Beginner’s Guide to French Genealogy
Researching French ancestors can feel overwhelming when you don’t live in France or don’t speak the language.
This practical guide was created to help beginners understand how French genealogy works.
It explains how French archives are organized, how to read civil and parish records, and how to structure your research step by step, with clear explanations and real examples.
“Who this guide is for”
This guide is designed for:
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Beginners starting their first French genealogy research
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People with French ancestors living outside France
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Descendants of French emigrants (Canada, USA, UK, Australia…)
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Anyone feeling lost with French archives and administrative records
What you’ll learn in this guide
In this guide, you will learn how to:
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Understand how French archives are organized (civil and parish records)
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Identify the right place and time before starting your research
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Read and interpret French records, even if you don’t speak French fluently
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Avoid common mistakes beginners make in French genealogy
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Organize your findings clearly and consistently
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Use ready-to-use templates to contact archives and town halls
What’s inside the guide
This guide includes:
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A clear step-by-step method to start your French genealogy research
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Explanations of key French records (birth, marriage, death)
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Practical examples taken from real archival documents
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Tips to understand dates, places, and names correctly
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Ready-to-use letter and email templates (France and North America)
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Useful resources and QR codes to access archives easily
Why this guide will help you
Many guides assume you already understand how French archives work.
This one was designed for people starting from scratch, especially those living outside France. It explains the system clearly, without jargon, and helps you avoid frustration and wasted time.
Get the guide
The Beginner’s Guide to French Genealogy is available as a downloadable PDF, designed to be read on screen or printed.
It is intended for personal use and can be consulted at your own pace.
A practical guide for beginners researching French ancestors.
This PDF guide explains how French archives work, how to read civil and parish records, and how to organize your research step by step.