It's Budinskyism at its very worst. So yes in the trash!

The lack of respect for architecture as art is clearly evident on this thread. I think some of the comments, coming from known travel contributors, are quite appalling.

How about we super-glue heart-shaped pieces of paper to Venus de Milo to show the world that we were there and professed our love. I'm sure for some of you, it's not the same thing. Readers take note.

There is a 'slogan' about Parisian life that was invented at the beginning of the 1970's and absolutely nothing has changed for most people since then: "metro, boulot, dodo." That means "commute, work, sleep." Tourists and visitors really have no idea about how the majority of Parisians live.
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I think this is great idea, especially for people who are retired or need a break from their job, "The Metro, Boulot, and Dodo tour."
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People always write that when they come to NYC they want to live like and talk to a local. I tell them met me at the Duane Reade where I will buy some toilet paper and underarm deodorant and then you can talk to me as do the laundry and chop up some for dinner.

I do not think this board is inhabited by philistines; but the depth of emotion for this activity is akin to those of converts. Those who weren't born to the religion of Paris, must demonstrate their fealty, loyalty, and piety.

BTW the Dadaists which include such Frenchmen as Marcel Duchamp, Jean Arp, and Francis Picabia believed that the art that preceded them should be destroyed artistically and psychologically so that new art could exist. The uses of things change, and although as stated above, I do no like this manifestation of postpubescent romance, I cannot become as exorcised as some.

The lack of respect for architecture as art is clearly evident on this thread>

architecture! come on we are talking about bridge railings not some historic monument - the bridge itself may be but not the railings.

and for me it is an attraction that I will seek out next December when I go back to Paris - getting bent out of shape over something like that when many other things make Paris at times a hassle - like the obnoxious smog and traffic.

Be sure to take lots of photos of the locks, PalenQ, and please post them.

Alas, my summer plans do not include Paris. I went to France (Toulouse & Bordeaux) last summer. This summer: Poland, Belarus & Turkey. I won't get to take photos of the locks--sniff.

There are bridges with "love locks" in Poland if you feel the urge to photograph them.

Here is a list of locations of bridges with locks:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...e_locks#Poland

Oh, if people are still wondering what the current status of the love locks is in Paris, I made a whole photo report about them: http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...-des-arts-love

Great pictures. And now I know we are not talking about locks of hair.

Oui another grea kerouac photo shoot and it shows many people reveling in looking at those locks - the main bridge is full of curious sightseers - sans locks no one would linger there - a great great tourist attraction but to some a blight - who is right or wrong no one - but as in kerouac's photos many tourists seem to love those locks - kudos to Fodor's for highlighting a relatively new and to me and many enduring we hope part of the ParisScape - year from now will be a UNESCO World Heritage Site perhaps!

Killjoys!

They are in Dublin too.

"sans locks no one would linger there"

Au contraire. The Pont des Arts has always been a spot to sit and watch the glorious scene. I have fond memories of doing so myself.

An entire session of a course I followed at the College de France on deriving meaning from works of art and literature was devoted to the Pont des Arts. It was presented by an outstanding lecturer and poet whom I had the privilege to hear deliver a different lecture in this series, who has now retired. Here is a link to that lecture (in French) for those who are interested:

http://www.college-de-france.fr/site...8-04-03__1.htm

It Scotland, they have a problem with the Lock Ness monster.

Pal, you are being too cool for school. I think the locks are mindless and selfish.

IMDonehere, you spelled Loch Ness wrong.

By the way, this is meant as a sarcastic J-O-K-E.