Rules for scattering ashes
I’d like to follow someone’s request and scatter their ashes in a village which is not the one they lived in (although it is in the same commune). I have read I need to notify the marie of the place of birth of the deceased but what if that person was born in the UK? B.J.
When it comes to scattering ashes, there are two main options, either in a cemetery – many have a specific ‘remembrance garden’ where this may be done, or ‘in the wild’ (en pleine nature). If you want to use a remembrance garden you will need permission from the mairie. They will often require some kind of family link with the commune. If it was the same commune but a different village this will probably not pose a problem.
The rules for scattering en plein nature are that the ashes must not go into a public garden or square or onto a public highway.
As you say, in theory you are supposed to inform the mairie of the person’s place of birth. This is so a note can be added to their birth certificate.
Obviously this is not possible if they were not born in France. If the person had taken French nationality you may inform the Service Central de l’Etat Civil in Nantes (11, rue de la Maison Blanche, 44941 Nantes Cedex 09).
Mairies also like to be informed if you plan to scatter ashes in their commune, for example to inform you if your chosen place is not permitted. However this is not a strict obligation. It is also possible to scatter ashes at sea.
The funeral directors usually discuss your wishes and carry out necessary formalities.
