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History, heritage & genealogy

Explore archives, find a collection and document family history. Reliable research retains the record reference, place and date.

Fictional old photographs and a research notebook — AI-generated illustration · Fictional scene.

Everyday practical guides

Document a connection in family historyRead the guide Find a place without erasing its former nameRead the guide

Direct links by need

Explore French national archives

Archives nationales

Open website archives-nationales.culture.gouv.frRecord and sources

Search European heritage collections

Europeana

Open website europeana.euRecord and sources

Find a French heritage record

POP : plateforme ouverte du patrimoine

Open website pop.culture.gouv.frRecord and sources

Prepare your research

Two tasks in this topic need different information. Use these prompts to prepare a search or enquiry.

Prepare your research
Task	Record	What not to infer
Locate an archive	Repository, collection, reference, date and page or view	An identical name does not identify a person
Match a place name	Transcribed form, period and reference source	Keep the old name rather than silently replacing it

Keep missing information visible before deciding.

Before you continue

Do not merge two people based on name alone: cross-check dates, places and family connections in records.

Within our AR network

These websites belong to our network. They appear separately from this topic’s external resources; inclusion does not verify their offers.

General-interest topics and everyday guides are available in four languages. Reference records and digital guides are provided in French and English. External website language depends on the destination.

Editorial selection updated on 2026-10-25