Notre-Dame's Proposed Entry Fee Sparks Controversy in Paris

The suggestion to charge tourists for entry into Notre-Dame Cathedral ignites debates over heritage, legality, and accessibility.

• Rachida Dati, France's Culture Minister, proposed a €5 entry fee for tourists visiting Notre-Dame to fund religious heritage preservation.
• The proposal has faced strong opposition from the Diocese of Paris and city officials, citing the tradition of free church access under France's 1905 law.
• Critics argue that charging for entry would undermine Notre-Dame's role as a place of worship and cultural symbol accessible to all.
• Supporters, including some regional politicians, see the fee as a practical solution for funding the maintenance of France's religious sites.
• The debate highlights broader issues of balancing heritage preservation with maintaining public access to cultural and spiritual landmarks.

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