France Burial Lottery: Win a Chance to Rest Among Legends
Paris has unveiled a unique initiative allowing its residents to vie for burial plots near some of the world’s most celebrated figures at historic cemeteries such as Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse, and Montmartre.
Lottery Details
The City of Paris announced a lottery offering locals the opportunity to secure graves close to cultural icons including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Édith Piaf. Each available plot is priced at €4000.
Winners must fund the restoration of adjacent gravestones to gain burial rights beside them. The official selection is scheduled for January 2026.
Ownership and Regulations
Winners will assume full responsibility for the maintenance and future use of their burial plot. Burial rights fees start at €976 for ten years and can reach €17,668 for perpetual ownership. Failure to adhere to terms results in loss of the plot and forfeiture of funds.
Exclusivity for Paris Residents
This opportunity is reserved solely for citizens of Paris, reflecting both the city’s limited burial space and cultural preservation goals.
“There is a finite amount of burial land and an infinite amount of dead people.”
Cultural Context
The initiative recalls how the fascination with resting near icons began decades ago. Legendary Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe, often misunderstood in her lifetime, is noted for inspiring public interest in proximity to the famous in death.
Author’s Summary
The Paris burial lottery creatively tackles space scarcity while granting residents a rare link to the city’s cultural history and its legendary figures.