In 2026, major French museums and landmarks, including the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles and the Arc de Triomphe, will increase their entrance fees for visitors who are not residents of the European Union.
In particular, the cost of a ticket to the Louvre for tourists from outside the EU will increase from €22 to €32 from January 14. It was previously reported that this practice of differentiated tariffs is planned to be applied to other famous monuments – for example, to the Opera Garnier and the Château de Chambord, with the list being expanded in the future2.
The main reason for the price increase is the increase in the cost of maintaining and restoring cultural sites. As well as a reduction in public funding. In addition, the Louvre will strengthen its security system after a recent robbery.
Thanks to the new policy, the Louvre will be able to attract an additional €20 million each year.
The rules will apply to visitors from non-EU countries, including the UK, Norway and Switzerland. However, the changes will not apply to EU citizens, as European law prohibits discrimination based on nationality in access to public cultural institutions.
Other price changes in museums and parks
Last year, tickets to the Louvre were already more expensive due to a 5 euro increase in utility prices.
A similar practice of increasing prices for foreign tourists is planned to be introduced for visiting popular national parks in the US.
Also from 2024, paid entrance to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. There is now a separate entrance for tourists who can enter the mosque only on the second floor by buying a ticket at the ticket office.
Useful articles and links:
- Paris – a mini-guide for a romantic trip
- Walking Porto – three best routes to see the city
- The most beautiful villages in France – a route through Burgundy
- Rome introduces a fee for visiting the Trevi Fountain
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