Stranger leaves €10m to village that shares his name despite never having visited

The unexpected windfall, which amounts to roughly five times the village's annual budget, came as a Christmas surprise to the community.

The deceased had no children or close relatives when he made the decision to leave his wealth to his namesake village.

Despite his substantial wealth, Roger Thiberville lived modestly in a small Paris flat, though he owned four apartments in an affluent area of the city.

His fortune stemmed from a wine-making family background, having inherited money from both his parents and his childless sister.

The former meteorological engineer's connection to the village remained a mystery to locals.

"We didn't know this gentleman," said Mayor Guy Paris.

"Did he once come here? We haven't got any information about that. That is what makes it so extraordinary."

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The village plans to honour his memory with a memorial featuring sun and clouds, symbolising his meteorological career.

The village mayor initially thought the inheritance was a prank when first contacted by a notary in September.

"We all thought it was a practical joke to begin with," said Guy Paris, who received confirmation of the exact amount just weeks before Christmas.

The inheritance became official after meetings with local officials, including the deputy prefect and tax department of Eure.

The village will not have to pay inheritance tax on the sum as it is being given to a public body.

The windfall will allow Thiberville to clear its €400,000 debt while avoiding any tax increases for residents.

The village has ambitious plans for the unexpected inheritance.

"We want to create a public park, renovate the primary school and the roof of the church, and build a football pitch," said Mayor Paris.

Plans also include building a new fire station and a care home for older people.

Local restaurant owner Ludivine Julou expressed optimism about the windfall: "The amount speaks for itself. This money is going to help us do a lot of things."

The funds will support various initiatives to improve local life and assist local businesses.

"We should use it to provide better facilities for young people," said Bruno, a local resident. "That's something we really need."

The story has drawn significant media attention to the normally quiet village.

"It's crazy but wonderful that we've got this windfall and it can really change our lives. What a superb Christmas present!" said one resident.

"We've never had so many journalists descending on us before," said Robert, a villager. "Frankly, we'll be glad when things calm down."

The news has sparked envy in neighbouring communities, with Serquigny's mayor Frédéric Delamare jokingly asking if there might be a wealthy namesake who could leave his village a fortune too.