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The Story Behind Paris' Love Locks

Paris, often called la ville de l'amour or “the city of love,” is a place that captures the imagination of romantics worldwide. From the shimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower to the cobblestone streets lined with cafes, Paris has become synonymous with passion, romance, and devotion. But for many visitors, one tradition has come to symbolize that love in an especially personal way: the act of leaving a padlock on a bridge, often with their names inscribed, before throwing the key into the Seine.
The Tradition of Love Locks
The tradition of “love locks” is believed to have started in the early 2000s, and the Pont des Arts bridge, which connects the Louvre to the Institut de France, became the iconic location for this gesture. Couples from around the world would attach a padlock to the bridge’s railings, symbolizing their eternal love, and then toss the key into the river below—a romantic metaphor for an unbreakable bond. Soon, the trend spread beyond the Pont des Arts to other bridges and landmarks across Paris, and even other cities around the globe, like Rome, Seoul, and New York.
A Modern Love Ritual
For many, attaching a lock in Paris became a way to leave a mark, to feel a part of the city's romantic history, even for just a moment. The sight of thousands of glimmering locks—each representing a different story—created a powerful visual statement. It was a testament to love in all its forms, from fleeting holiday romances to lifelong partnerships.
The Meaning Behind the Locks
At its core, the act of placing a love lock is about permanence in a world where change is inevitable. The ritual speaks to our desire to capture moments in time, to immortalize feelings in a tangible way. In the city where love seems to hang in the air, this small yet significant gesture allows people to connect their personal love story to Paris' enduring legacy of romance.
A Beautiful Yet Controversial Tradition
Despite the beauty of this tradition, the weight of thousands of love locks eventually caused structural concerns on the bridges. In 2015, the city of Paris began removing the locks from Pont des Arts and other bridges due to the strain they placed on the infrastructure. The removal, however, hasn’t stopped the symbol of love locks from thriving in the hearts of visitors. Many couples still find creative ways to celebrate their love in Paris, leaving locks in less traditional locations or seeking out bridges and landmarks beyond the Seine.
A New Chapter in Parisian Romance
Though the bridges may no longer bear the weight of love locks, Paris remains a city that invites romantic gestures of all kinds. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a quiet kiss on a park bench, or a padlock left on a discreet corner of the city, love continues to flourish in Paris.
At House of Marsté, where we draw inspiration from the city’s timeless elegance and passion, we cherish these traditions that capture the magic of Paris. It’s a city where love stories are written into the streets, and we’re proud to celebrate that spirit with our fragrances—designed to capture moments that linger long after they’ve passed.
Next time you find yourself in Paris, remember the stories behind those glittering locks. Maybe, instead of a padlock, you’ll find your own way to leave a mark on the city of love.
The Tradition of Love Locks
The tradition of “love locks” is believed to have started in the early 2000s, and the Pont des Arts bridge, which connects the Louvre to the Institut de France, became the iconic location for this gesture. Couples from around the world would attach a padlock to the bridge’s railings, symbolizing their eternal love, and then toss the key into the river below—a romantic metaphor for an unbreakable bond. Soon, the trend spread beyond the Pont des Arts to other bridges and landmarks across Paris, and even other cities around the globe, like Rome, Seoul, and New York.
A Modern Love Ritual
For many, attaching a lock in Paris became a way to leave a mark, to feel a part of the city's romantic history, even for just a moment. The sight of thousands of glimmering locks—each representing a different story—created a powerful visual statement. It was a testament to love in all its forms, from fleeting holiday romances to lifelong partnerships.
The Meaning Behind the Locks
At its core, the act of placing a love lock is about permanence in a world where change is inevitable. The ritual speaks to our desire to capture moments in time, to immortalize feelings in a tangible way. In the city where love seems to hang in the air, this small yet significant gesture allows people to connect their personal love story to Paris' enduring legacy of romance.
A Beautiful Yet Controversial Tradition
Despite the beauty of this tradition, the weight of thousands of love locks eventually caused structural concerns on the bridges. In 2015, the city of Paris began removing the locks from Pont des Arts and other bridges due to the strain they placed on the infrastructure. The removal, however, hasn’t stopped the symbol of love locks from thriving in the hearts of visitors. Many couples still find creative ways to celebrate their love in Paris, leaving locks in less traditional locations or seeking out bridges and landmarks beyond the Seine.
A New Chapter in Parisian Romance
Though the bridges may no longer bear the weight of love locks, Paris remains a city that invites romantic gestures of all kinds. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a quiet kiss on a park bench, or a padlock left on a discreet corner of the city, love continues to flourish in Paris.
At House of Marsté, where we draw inspiration from the city’s timeless elegance and passion, we cherish these traditions that capture the magic of Paris. It’s a city where love stories are written into the streets, and we’re proud to celebrate that spirit with our fragrances—designed to capture moments that linger long after they’ve passed.
Next time you find yourself in Paris, remember the stories behind those glittering locks. Maybe, instead of a padlock, you’ll find your own way to leave a mark on the city of love.