Paris Offers a Unique Opportunity: Win a Burial Plot Among Legends
Imagine being laid to rest alongside some of history's most iconic figures. Well, Parisians now have a chance to make this dream a reality. The city has launched a lottery to restore funerary monuments within the crowded Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse, and Montmartre cemeteries.
Ten gravestones in dire need of repair at each cemetery are up for grabs for €4,000 (£3,500) each. But here's the catch: buyers must restore them and secure a burial plot nearby. This scheme presents a delicate balance between honoring the dead and providing residents with a chance to be buried within the city.
The Paris council explains that the city's cemeteries have been at full capacity since the early 20th century, leaving very few plots available. Maintenance of gravestones is the responsibility of families, not the city, which can lead to neglect over time. However, removing derelict monuments is challenging due to the cemeteries' protected heritage status.
The new program, approved by the council in April, aims to restore these historic burial grounds. These cemeteries have become popular tourist attractions, attracting visitors to pay their respects to the likes of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, and many more.
It's important to note that the scheme doesn't involve selling any of these monuments. Instead, it offers a unique opportunity to preserve history. The 30 available gravestones, dating back to the 19th century, are now without legible inscriptions.
Applications are open exclusively to Parisians, and the lottery will be held in January. However, winning a spot in these historic cemeteries will come at a cost. The winners must restore the purchased monument within six months, maintaining its original design, and secure a nearby burial plot within a specified timeframe. Failure to meet these conditions will result in the sale being canceled.
Burial plots are leased for fixed terms or indefinitely. The cost varies depending on the lease duration: €976 for 10 years, €3,354 for 30 years, €5,260 for 50 years, or €17,668 for perpetuity. If a lease expires without renewal, the plot can be resold and reused.
This innovative approach to cemetery management has sparked curiosity and debate. Will this lottery attract those seeking a unique resting place or those eager to preserve history? The answer lies in the hands of the lucky winners.
