Article L3213-2-1 of the French General Code of Local Authorities
When the départements, their groupings and their public establishments make amicable property acquisitions in accordance with the rules of civil law, or when the acquisition takes place by auction, the notary drafting the deed shall, if necessary, proceed, under his responsibility, to purge all liens and mortgages. The funds remitted to him are then considered to have been received by reason of his duties.