Paris city hall is offering a unique opportunity to be buried alongside renowned artists from history. Interested individuals can participate by entering a draw, investing a few thousand euros, and being willing to restore a neglected tombstone.
The registration deadline for the draw to acquire a burial spot at prestigious Parisian cemeteries, like Père-Lachaise, was on Wednesday. Winners will have the chance to renovate a forgotten grave and, in exchange for their efforts, will gain the right to purchase a burial plot at the cemetery.
Père-Lachaise Cemetery, known for its historical significance, is a popular attraction in Paris, alongside Montmartre and Montparnasse cemeteries. Notable figures laid to rest at Père-Lachaise include Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frédéric Chopin, attracting millions of visitors annually.
City officials have identified 30 graves in need of repair across the three major cemeteries. In Paris, families are responsible for maintaining gravestones, leading to some neglected burial sites over time due to abandonment.
Due to limited availability of new burial spaces within the city limits, the public restoration initiative serves as a compromise between honoring the deceased and providing Parisians with burial opportunities in their city. The lottery draw, exclusive to Paris residents, will take place later in January, requiring a registration fee of 125 euros and a subsequent 4,000 euros payment from winners to secure and restore the allotted gravesite.
Selected participants will have six months to restore the tomb with approved stonemasons before being eligible to purchase their own grave, at a cost of approximately $28,000 for perpetual rights.