French Birth Certificate

[Atheist]

I am trying to get a copy of my wife's deceased father's French birth certificate. I tried the French government site, but was told that 1906 was too long ago for them to help. Any advice wold be welcome.

[kvalidir]

If you know where he was born you ought to be able to obtain a copy from the Bureau d l'etat Civil Town Hall Archives, where you will have to search the Gazettes for the correct entry and can usually gain a copy.
There is an online index here which might help you. x

https://francearchives.fr/map/b2b076144a3c4392a34b14bb5e364c95

[Atheist]

Thanks kval. I'll try it.

[kvalidir]

I'm not a French speaker unfortunately but if you need further suggestions I am a Genealogist as a hobby and usually quite successful so would be happy to help if I can. x

[Atheist]

Your link led me to where I've already been - the natal village archives, where the birth was registered, but no birth certificates seem to be kept there. I think I need a more central source, a bit like Somerset House I expect. Thanks for your help, and best wishes.

[Atheist]

I have enough French to deal with French bureaucracy. Any ideas you have would be most welcome. Thank you again.

[dannyk13]

The French Consulate should be able to put you on the right track:-
020 7033 1200

[kvalidir]

It seems once they are over 100 years old they are also recorded at a central repository 'Departmental Archive' but I can't find out where (not being a French speaker). It should certainly be available I just don't know where from as yet x

[scorpiojo]

Any help?

http://www.guide-genealogie.com/guide/archives_adresses.html

[Atheist]

Thanks, Danny. kval, I ended up back where I was. I'll do more searching online. If I can ever repay you by french translation (not long stuff like Proust!) just ask.

[scorpiojo]

^^^

[kvalidir]

Thank you, that may be very welcome one day :) x

[Atheist]

Thanks, scorpio. I've already been there without success. I've mailed the mairie of the natal village and I'm hoping they'll help out a descendant of an old village family.

[peter486]

Go to hospital where she born