Paris hopes to persuade couples to end the unwelcome recent tradition of fixing padlocks to the River Seine's ageing 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, 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. Dutch tourist Bob Te Booy said: "I think (a selfie) isn't a good replacement."

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