Paris will be selling many of their iconic love locks to raise money for an extremely important cause
Paris has no shortage of iconic sights to take in as a tourist — from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City of Love is full of beauty. Now, Paris will sell many of their iconic love locks to raise money for an extremely important cause, proving that the city lives up to its moniker.
It’s a tradition for tourists to attach attach padlocks symbolizing love to the bridges that connect the city across the Seine. Last year, these locks of love had to be removed from the Pont des Arts and the Pont de l’Archevêché because the weight was placing a strain on the bridges.
The iconic locks will not go to waste — 10 tons worth of locks will be available for sale to the public, and the proceeds will go towards helping refugees, The Local reports.
The effort could raise as much as $107,000, which will be given to organizations that support the city’s refugees.
According to Paris’ environment chief Bruno Julliard, members of the public will be able to buy five or ten locks (or even entire clusters if they’re inclined) at an affordable price. The sale is expected to take place early next year.
Lisa Anselmo of the campaign group No Love Locks supports the city’s decision.
“It’s an inspired idea, and a much better way to show love – the universal kind of love – especially at a time when so many are turning their backs on the refugees of the world," Anselmo tells The Local.
In our current political and social climate, purchasing Love Locks is a beautiful, symbolic way to show refugees that they are loved and welcome. We’ll definitely be buying at least five or ten of these iconic locks to support this amazing cause.