France ramps up entry fees for Britons hoping to visit popular tourist attraction in Paris
Britons in France face a new fee
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In a blow to British tourists, holidaymakers from outside the EU will have to pay more to visit the Louvre in Paris starting next year.
President Emmanuel Macron revealed that visitors from outside the European Union will be charged more to enter the Paris landmark from next year.
The announcement coincides with a major six-year renovation of the world's most-visited museum.
The extensive overhaul aims to modernise the centuries-old palace, with plans including a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa and improved visitor facilities.
New plans for the Louvre include a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa
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The historic museum welcomes nine million visitors annually, more than double the four million it was designed to accommodate when it was last modernised in the 1980s.
Under the new renovation plans, the Louvre will expand its capacity to handle up to 12 million annual visitors.
The project addresses the overwhelming crowds that regularly fill the former royal palace on the banks of the Seine.
A new entrance system will be implemented to improve visitor flow throughout the museum, combatting current congestion issues.
The Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, will receive its own dedicated space with a separate entrance, making it easier for art enthusiasts to view the iconic painting.
These changes aim to transform what the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, described as a "physical ordeal" into a more manageable experience for visitors.
The centuries-old museum building is currently in a "dire state", according to Laurence, with leaks and temperature fluctuations that could put artworks at risk.
Visitors currently struggle with a confusing layout and insufficient facilities, including limited space for breaks, dining, and toilets.
The extensive renovation will be self-funded through the Louvre's resources, including ticket sales, sponsorships and earnings from its Abu Dhabi branch.
President Macron emphasised that the project "will not weigh on the taxpayer", with a spokesman for the head of state saying only a "very small part" will be financed by taxpayers.
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The Louvre is one of Paris' top tourist attractions
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The French president drew parallels with the recently reopened Notre Dame cathedral, stating: "While Notre Dame was the architectural catalyst of our craftsmanship, this project for the Louvre must be for art, art history and its transmission a new step in the life of the nation."
British holidaymakers face further changes as Malaga, Spain implements a three-year ban on the registration of new holiday rentals in 43 neighbourhoods.
Britons have fought back against restrictions and anti-tourist sentiment, with some vowing to "hit them where it hurts" by boycotting the tourist hotspot.
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