Tombe vs. tombeau
In the French language, 'tombe' and 'tombeau' both relate to the final resting places of the deceased but are used in slightly different contexts.
Tombe
The word 'tombe' refers to a grave or burial spot, typically marked by a simple headstone or ground-level marker.
Il est enterré dans la tombe à côté de ses parents.
(He is buried in the grave next to his parents.)
Chaque année, ils déposent des fleurs sur sa tombe.
(Every year, they place flowers on his grave.)
Tombeau
'Tombeau' denotes a more elaborate burial place or monument, often more ornate and substantial than a simple grave. It can refer to mausoleums, sarcophagi, or monumental sculptures.
Le Tombeau de Napoléon est situé aux Invalides à Paris.
(Napoleon's Tomb is located at the Invalides in Paris.)
Ce poète médiéval a été honoré par un magnifique tombeau en marbre.
(This medieval poet was honored with a magnificent marble tomb.)
Summary
'Tombe' and 'tombeau' both refer to places of burial, but differ in their connotations and physical representations. 'Tombe' generally refers to a simpler, ground-level grave, while 'tombeau' implies a more substantial, often monumental burial site.