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Paris Lottery Offers Burial Rights in Historic Cemeteries

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Paris launched a lottery to win burial rights in Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse, and Montmartre to restore tombs, as cemeteries have been near capacity since the early 20th century.
Winners can purchase and restore one of 30 tombs across the three cemeteries for 4,000 euros plus restoration costs.
A burial-plot lease starts at 976 euros for ten years.
Applications opened November 5.
Applications close December 31, with a 125-euro registration fee.

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Story summary

Paris launched a lottery to win burial rights in Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse, and Montmartre to restore tombs, as cemeteries have been near capacity since the early 20th century.
Winners can purchase and restore one of 30 tombs across the three cemeteries for 4,000 euros plus restoration costs.
A burial-plot lease starts at 976 euros for ten years.
Applications opened November 5.
Applications close December 31, with a 125-euro registration fee.