France, Coutances et d'Avranches Diocese, Catholic Parish Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Image Visibility
Publication of French records at FamilySearch.org is authorized by the French Commission for Informatics and Liberties (CNIL). CNIL does not allow publication of sensitive data below 150 years. If any of the entries on a film exceed the cut off dates, the entire film will be restricted from online publication For example, a record from 1840 may not show up if there are entries for 1880 on the same film. Images for additional years may be viewed on microfilm and through other mediums.

Microfilms and microfiche are available for viewing at your nearest FamilySearch Center. For information see: Ordering Microfilm or Microfiche.

You may request a digital copy of items found in the Family History Library Catalog. For information see: https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Photoduplication_Services

The archives of France (in French)

Record Description
This Collection will include records from 1533 to 1906.

Name index and images of Catholic parish registers recording events of baptism, marriage and burial in the Diocese of Coutances et d'Avranche. Parishes within this diocese are within the boundaries of the department of Manche.

Entries were made in chronological order, with the records being written in Latin. Confirmations were not consistently recorded.

Publication of French records is authorized by the French commission for Informatics and Liberties (CNIL). The French commission for Informatics and Liberties (CNIL) does not allow publication of sensitive data within the past 150 years.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
Baptismal records may include the following information:


 * Name and age of deceased
 * Date and place of death
 * Names of parents of deceased or
 * Name of spouse
 * Names of witnesses (sometimes)

How to Use the Records
Parish registers are the best source for identifying individuals, parents, and spouses in France before 1792. Civil registration began in September 1792; after this date, civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths is equally important. The information recorded in the parish registers confirms the information found in the civil registers. To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links: ⇒Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page ⇒Select the "Township" category ⇒Select the "Parish" category ⇒Select the "Year Range" category which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

Related Websites
French Genealogy &amp; Family History

Related Wiki Articles

 * France
 * France Church Records
 * France Resources
 * History of France - sites and blogs (in French)
 * Beginning Research in France: Part 1 of 2 (videos and slides)

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
"France, Coutances Catholic Diocese, 1802-1907," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FRP9-G6B : accessed 23 April 2012), Marie Louise Henry, baptism 11 April 1856; citing Catholic parishes in France. Parish registers, Catholic Diocesan Archives, Coutances, France.