Pont des Arts: The Bridge of the Arts

Before you step into the Louvre, take a look at the bridge in front of it: the Pont des Arts. As we learned at the Pont Neuf, pont means bridge. Des works like the English "of." The "z" you hear in "des Arts" is just liaison, the French habit of linking sounds; the word itself is arts, as in art. So Pont des Arts is the "Bridge of the Arts."

It earned that name because the Institut de France, which studies French literature, science, fine arts and more, sits at one end, while at the other end is the Louvre's square courtyard, known as the "Palace of the Arts" under Napoleon. It's the bridge that links two arts venues, hence the name.

The bridge used to be famous as a "bridge of love" too, because its railings were covered in love locks. Couples would write their names on a padlock and toss the key away. But so many locks piled up that part of the railing collapsed under their weight. For safety, every lock was removed, and the railings are now fenced off with thick, clear plastic panels so no new ones can be attached. Still, nothing can stop couples from wanting to lock away their overflowing love, and they sneak padlocks onto the lampposts instead.

From here you can take in the Pont Neuf and, right in the middle of it, the Vert-Galant park poking out like the prow of a ship.