Letters: French funerals are surprisingly well-organised 

To the Editor,

For all the French red tape you hear about, a funeral here is well thought out.

My father died in hospital and his body was quickly taken to a funeral home close to my parents. Funeral or cremations must take place within seven working days.

Be aware, there has to be a witness to the closing of the coffin. That sounds traumatic, but it isn't. There was a great deal of dignity. 

We had a simple cremation and collected the ashes a few days later (although there was an option to wait and have them sooner).

The ladies in the office, who also do the laying out, organised all the paperwork for returning the ashes to the UK without asking.

My father was organised. He had prepared a file with all his accounts, passwords and necessary contacts. This made everything so much easier because visits to the bank and notaire are a priority. 

The funeral director will probably already have registered the death and given you a dozen death certificates, but if you need more the mairie will print them for you.

Linn Carter, North Yorkshire, UK

Do you have any experience of arranging a funeral in France? How challenging was the adminnistrative side of this? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com