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

Title in the Language of the Records
France, Diocèse de Coutances et Avranche, Archives de paroisses catholiques

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 FamilySearch Catalog. For information, see: Photo Duplication 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.

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.

Search the Collection
To search the collection by name, fill in your ancestor’s name in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about those in the list to what you already know about your own ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. 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.

Search the collection by image 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.

For Help Reading These Records=
These records are in Latin. For help reading the records, see the following wiki articles:


 * Latin Genealogical Word List
 * France Language and Languages

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)

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.