France Proposes Notre-Dame Entry Fee and Surcharges

The French government, led by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, has proposed a €5 entrance fee for tourists visiting Notre Dame Cathedral when it reopens in December 2024, following its extensive restoration after the 2019 fire. The fee is expected to generate €75 million annually to support the preservation of France's numerous deteriorating religious sites. However, the proposal has drawn opposition from the Archdiocese of Paris and others, who argue that churches should remain free to promote inclusivity. Dati suggests that this fee could serve as a model for funding heritage preservation across the country. Additionally, the proposal includes a surcharge for non-EU visitors to various cultural sites in France, including the Louvre, to further finance national heritage renovations. The debate continues as the reopening of Notre Dame approaches, with the church emphasizing free access as part of its mission.