France Increases Museum Entry Fees for Non-Europeans by Up to 45%

France has announced a new pricing system for entry to its major museums and heritage sites, introducing different rates based on visitors’ nationality. The move aims to boost funding for the maintenance and restoration of cultural sites.

According to France 24, the new policy has raised the entry fee for the famous Louvre Museum to €32 for non-EU visitors, compared to just €22 for Europeans, representing an increase of up to 45% in some cases. This change affects around 2.5 million visitors annually.

The system is not limited to the Louvre; it also applies to the historic Palace of Versailles and other landmarks such as Sainte-Chapelle, Chambord Palace, and the Paris Opera, with noticeable price differences between European and non-European visitors.

The French Ministry of Culture hopes this change will increase revenues by €20–30 million annually to support maintenance and restoration efforts.

However, the decision has sparked significant domestic debate, with some unions opposing the pricing discrimination, arguing it creates a barrier to the principle of open access to culture.

This development comes as France seeks to maximize financial resources for its tourist and heritage sites, while the pricing disparities raise discussions about their impact on tourism and fair access to cultural experiences.

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