Pont des Arts | Shimmering Weighty Love

What do you think about the padlocks on the Pont des Arts, this iconic metallic footbridge in the heart of Paris? To many, they resemble walls of adoration symbolizing everlasting love and to others simply an eyesore that pollute the city views and the River Seine below (the keys from the padlocks get thrown into the river)...

In either case, the Pont des Arts is suffering from the shimmering yet weighty force of love. 

Since its debut in 1804 under Napoleon I, Pont des Arts has had its share of turmoil - bombarded from both World Wars, hits from river traffic and a barge that nearly collapsed half the structure in 1979 (and most recently, a railing that fell this past summer from the massive weight of the locks). 

The current day Pont des Arts, rebuilt in 1984 from all its damages and deficiencies, is an identical reconstruction of the original design, albeit a few structural changes that make the bridge more sound and more aligned with its neighbor to the east, the Pont Neuf.

There is now a NoLoveLocks petition to stop romantics from locking their love onto the railings of Pont des Arts as well as other bridges around Paris (along with the Eiffel Tower!). 

Despite all the controversy, whenever I step onto the Pont des Arts, I can't help thinking this:

One thing will never change, and that is the frisson of nostalgia, the romantic flush that overcomes you when you stop on the Pont des Arts and gaze upriver towards the Ile de la Cité, the historic center of Paris that was the home of kings until the 14th century... (essayist Gina Doggett)

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A Ride + A View: La Grande Roue de Paris

It's always so hard to step out of the car when the ride ends...

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Summer & Nostalgia

I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days... John Keats

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The end of summer + nostalgia. This post is dedicated to my family and friends back in the States, who I miss very much. I wish you were here...

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Paris Plages | The City of Light in Sand

Every summer, palm trees, deck chairs and tons of sand descend upon Paris to transform parts of the city into Paris Plages (Paris Beaches), a month-long event originally created in 2002 to relieve Parisians from the sweltering August heat and to satisfy their seaside cravings. This free event has since expanded beyond its beginnings around Pont Neuf and become so popular that other European cities (like Berlin, Brussels and Madrid) have adopted a similar event.

My boys have been itching to go to the beach, so before we head to the ocean ourselves, they got a little taste last Sunday right here in the city. With plenty of activities and lots of options for refreshments, overall it's a wonderful way to spend a summer day. My favorite section was the Louvre à la plage installation set up under the Tunnel des Tuileries - it was basically a mini art gallery where you're invited to discover pieces from the Louvre's vast collection. There's even a table set up for little ones to color and draw their own masterpieces.

Ice cream by the river with seagulls overhead pacified my boys' yearning for the ocean,... for now :)


Official Site: Paris Plages
Dates: 19 Jul - 17 Aug 2014
Hours: Everyday, 9am - midnight

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