Key points

• The entrance fee for non-European visitors to the Louvre will increase from €22 to €30 from 2026.

• Versailles, Chambord, the Opéra Garnier, the Conciergerie and the Arc de Triomphe will also adopt this increase.

• European visitors will not be affected by this increase, in accordance with European rules.

• The measure will be tested in 2026, with a possible extension in 2027.

From 1 January 2026 , several of France's largest museums and monuments will apply a higher entrance fee for non-European visitors . The Louvre , the Palace of Versailles , Chambord , the Conciergerie , the Opéra Garnier and the Arc de Triomphe will experiment with this unprecedented measure, with the aim of generating additional resources to meet the significant funding needs of culture in France.

A targeted increase to address a tense budgetary situation

This initiative aims to address the revenue shortfalls of major public cultural institutions. By 2025, the Ministry of Culture saw its budget cut by €150 million , forcing institutions to find new sources of revenue. According to the figures released, the admission fee for non-European visitors to the Louvre will increase from €22 to €30 , an increase of more than 35%.

European visitors, on the other hand, will keep the current rates, in accordance with the non-discrimination rules in force in the European Union.

The Louvre, Versailles and Chambord on the front line

The Louvre , France's largest museum with nearly 9 million annual visitors (the majority of whom are foreign), is to launch a major renovation program estimated at between 400 and 900 million euros over 15 years. The objective is to remedy water infiltration, stabilize internal climatic conditions and modernize the facilities.

The Château de Chambord , an emblem of the French Renaissance, is seeking to raise 100 million euros for the restoration of its royal wings and the upgrading of its infrastructure.

A differentiated tariff inspired by international models

This targeted increase in admission fees is not an exception in Europe or elsewhere in the world. In New York , major institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) and MoMA already charge tourists around $30 . For its part, the British Museum in London is exploring similar options, as the former director of the Victoria & Albert Museum, Sir Mark Jones, recently mentioned.

France is therefore following a global movement, while preserving free or low-cost access for its citizens and residents of the European Union.

A divisive measure

While this policy aims to ensure the sustainability of France's cultural heritage , it nevertheless raises criticism. Some denounce unequal access to culture, particularly for tourists from developing countries. Seeing foreign visitors paying to admire treasures sometimes from their own history – such as the Code of Hammurabi on display at the Louvre – can raise ethical questions.

Voices are also being raised to remind people that the universal mission of museums is to make art accessible to all, regardless of nationality.

A test in 2026, a possible generalization in 2027

The French government is planning an experimental phase in 2026 , before extending the system to other national monuments in 2027 , if the results are deemed positive. According to estimates, the Louvre alone could generate €20 million per year from this new pricing.

This increase in fees for non-European tourists in French museums marks a turning point in the country's cultural management. Between budgetary imperatives, heritage protection, and universal access to culture, France is attempting a new balance. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will appeal to other institutions around the world... or whether it will spark a protest movement among international audiences.

FAQ

Why is this price increase only for non-European visitors?
France complies with European regulations that prohibit discrimination between EU citizens, hence the differentiation of prices for visitors from outside the European Union.

Which museums and monuments are affected?
The Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, Chambord, the Conciergerie, the Opéra Garnier and the Arc de Triomphe will apply this new rate from 2026.

What is the purpose of this increase?
Fund the major renovation work and compensate for budget cuts at the Ministry of Culture.

Will this measure be generalized?
It will be tested in 2026 and could then be extended to other sites in 2027.

Isn't this increase discriminatory?
The debate is open. Some consider it necessary given the financial challenges, while others see it as an attack on universal access to culture.

How does this rate compare to other countries?
International museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York already charge similar rates for tourists.