France Considers €5 Fee for Notre-Dame Tourist Visits

The proposal aims to fund the preservation of religious heritage, but faces opposition from the Catholic Church and legal challenges.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati suggests a €5 entrance fee for tourists to Notre-Dame, potentially raising €75 million annually.
The funds would support the restoration of deteriorating religious buildings across France, addressing concerns over the state of many churches.
The Catholic Church opposes the fee, citing the principle of free access and the 1905 secularism law prohibiting charges for church entry.
Some European countries already charge for entry to notable religious sites, but the French Church argues for unconditional access.
The proposal has sparked a national debate, with mixed reactions from the public and concerns about its legality and implementation.