The Palace of Versailles to raise prices for non-EU citizens from 2026

The Palace of Versailles confirmed to introduce higher admission prices for visitors from outside the European Union beginning in 2026, joining a growing number of major French cultural institutions that are adopting differentiated pricing based on visitors’ residency status.

From mid-January 2026, non-EU and non-European Economic Area (EEA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) visitors will pay more to access the world-known 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.

According to officials familiar with the plan, the higher tariff 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, 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 argued 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, one of the world’s most visited monuments

Versailles faces ongoing preservation challenges linked to aging 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 admired the palace and dependences in 2024 (with 83% foreign visitors). In total, Versailles Palace authorities estimate that up to 15 million visitors come for the entire complex (palace, park, gardens) in a typical year.

Supporters of the measure say asking long-haul tourists to contribute more is reasonable, particularly as many European museums already offer reduced or free access to EU residents under long-standing cultural policies. Additional revenue, they argue, will help safeguard France’s cultural treasures without placing a heavier burden on public finances.

The decision, however, has sparked debate. Critics, including some unions and cultural commentators, have accused authorities of introducing a form of cultural discrimination that runs counter to the principle of universal access to heritage. They warn that differentiated pricing could set a precedent for other museums and monuments across Europe.

Louvre Museum goes on strike

In another development, another French cultural icon, the Louvre Museum, entered into a general strike on Monday, December 15. Tensions at the Louvre have recently been highlighted by a spectacular jewel heist estimated at €88 million.

Workers at the world’s most-visited museum went on strike, shuttering the institution for the day in protest of deteriorating working conditions, staffing shortages, and recent policies including a planned 45% ticket price increase for non-EU visitors. Staff voted to continue a renewable strike that will affect visits over the next couple of days. France’s ministry of culture vowed meanwhile to look for a solution to have the museum to be open during the coming holiday season.

Union leaders said the action was a response to what they called systemic neglect of security and infrastructure that exposed the museum’s vulnerabilities.

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