The process of a burial or cremation in France requires the appointment of a local funeral director who will also explain the local process.
The funeral must take place within 6 days of death (Sundays and public holidays not included) with funeral expenses borne by the estate if there are sufficient funds.
Burial
The deceased may be buried in the cemetery of his/her commune of residence, in the commune where the death occurred, or in the cemetery where his/her family has already acquired a burial plot. If the deceased wanted to be buried in another municipality, approval must be obtained from the Mairie of that commune.
Cremation
The choice of crematorium in France is free. The ashes are either kept in a cinerary urn or dispersed in a space specially made for a cemetery, a cinerary site, or scattered in the middle of nature.
Returning the ashes ‘home’.
If you choose local cremation and wish to take the ashes back to the deceased’s country of origin yourself, you can usually do so. Check with the airline regarding specific restrictions or requirements, for example whether you can carry the ashes as hand luggage.
When leaving France with human ashes you will be required to present to customs:
- show the death certificate
- show the certificate of cremation
- fill in a standard customs form when you arrive home
- a certificate from the local Mairie that gives you permission to transport the ashes out of France.