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French culture minister: Notre Dame could be cash cow

Paul Heymont 3 hours ago

With Paris's Notre Dame cathedral set to re-open to the public on December 8, France's Minister of Culture is pushing for a €5 admission charge with the potential, she says, to raise €75 million per year.

Rashida Dati told Le Figaro that "Notre-Dame de Paris would save all of the churches in Paris and France. It would be a magnificent symbol." Up to now admission has been free, and Dati said it would still be free for those attending services.

She also pointed out that many other religious landmarks in Europe have entry fees, ranging as high as €26 at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica. Her idea has drawn some support from France's interior minister and the head of the Ile de France region. Public reaction may be quite different.

Image: PHeymont/TravelGumbo

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