France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati has announced a proposal to introduce a modest entrance fee for visitors to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is set to reopen in December 2024, five years after the devastating fire that engulfed it.
The proposed fee of 5 euros (approximately $4.16) aims to generate significant funds for the preservation of the nation’s religious heritage, particularly the thousands of churches that are currently in disrepair.
The restoration of Notre-Dame is a symbol of France’s commitment to preserving its historical and cultural sites. Dati envisions that the revenue generated from the entrance fee could amount to 75 million euros (around $62.41 million) annually.
She believes this initiative could serve as a model for similar preservation efforts across the country. “Across Europe, visitors pay to access the most remarkable religious sites.
With 5 euros per visitor at Notre-Dame, we could save churches all over France. It would be a beautiful symbol,” Dati stated in an interview with Le Figaro.
The need for funding is pressing. France is home to approximately 42,000 Catholic churches, many of which face dire conditions. Experts estimate that a religious building is lost every two weeks due to neglect, fire, or vandalism.
The French government has recognized this crisis and launched various campaigns to combat it, including the “Loto du patrimoine,” which raises funds specifically for restoration projects.
In 2022, the Interior Ministry allocated 57 million euros to religious heritage, while over the past five years, 280 million euros have been invested in restoring more than 8,000 sites. However, many rural churches remain at risk due to a lack of resources.
The reopening of Notre-Dame is highly anticipated, as the cathedral was once one of the world’s most-visited monuments, attracting between 12 to 14 million visitors annually.
Dati’s proposal has garnered support from other government officials, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who remarked, “If 5 euros can save our religious heritage, it’s worth it — whether you’re a believer or not.”
Importantly, Dati clarified that the entrance fee would not apply to those attending religious services or mass. “Religious services must remain free, but every cultural visitor should contribute to preserving our heritage,” she emphasized on social media platform X.
Before the fire, Notre-Dame had already implemented a fee for visitors wishing to ascend its towers, which allowed them to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris and a close-up of the famous gargoyles.
The entry fee was previously set at 8.50 euros, indicating that visitors were accustomed to contributing to the cathedral’s upkeep.
As France continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis facing its religious heritage, Dati’s proposal represents a proactive approach to ensuring the preservation of not only Notre-Dame but also countless other historical sites across the nation.
The cultural significance of these buildings extends beyond religious practices; they are integral to France’s identity and history, and the need for financial support has never been more critical.
