France considers luxury hotel tax

France is considering whether to introduce a tax for luxury hotels, such as those in Paris, in order to fund restoration work on some of the country's age-worn buildings.

A €2 (£1.50) tax on stays in four and five-star hotels is being considered, according to reports, which could generate an extra €50 million a year to be added to the restoration pot, which already receives €300 million from state funding.

Christine Albanel, France's culture minister, claimed the tax is "half the price of a soda from the minibar", suggesting the tax will be a small price to pay to those staying in luxury hotels in France.

A recent report highlighted that more than 40 per cent of France's historically significant properties are damaged or in poor condition, with the tax and state funding hoping to redress this problem that has increased from 32 per cent five years ago.

Ms Albanel suggested that the tax would be paid by people who generally head to France to visit such sites in any case.

Fundraising involving the national lottery has also been considered by the French government, according to the reports.

France holds Heritage Days each year, aimed at connecting the French with their cultural history and allowing them to celebrate their place in the world.

Enjoy the historical sights and sounds of Paris.

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