Cemeteries are not fixed forever; they sometimes need to be relocated. These are complex projects that could become more frequent due to factors like climate change. Cemetery relocations, often referred to as "translations," are sensitive because they change the way families relate to their deceased and their burial places. While cemeteries seem permanent, they have been moved throughout history, often reflecting broader changes in society and burial practices. Historically, in France, the movement of burials began with the rise of Christianity, which encouraged burials near sacred places. By the 16th century, urban areas faced challenges such as limited space and health risks from decomposing bodies in parish cemeteries. In 1776, a royal decree ordered the expansion or relocation of cemeteries that threatened air quality. One of the most famous relocations was the closure of the Parisian cemetery of the Innocents in 1780, which led to the creation of the catacombs and major cemeteries like Père-Lachaise. In the 19th century, a decree established regulations for cemeteries that are still in use today. More recently, other factors have caused cemetery relocations. For example, the construction of hydroelectric dams in the 1960s and 1970s led to the relocation of entire villages, including their cemeteries. In 2010, the cemetery of a former psychiatric hospital in Évreux was moved due to infrastructure development. Climate change is now emerging as a new driver of cemetery relocations. In 2014, the cemetery in Oso, Washington, was temporarily moved after a landslide. In Happisburg, England, erosion threatens a cliffside cemetery, and in France, the town of Jugon-les-Lacs has closed its churchyard cemetery due to flood risks. Coastal cities like Dunkerque and Saint-Malo may also see their cemeteries affected by rising sea levels. Relocating a cemetery is a complex process that depends on the availability of a new burial site or the expansion of an existing one. Regulations dictate the size and layout of cemeteries, including the need for sufficient space and proper groundwater conditions. Urban planning and environmental considerations also play a role, as new cemeteries must comply with local development plans and ecological protections. In cities where land is scarce, these requirements can be difficult to meet, making cemetery relocations even more challenging. Once a relocation is decided, it follows a three-phase process. The first phase involves a five-year waiting period during which the old cemetery remains untouched, allowing families to request the exhumation and reburial of their loved ones. The second phase involves the official transfer of remains, with some graves potentially being grouped in an ossuary if not claimed. The final phase allows the land to be sold after a period of use. These projects are time-consuming and costly, and as a result, they remain relatively rare. However, with climate change and other environmental pressures, cemetery relocations may become more common in the future.