PARIS — Rachida Dati, the French culture minister, has put forward a proposal to charge an entrance fee for visitors to Notre Dame cathedral, which is scheduled to reopen in December following extensive renovations after the devastating fire five years ago. This initiative aims to generate funds designated for the maintenance and preservation of the nation’s significant religious structures.
Notre Dame’s impressive architecture, including its high ceilings, intricate stained-glass installations, and renowned organ, will once again be accessible to the public after a hiatus caused by the fire that occurred in April 2019. Dati’s proposal suggests a fee of 5 euros (equivalent to approximately $4.16), which could potentially yield an annual income of 75 million euros (about $62.41 million) to assist in restoring France’s aging religious buildings. Dati believes that Notre Dame can serve as an exemplar for broader preservation initiatives across the country.
In her remarks, Dati highlighted the common practice across Europe of charging for entry to notable religious sites. She expressed that the funds collected from visitors to Notre Dame could significantly contribute to the safeguarding of churches throughout France, calling it a “beautiful symbol.”
There is an urgent need for these funds, as France is home to around 42,000 Catholic churches, many of which face serious deterioration. Experts indicate that a religious structure is lost every two weeks due to neglect, fire, or vandalism.
The French government has implemented various campaigns aimed at addressing this heritage crisis, including the Loto du patrimoine, which supports restoration initiatives. In the previous year, the Interior Ministry allocated 57 million euros for the preservation of religious heritage, and over the past five years, 280 million euros have been distributed toward the restoration of more than 8,000 sites. Nevertheless, numerous rural churches continue to be at risk.
The reopening of Notre Dame carries significant emotional weight, as it was one of the most popular monuments in the world, drawing between 12 and 14 million visitors annually.
Dati’s proposal has received backing from various quarters, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who stated, “If 5 euros can save our religious heritage, it’s worth the cost — no matter one’s beliefs.”
On the social media platform X, Dati clarified that the proposed entrance fee would be applicable to cultural visitors but would not extend to individuals attending mass or other spiritual services, emphasizing that religious ceremonies should remain free. She insisted on the importance of every cultural visitor helping to fund the preservation of France’s cultural legacy.
Before the fire, Notre Dame had already employed an entrance fee for those wishing to climb its iconic towers. Visitors had to pay 8.50 euros to ascend the 387 steps, taking in a panoramic view of Paris while enjoying a close-up of the cathedral’s famous gargoyles.