In a bid to address the growing crisis facing France’s aging religious structures, Culture Minister Rachida Dati has proposed a novel solution: a €5 entrance fee for tourists visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral. This fee, according to Dati, would be directed towards funding much-needed restoration work for other religious buildings across the country.
The proposal, published in an interview with Le Figaro, comes as hundreds of churches nationwide are in dire need of repair, facing potential partial collapse or demolition. Some of the most prominent examples include Saint-Sulpice in Paris, the Notre-Dame de l’Épine in Marne, and the Saint-Denis Basilica in Saint-Denis.
Dati has reportedly suggested this plan to the Archbishop of Paris, emphasizing that all funds generated would be dedicated to preserving France’s religious heritage. With an estimated revenue of €75 million per year, this initiative could significantly bolster restoration efforts.
The proposal has received support from Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, highlighting the growing concern for the preservation of France’s religious buildings. The move also reflects a broader trend towards seeking alternative funding sources for cultural preservation, as many nations grapple with aging infrastructure and limited budgets.
This initiative comes as Notre-Dame de Paris, a symbol of French cultural heritage, is set to reopen on December 7th after nearly five years of reconstruction following the devastating fire of 2019.
Furthermore, Dati has announced plans to modulate pricing for national monuments and museums beginning in 2026. This suggests a broader shift towards a more nuanced pricing strategy, potentially offering discounted rates for French visitors while generating additional revenue from international tourists.