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French nature festival is a paradise for bird watchers
The spring event runs from April 12-20, showcasing the rich flora and fauna of the Baie de Somme
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Bank transfers in France will soon be paused for a few days
The European payment system will take a break for Easter
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D-Day silhouettes overlooking the British Normandy Memorial return for a second year
‘I don’t think anyone could walk through without getting a real sense of respect for the soldiers who died here’
Do residents have right to be buried in their village?
If I live in France do I have automatic right to be buried in my village? J.H.
You do, and your nationality makes no difference, assuming that there is a public cemetery with available plots.
As a rule, residents of France have the right to be buried in the cemetery of the commune where they lived, where they died or where they have a family tomb.
It may be possible in other communes (especially if you lived there at some point or you have family there) but the mayor can refuse, giving reasons, for example because you have no demonstrable link with the area.
It is not generally possible to be buried on private property, though it is sometimes allowed, on permission of the regional prefect. Practical reasons also usually make it inappropriate – for example, if the property is sold a right remains for relatives to visit the grave.
It is possible to reserve a burial plot in your lifetime, and this may simplify matters for relatives. You, or your relatives if you did not do this, would talk to the mairie or, in some larger towns, the bureau des cimetières. Costs vary on the timespan, from around five years to perpetuity.