Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PARIS (AP) — Paris hopes to persuade couples to end the unwelcome recent tradition of fixing padlocks to the Seine River's aging bridges, and instead upload hashtagged selfies to a website dedicated to enduring love.
With giant stickers in French, English and Spanish on the Pont de l'Archeveche, behind Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris began its #lovewithoutlocks campaign on Wednesday, saying the city's famed bridges "can't resist your love" — the padlocks clinging to every available surface.
The lovers' locks craze dates back only a decade or so. But the weight is pulling bridge railings down.
Attaching a lock is a "symbol of togetherness," said Lawrence Phillips of Wales, at the bridge with his Australian girlfriend.
Dutch tourist Bob Te Booy agreed. "I think (a selfie) isn't a good replacement."
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
