It has been a controversial proposal since the reopening of Notre-Dame. The Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, confirmed his proposal of charge entrance fees for tourists visiting Notre-Dame de Paris, an iconic monument welcoming more than 13 million visitors per year. According to her, a symbolic contribution of 5 Euros could generate 65 million euros annually, which would be dedicated to the restoration of a largely threatened religious heritage, including around 4 buildings at risk.
Despite Rachida Dati's wishes, The diocese of Paris remains firmly opposed to this idea., reaffirming the principle of free places of worship, a pillar defended by the Catholic Church in France. “Churches and cathedrals must remain accessible to all, without financial barriers”, declared recently Mgr Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, in an interview given to La CroixThis debate reflects a broader dilemma between cultural accessibility and heritage funding.
However, Rachida Dati insists on the urgency: "No, this idea is not abandoned", she said when announcing a full state contribution to the restoration of the spire of the Saint-Bénigne Cathedral in Dijon. This project, estimated at 22 million euros, symbolises the government's commitment to safeguarding historic religious monuments. The spire of Saint-Bénigne, at 93 metres high, houses the tallest wooden frame in France after that of Notre-Dame.
The project is part of a context where budgets dedicated to culture are under pressure. The minister expressed her satisfaction at having obtained an additional 300 million euros for her ministry in 2025 thanks to the support of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Nevertheless, she launched a strong appeal to local authorities not to disengage, recalling the importance of culture as a lever for social cohesion and territorial attractiveness.
The statement comes shortly after the Pays de la Loire region voted for drastic budget cuts in the cultural sector, raising concerns among industry players. "For a long time, culture was seen as a luxury or a leisure activity, but today, many mayors realize that it is a priority", underlined the minister.
The French debate on cultural funding echoes similar initiatives in Europe. In Spain, for example, Barcelona's Sagrada Familia generates considerable revenue through a paid entry policy. These funds finance not only the finishing work on the building, but also many social and cultural projects. In Italy, some churches and cathedrals have adopted a mixed model: free entry for believers wishing to pray, but paying for tourists? But here again, unanimity is far from being achieved.
