I am taking some of my mother's cremated remains to France in a few weeks. I have the paperwork from the funeral home and I have informed the airline. What I don't know is where I can dispose of the remains. It looks like there are no laws governing where to do so from my web research but I am still uncertain what to do with the small case of her cremated remains once I get there. Suggestions?
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Well, you could gently spread them on the ground at Pere Lachaise cemetery, since you have made no other arrangements. Just make sure no one is watching.
Posted by
Hayden, ID
196 posts
Was your mother born in France? If so, her birthplace or another location she particularly liked would seem appropriate. Or,did she always dream of visiting France? Again, a particular location she talked about would seem like a good choice.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Amy,, there was a thread on tripadvisor.com Paris forums about a year ago about this topic.
Apparently its NOT that easy to transport human remains,, even with paperwork from funeral home. I personally would pack a small portion in my carry on and keep quiet about it at security, , BUT answer honestly if asked. I would also make sure to have someone with you at airport that you could give ashes back to if you are refused to take them. The alternative would not be nice,, miss trip or hand over remains at security.
Also, apparently it IS illegal to spread them just anywhere in Paris...you must understand that many people doing same in public areas could be unpleasant .
I think the thread basically came down to take a small symbolic amount to distribute..
Perhaps you could google it,, I will look and see if I can find thread.
Best wishes.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Hi,, found the thread, it was called "scattering of ashes in Paris". And date of orginal post was Jan 18th this year,, sorry, I was off 6 months..
I would google it( sorry I don't know how to post links) and read the thread. Really.