One of my favorite memories of Paris is walking on the lovely Pont des Arts, a footbridge across the Seine.

Located between the Pont Neuf and the Pont du Carousel, connecting the Musée du Louvre with the Institut de France (map), it offers gorgeous views—in one direction the Eiffel Tower, in the other Notre-Dame.

On warm evenings young people gather with a bottle of wine, some bread, some cheese, a guitar, and have fun. People stroll by, enjoying the views, watching the Seine cruise boats pass by, listening to the music.

We even rang in the New Year there in 2015, and found ourselves surrounded by Parisians and tourists, mostly equipped with bottles of champagne and champagne flutes to properly salute the arrival of 2016!

A few years ago, however, the Pont des Arts became a different scene, when people started attaching "Love Locks" to the bridge, covering it to the point of being dangerous—as well as ugly. More...

The Institut de France across the Pont des Arts
from the Louvre...

Fortunately, the city of Paris eventually removed the locks and discouraged people from defacing the Pont des Arts and other monuments. Unfortunately, the habit has moved to other bridges and areas, so it's a constant battle for the city.

When you visit Paris, please understand that these locks are a hazard, and don't contribute to the problem.

The Pont des Arts is a lovely place for a stroll, day or night, and the views are still wonderful.

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