Versailles Palace: Following the Louvre, the historic site raises prices for specific visitors

Versailles Alters Ticket Prices, International Visitors to Face the Highest Hikes Following the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles is set to increase its entrance fees for international tourists starting January 14, 2026. This move marks a new chapter in France’s cultural strategy, which increasingly relies on attracting and supporting visitors from around the globe.

Following the Louvre, Versailles is also adjusting its ticket prices for visitors outside the European Economic Area. Starting January 14, 2026, entry to the iconic royal estate will increase to 35 euros, up from 32 euros today, representing a 9.4% rise. This decision was approved on November 27 by the Château’s board of directors, aligning with the government’s strategy of implementing differentiated pricing policies.

Louvre Museum: sharp increase in admission fees for foreign visitors starting in 2026
The Louvre is preparing to review its pricing policy with a significant increase in admission prices for visitors from outside Europe starting in January 2026. This decision was made by the government at a time when the museum is reaching historic visitor numbers and preparing new projects. [Read more]

The goal? To fund cultural heritage without placing the entire financial burden on the French. And the potential is significant: with 8.4 million visitors expected in 2024 — 83% of whom are foreigners — Versailles has all the ingredients to boost its coffers. Americans top the tourist ranking (15%), followed closely by Chinese and Italians (each 6%).

Same story at the Louvre: starting January 14th, ticket prices for non-EU residents will jump from 22 to 32 euros, a 45% increase. This move is supported by Rachida Dati, who explained that she wants "non-EU visitors to pay more for their entry ticket, and that this additional revenue will go towards restoring national heritage." She defends this as a "real break" in ticketing policy and recalls that "French people shouldn’t bear the entire cost alone," in an interview with the Figaro.

And that's just the beginning. According to the Ministry of Culture, this new initiative is expected to generate between 20 and 30 million euros annually. It will gradually expand in 2026 to other highly visited cultural sites such as the Opera of Paris, the Sainte-Chapelle, and Chambord Castle…

For non-European tourists, experiencing the French cultural scene may soon come with a slightly higher price tag.

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