Several of France's major tourist attractions are planning to implement higher ticket prices for visitors from non-EU countries, following the Louvre's lead. This initiative, empowered by President Emmanuel Macron, grants state-run museums the authority to charge different rates based on visitor origin, set to take effect from 2026.

In January, Macron announced that the Louvre would begin charging higher ticket prices to non-EU visitors starting January 1st, 2026, and extended this provision to other state-managed museums, galleries, and tourist attractions. The ultimate pricing decisions, however, rest with the management of each site.

Le Monde reported that several key French sites, including Versailles, the Loire Valley's Chateau de Chambord, the Arc de Triomphe, the Conciergerie in Paris, and the Paris Opéra Garnier, are considering adopting this pricing strategy from 2026. Other museums and tourist sites are still undecided or have not provided responses.

Macron stated that the Louvre will introduce a “varied pricing structure, with higher prices for foreign visitors coming from countries outside the EU.” The legislation effective from January 1st, 2026, will allow other French museums and monuments to modify their entry policies accordingly. This legislation applies exclusively to state-owned and operated tourist sites, encompassing many of France’s most renowned attractions. It remains unclear whether non-EU citizens residing in France will be affected, as the final legislation text is pending.

Current standard adult ticket prices (without discounts) are: Louvre (€22), Versailles (€21 for the chateau, €15 for the gardens, or €32 for the chateau, gardens, and Trianon), Chambord (€19), Arc de Triomphe (€16, including access to the top), Conciergerie (€13), and Opéra Garnier (ranging from €35 to €175, depending on the performance and seating).

Many discount options are available for French museums, including free entry for students, teachers, journalists, low-income individuals, and those aged 26 and under. The Louvre estimates that approximately 40% of its visitors are eligible for free entry. Additionally, cities like Paris offer 'free museum Sundays' on the first Sunday of each month.