Arranging the funeral: choices, quotes and costs
A funeral is arranged in the hardest days, often by someone who has never done it. A few landmarks help you decide without being rushed, and without paying more than necessary.
The essentials
In France, the funeral takes place at the latest 14 days after the death. Ask for several quotes; they are free. Costs can be taken from the deceased's account, on presentation of the invoice, up to €5,965. After a cremation, the ashes cannot be kept at home.
The steps, in order
- 01
Look for the deceased's wishes
Burial or cremation, religious or civil ceremony, place: their wishes come first. Also check whether they had a funeral plan, which may already cover and pay for part of the funeral.
- 02
Compare quotes
Funeral home quotes are free and non-binding. Asking for two or three lets you compare equivalent services.
- 03
Choose between burial and cremation
Burial takes place in a cemetery. After a cremation, the urn can be placed in a columbarium, buried in a grave or sealed onto a headstone; the ashes can also be scattered in a place set aside for this or in the open countryside.
- 04
Set the date and the ceremony
No later than 14 days after the death in France, except in special cases. The ceremony is decided with the funeral home, according to the deceased's wishes and the availability of loved ones.
- 05
Pay the costs
On presentation of the invoice, the bank can pay for the funeral with money from the deceased's account, up to €5,965 and the funds available. Otherwise, the heirs pay, each according to their share.
- 06
After a cremation: the ashes
They cannot be kept at home or in any other dwelling. Scattering in the open countryside must be declared to the town hall of the deceased's place of birth. The crematorium can keep the ashes for up to one year, while you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the funeral?
First the deceased's money: their bank can settle the invoice up to €5,965, or a funeral plan if they had one. Otherwise, the heirs, in proportion to what each receives. Someone who paid without being an heir can be reimbursed by them.
Can you keep the urn at home?
No. In France, ashes cannot be kept at home. The urn goes into a columbarium, a grave or onto a headstone, or the ashes are scattered.
Do you have to use the hospital's funeral home?
No. You choose the company, and you can compare quotes, which are free, before committing.
A ceremony, and a place that remains
The online memorial gathers the messages, photos and candles of those who could not come. Its link can be shared in the death notice.
Create the memorial for freeRead also
- A loved one has died abroad: the first stepsA death while travelling or living abroad: who to inform, the consulate's role, the local death certificate and its transcription, insurance, and choosing between a funeral there or repatriation.
- Repatriating a body: the steps in orderWhen the death and the burial do not take place in the same country: the funeral director, the consulate, the transport authorisation, the airtight coffin, the flight and the reception on arrival.
- Estate: where to startThe first steps of an estate in France: the bank, the notary, the choice to accept or renounce, and the estate declaration within six months.
Official sources
- service-public.gouv.fr — Qui doit payer les frais d'obsèques ?
- service-public.gouv.fr — Crémation
- service-public.gouv.fr — Inhumation
Updated on October 23, 2026. This guide summarises the usual steps; it does not replace advice from a notary, a lawyer or your country's authorities. How we write our guides