France Burial Lottery Offers Chance to Rest Near Famous Figures
Residents of Paris have the unique opportunity to be buried alongside iconic personalities in renowned cemeteries such as Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse, and Montmartre. The City of Paris has introduced a lottery allowing locals to purchase burial plots next to famous stars, including historic artists, Jim Morrison from The Doors, writer Oscar Wilde, and renowned French singer Édith Piaf.
Lottery Details and Costs
Due to limited burial space and growing demand, the Paris city council will hold a lottery for ten gravestones available in each of these overcrowded cemeteries. Each plot is priced at €4000, and the new owner is required to restore the gravestones to secure the burial spot. Winners will be announced by January 2026.
Owners must also cover burial fees starting at €976 for a 10-year period or €17,668 for perpetual tenure. Failure to fulfill these obligations will result in loss of the plot and deposited funds. This lottery is open exclusively to Paris residents.
"There is a finite amount of burial land and an infinite amount of dead people."
Historical Context
The trend of resting near famous graves was popularized by Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe, who, despite criticisms during her life, set a precedent for celebrity burials.
Author’s Summary
This lottery reflects Paris’s creative approach to managing scarce burial space by offering residents the rare chance to be interred beside cultural icons, blending heritage preservation with city planning.