City officials will start the job of removing almost a million padlocks from the Pont de Arts bridge.
The French capital attracted thousands of couples every year, looking for the perfect romantic getaway.
And one of the traditions of romantic couples is to attach a padlock, symbolizing their love, to the Pont de Arts bridge over the River Seine.
But not for much longer.
City officials will start the job of removing almost a million padlocks from the bridge.
It comes after part of the famous bridge broke off last year, seemingly because of the weight of the padlocks.
Initially Paris authorities had floated the idea of a blanket ban on ‘love locks’ – with fines handed out to those caught flouting the rule.
But the city’s deputy Mayor has now ruled out the idea as heavy-handed.
Instead he urged for amorous visitors to show their affection by tying ribbons to the railings as an alternative.
But now metal grilles on the side of the Pont des Arts will be replaced by painting and then eventually clear panels to prevent people attaching locks.
Bruno Julliard, Paris’ deputy mayor, told the BBC: “We want Paris to remain the capital of love and romance.”
Locals have also complained about the ‘eyesore’ locks and the behavior of illegal vendors selling locks, amid concerns that the craze could cause irreparable damage to the city’s iconic bridges.
