Paris Authorities Launch Unique Cemetery Lottery
Paris city officials have introduced an unusual lottery to assign burial places in historic cemeteries, offering winners a chance for eternal rest in neglected tombs that require restoration.
Interest in the Lottery
Paul Simondon, deputy mayor in charge of funeral matters, told AFP that within the first 24 hours, the application forms received 1,000 clicks, demonstrating strong public interest.
Background on Paris Cemeteries
The cemetery system in Paris contains 634,000 plots. However, the opportunity to be buried near iconic figures such as American musician and poet Jim Morrison in Père Lachaise or French writer Simone de Beauvoir in Montparnasse has been unattainable because these historic cemeteries have been full since the early 20th century.
Lottery Details
- 30 monuments are being offered through the lottery: 10 in Père Lachaise, 10 in Montparnasse, and 10 in Montmartre.
- Applicants must provide certificates from specialist stone-cutting companies, confirming awareness of renovation costs.
Simondon emphasized that this requirement ensures no surprises regarding restoration expenses. If restoration and purchase conditions are not fulfilled, the sale is canceled and the investment is lost.
"That restoration mechanism allows families for the first time to anticipate purchasing a burial site within city limits," Simondon remarked.
Significance of the Initiative
This approach addresses the preservation of abandoned graves with historic value, which have prevented the demolition of these tombs. It offers a rare opportunity for families to secure burial sites in Paris while contributing to the upkeep of the city’s heritage.
Author’s summary: Paris has initiated a cemetery lottery allowing people to buy and restore historic tombs, creating a unique way to secure burial sites near famous personalities while preserving heritage.