The bridge of love

The French love their bridges. Really, everywhere you look there are postcards and paintings of these beloved treasures. They light them up and decorate them. A timeless love affair. It is very fitting therefore that the one we found around Notre Dame was a true bridge of love. Could this be the most romantic spot on the planet?

Pont de l’Archevêché (Archbishop’s Bridge) is the narrowest road bridge in Paris, but arguably one that caries the most traffic, not of cars but of love and hope. The idea is simple. Two lovers write their names on a padlock, attach it to the bridge and throw the key into the river Seine. It is referred to as a Love Padlock.

As I stood there with my girl, both looking at all the locks couples had left behind and some truly romantic stories we both thought the same things.
1. Why didn’t we bring a padlock to do the same and 2. Where are they now?

Some of the padlocks date back at least 10 years. I suspect some much further, but only the well prepared had their names engraved so time would not fade the writing. One in particular stood out, ‘Pètá a Pavel 9.12.2001’ Over 10 years ago they secured their love at this very spot and sent the key into the depths of the river. Wouldn’t you like to know their story? Quite frankly, I would!


More recently “Big boo” proposed to “Little Boo”. She must have said yes as there is a follow up padlock telling the world. I am not usually moved by this kind of thing but I have to say it was very touching. Who said men can’t be romantic?

As the mood on that bridge was so perfect we did what any slightly romantic couple would have done. We kissed, for what seemed a lifetime, at least long enough to become accidental love icons to a senior couple that was taking their own photo of the bridge. As I am now sitting in my kitchen writing this post, I am trying to imagine on what fridge or what photo album our perfect kiss will end up on…

With Paris often being described as the world’s most romantic city it is hard sometimes to see past the crowds and turmoil. The magic started as we were walking in the most ancient part of the city, the Ile de la Cité, where Paris was born and grew from. The little stone bridge, on a grey and rainy day, suddenly became the most romantic spot in the world’s most romantic city.