A growing number of major French cultural institutions are adopting differentiated pricing based on visitors’ residency status, making it more expensive for those who live outside Europe.
The Palace of Versailles this week confirmed it will introduce higher admission prices for visitors from outside the European Union beginning in 2026, news hub Travel Mole reported.
From mid-January 2026, non-EU and non-European Economic Area (EEA) visitors will pay more to access the world-renowned former royal residence west of Paris, one of France’s most visited cultural landmarks.
The move follows a similar decision by the Louvre Museum and reflects a broader strategy encouraged by the French government to secure additional funding for the upkeep and modernization of the country’s most heavily visited heritage sites.
Officials familiar with the plan reported the higher tariffs will apply mainly during peak periods, when international tourism is at its strongest.
Tickets for non-EU visitors could rise to around €35 during high season. That is 5 euros more than the standard rate currently paid by European visitors.
EU and EEA residents will continue to benefit from existing pricing structures.
The French Ministry of Culture has said that the policy is designed to make major cultural institutions more financially sustainable at a time when operating costs, security requirements, and restoration expenses are rising sharply.
Versailles faces ongoing preservation challenges linked to ageing buildings, climate impacts, and the sheer volume of foot traffic through its historic halls and gardens.
According to data from 2024, around 8.4 million visitors visited the palace in 2024 (with 83% of visitors foreigners).
The decision, however, has sparked debate. Critics, including some unions and cultural commentators, have accused authorities of introducing a form of cultural discrimination.
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