French ministers have raised the idea of charging tourists to enter Paris' world-famous Notre-Dame cathedral when it opens in December after a five-year restoration, a proposal that drew a rebuke from the city's diocese on Thursday. Culture Minister Rachida Dati said she had suggested implementing a "symbolic charge" during a conversation with Paris' Catholic archbishop, with proceeds dedicated to conserving the country's religious heritage. FRANCE 24's Emily Boyle reports.

French ministers have contemplated imposing a fee for tourists to enter the Notre-Dame cathedral when it reopens after restoration. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has proposed a five-euro charge to fund religious heritage conservation. The idea has received support from Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.

Non-EU visitors could also have to pay extra to enter the Louvre Museum, under proposals made by Rachida Dati.

France should consider charging visitors a small fee for cultural visitors to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral to help maintain the country’s churches and cathedrals, Culture Minister Rachida Dati has suggested.…