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**Paul E** · 02-23-2008, 02:25 PM

Mansal be warned, France is not like some other countries particulary Eastern Europe, if the Gendarmes catch you digging or metal detecting they might not be very happy !!!!

That's if they catch you of course !!!!

Paul

**scotty1418** · 02-23-2008, 03:06 PM

Isn't it allowed on private land with permission though?

I just thought that on public land and historical sites it was most definitely against the law...

(in regards only to france)

**PIERRE.H** · 02-24-2008, 09:48 AM

Hi Mansal,

Law N 89-900 of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:date Month="12" Day="18" Year="1989">December 18th, 1989</st1:date> relative to the use of the detectors of metals.<O></O>
- Nobody can use of the material(equipment) allowing the detection of metal objects, in the effect of researches for monuments and for objects being able to interest the prehistory, the history, the art or the archaeology, without having obtained, beforehand, an administrative authorization delivered according to the qualification of the plaintiff as well as the nature and the modalities of the research.<O

</O

The authorization to use of the material allowing the detection of metal objects, foreseenin the 1st article of the law of November 18th, 1989, is granted, at request of the interested, by order of the prefect of region in which is situated the ground to be canvassed.<O

</O

The demand of authorization clarifies the identity, the skills and the experience of his author, as well as the location, the scientific objective and the duration of the prospectings<O

</O

When the prospectings must be made on a ground not belonging to the author of the demand, this last one has to join to its file The assent written by the owner of the ground and, if necessary, that of quite other legal successor.<O

</O

The order granting the fixed authorization the conditions according to which the prospectings must be led.<O

</O

When the holder of an authorization does not respect the prescriptions, the prefect of region pronounces the retreat of the authorization.
<O

</O

But in practice, consequently where it is not a question of an archaeological ground, there are not too many problems (ex: beaches, fields, etc...). On the other hand, it is formally forbidden to use metal detectors on historic sites like <st1:City><ST1

Verdun</ST1

l</st1:City>, the beaches of Normandie 1944, etc....
Of course, lot of people keep their finds at home

Best regard
Pierre<O

</O

**PZIV** · 02-24-2008, 12:44 PM

So if I find a nice ol' forum member who has connections on private property I could still dig, yet?

**Relic collector** · 02-27-2008, 02:26 AM

If you're looking for somewhere to stay and some areas to detect drop me a PM and I'll get back to you later.

Steve

**prussian.guard** · 02-27-2008, 07:59 AM

the old argument is that ww2 battlefield sites are of no historical interest.i go digging on the somme quite often without hinderince.obviously if i went into a memorial park thats diffrent.usually i bung a farmer 20 euros and he lets me dig on his land all day.
just be careful where you dig

**PIERRE.H** · 02-28-2008, 03:07 AM

Hi all,

Be carrefull where you go to dig !
Let us begin with the departmental bans: - the Oise, the Somme(these 2 departments are totally forbidden), AISNE (since 1983) at least 98 municipalities are forbidden).
The Meuse ( a big partpart) Normandy (Falaise pocket, D-Day beaches ). ALL THESE BANS WERE TAKEN TO ASSURETHE SAFETY OF THE PERSONS BECAUSE OF NOT EXPLODED AMMUNITIONS ONTHE TERRITORY OF THESE MUNICIPALITIES.

Then come the municipal bans (it is the municipality which decides to take an order forbidding the use of a detector). Let us quote in the passage VERDUN, ARROMANCHES, SAINT-RAPHAEL, DIEPPE...

I'm a digger since twenty years, no problem at all, but you MUST respect the law. If not, risk of seizure of your material by the authorities and a strong fine in more.

Pierre

**Admiraal** · 02-29-2008, 01:47 PM

What about digging near Argentan? that is close to Falaise.
In most parts of europe you are not allowed to dig, but i never had any problems before.
But does the police check the battlefield daily? and what if you get caught?

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