Similarly, the Louvre Museum anticipates raising €20 million annually through this new fee, contributing significantly to its €400 million renovation costs due by 2040.

Beginning January 1, 2026, France will implement a differential tourist tax for non-European Union visitors, requiring them to pay €30 (approximately AUD$55) to enter major museums and attractions, while EU visitors will only pay €22 (AUD$40).

This new pricing strategy, announced by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, aims to raise funds for the maintenance and preservation of France’s cultural heritage, which includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The tiered pricing structure will initially affect iconic sites such as the Louvre, Château de Versailles, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra Garnier, and Château de Chambord, with more institutions expected to adopt similar fees by 2027.

The differential tariff is projected to generate an additional €27 million annually for the Château de Versailles, which attracts around 8 million visitors each year, 42% of whom are from outside Europe.

However, critics have raised concerns that the higher fees may create inequality between EU and non-EU travelers and could deter tourism from outside Europe.

The long-term effects on French tourism remain uncertain, with potential impacts on visitor numbers from non-EU countries and the balance between financial sustainability and accessibility.

Specific sites affected by the new fees include the Conciergerie, the last prison of the French royal family during the revolution, and the Arc de Triomphe.

The Louvre will be the first to adopt this tiered pricing structure, which will extend to several other significant cultural landmarks in France.

Château de Chambord is also considering increasing its fees by €10, despite only 10% of its visitors being non-EU tourists, to support €100 million in renovations planned over the next decade.

Supporters of the tariff argue that it is essential for the long-term preservation of France's cultural assets, which face high maintenance costs due to heavy visitor traffic.

This pricing model complies with European Commission regulations, ensuring equal access to cultural sites for EU citizens and preventing discrimination based on nationality.