As Notre Dame prepares for its grand reopening on December 8 after a five-year restoration following a devastating fire, a heated debate has emerged regarding the potential implementation of an entry fee for visitors.
France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, recently suggested a modest €5 fee for tourists who wish to explore the iconic cathedral, often referred to as “the soul of France,” in hopes of funding the preservation of the country’s historic churches.
Dati highlighted that many prominent cathedrals across Europe already charge admission, asserting the need for such a fee to support France’s crumbling religious sites. “I proposed a very simple idea to the archbishop of Paris: a symbolic fee for all tourist visits to Notre Dame,” she told Le Figaro. This revenue could potentially generate up to €75 million annually, aimed at bolstering a comprehensive preservation initiative for France’s religious heritage.
Support for the idea has come from figures like France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, who expressed that if a €5 charge could safeguard France’s religious heritage, it would be a beneficial move regardless of personal beliefs. The plight of many religious structures in France is concerning, with approximately 5,000 at risk and nearly 500 in such disrepair that they are closed to the public, according to the Fondation du Patrimoine, a national heritage charity.
However, the Catholic Church in France has vehemently opposed the fees, arguing for free access for all visitors, whether they are worshippers or tourists. The Notre Dame diocese emphasized that churches should be accessible to everyone without charge, citing complications in distinguishing between tourists and individuals seeking private prayer.
Their statement explained that a universal entrance fee could deter visitors from experiencing a space that is meant to be welcoming to all. Legal challenges may also arise from France’s 1905 secularism law, which prohibits any taxes or fees on church visits. Legal experts pointed out that the law, although not enshrined in the French constitution, could potentially be reassessed if the government pursues a fee system.
Paris Mayor Ariel Weil acknowledged the significance of the issue, asserting that while the current proposal may be impractical, it raises vital questions about managing the influx of visitors to Notre Dame and funding necessary investments in France’s religious heritage. “Perhaps a voluntary contribution, with a suggested fee at the entrance?” he posited, noting the potential for visitors to contribute while still enjoying the cathedral’s historical and spiritual offerings.
Stéphane Bern, an advisor to President Macron on heritage matters, added that while access should remain free during services, charging tourists could be a reasonable approach. “Is it really so bad to charge tourists in shorts, with cameras around their necks?” he questioned, highlighting the complexity of balancing tourism and preservation in one of the world’s most visited religious sites.
