France Burial Lottery: Win a Chance to Be Buried Near Famous People
The City of Paris has launched a lottery giving Parisians the opportunity to be buried next to renowned figures in iconic cemeteries such as Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse, and Montmartre. Each plot in these historic cemeteries is priced at €4,000.
Burial Spaces Next to Legends
The lottery allows winners to be interred near notable personalities, including legendary artists like Jim Morrison from The Doors, author Oscar Wilde, and the celebrated French singer Édith Piaf.
Lottery Details and Conditions
- Ten gravestones in each cemetery are offered through the lottery.
- Applicants must be residents of Paris to participate.
- The winner, to be announced by January 2026, must restore the gravestone to secure the burial spot.
- The burial plot costs start at €976 for 10 years, with an option for perpetual rights at €17,668.
- If the owner fails to meet the restoration and maintenance requirements, they will forfeit the burial plot and the deposited money.
Background and Context
The initiative addresses the limited burial space in Paris, as the city's cemeteries are overcrowded. As there is a finite amount of land but a continuously growing number of deceased, this lottery manages the high demand.
"There is a finite amount of burial land and an infinite amount of dead people."
Historical Influence
This practice follows the trend set by famous Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe, who, despite being much maligned during her lifetime, influenced the tradition of seeking prestigious burial plots.
"Famous Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe, much maligned during her lifetime, set the trend of famous grave burial."
Author’s summary: Paris introduces a lottery allowing residents to purchase burial plots near legendary figures in its historic cemeteries, balancing limited space with high demand.