British tourists planning a cultural trip to Paris are facing significantly higher costs to visit one of the world's most famous museums. The Louvre has implemented a substantial price increase for visitors from outside the European Union, including the United Kingdom.
A Steep Rise for International Visitors
From this week, the entry fee for the Louvre has jumped to €32 (approximately £27) for non-EU citizens. This represents a 45% mark-up on the previous ticket price. The change, which came into effect on Wednesday, affects tourists from the UK, the US, Norway, Iceland, and other nations outside the European bloc.
The price adjustment is not isolated to the Louvre. Visitors to the Palace of Versailles have also been hit with an increase, with tickets there rising by €3 (£2.60). The French government has framed the move as a necessary measure to preserve the country's national heritage.
Funding France's Cultural Legacy
France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, explicitly justified the new charges. "I want visitors from outside the EU to pay more for their entry tickets and for that surcharge to go toward funding the renovation of our national heritage," she stated. The politician added, "The French are not meant to pay for everything all by themselves."
The additional revenue is expected to contribute to an ambitious, billion-euro renovation project for the Louvre, announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2025. The museum, which first opened its doors in 1793 and welcomes around 8.7 million visitors annually, is reportedly showing signs of wear and requires significant structural work to secure it for future generations.
Controversy and Practical Changes
The decision has not been met with universal approval. Trade unions within the Louvre have voiced strong opposition, labelling the two-tier pricing system as "shocking philosophically, socially and on a human level." They argue that the museum's vast collection of 500,000 artefacts should remain accessible to everyone.
For British tourists, the new system introduces practical changes. When booking online, visitors must now declare their country of origin. Those purchasing tickets on the day at the museum will need to provide ID to confirm their nationality.
The Louvre's need for renovation funding was thrown into sharp relief last autumn following a brazen daylight robbery. In October, thieves entered the Apollo Gallery at around 9:30 am and, using angle grinders, stole nine pieces of unique jewellery from the Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte collection, valued at roughly £78 million. Four suspects have since been charged in connection with the seven-minute heist.
