Paris Authorities Launch Lottery for Cemetery Plots Near Famous Figures
Paris city officials introduced a unique lottery Sunday, offering winners the chance for eternal rest in historic, abandoned tombs on the condition they restore them. This initiative aims to revive neglected graves while preserving the historical heritage of Paris cemeteries.
High Demand for the Lottery
Paul Simondon, deputy mayor responsible for funeral matters under Anne Hidalgo, shared with AFP that the application forms received 1,000 clicks within the first 24 hours, reflecting strong public interest.
Details of the Cemetery System
- Paris has a total of 634,000 burial plots.
- Famous burial sites include Jim Morrison at Père Lachaise and Simone de Beauvoir at Montparnasse.
- These cemeteries have largely been full since the early 20th century.
Lottery and Restoration Conditions
Paris city hall offers 30 monuments through the lottery: 10 at Père Lachaise, 10 at Montparnasse, and 10 at Montmartre.
- Applicants must provide certificates from specialist stone-cutting companies to confirm awareness of restoration costs.
- If restoration and purchase conditions aren't met, the sale is canceled and the buyer loses their investment.
"That restoration mechanism allows families for the first time to anticipate purchasing a burial site within city limits," said Paul Simondon.
The historic value of these cemeteries prevents destruction of abandoned graves, ensuring preservation alongside renewal.
Author's Summary
This lottery allows Parisians to obtain prestigious burial plots by restoring neglected historic tombs, balancing heritage preservation with new opportunities for eternal rest.
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