France Considers Charging Non-EU Tourists More at Cultural Sites

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati proposes increased fees for non-EU visitors to fund heritage renovations, sparking debate.

Non-EU tourists may face a €5 surcharge at the Louvre, with similar charges proposed for other attractions like the Palace of Versailles and Musée D’Orsay.
The proposal includes a potential entry fee for Notre Dame Cathedral, marking a historic shift as it reopens after the 2019 fire.
Critics argue the fees unfairly target British tourists, who represent a significant portion of France's visitors.
Differential pricing is already common in global tourist destinations like Istanbul, Lisbon, and Tokyo, where foreign visitors often pay more.
Opponents highlight legal and ethical concerns, noting that charging at Notre Dame may violate France's 1905 church-state separation agreement.