23rd August 2010, 10:16 PM
(This post was last modified: 23rd August 2010, 11:03 PM by Stephen Jack.)
BAJR Wrote:In this particular case, it is very much a case in point... The archaeologist is the enemy... hostile and stupid... the detectorist a paragon of virtue, trying only to discover that which the archaeologist will never find... etc........ reverse the terms archaeologist/detectorist where appropriate.
Stephen jack does me no credit to think I won't know the laws in France... indeed it is complicated, however... Detecting in France is illegal without appropriate licence. simples.
In broad terms the law says that to search on any land be it your own or someone elses, not only do you have to have the landowners permission in writing, but by virtue of the fact that you are searching for objects which could concern/interest prehistory, art or archaeology you are required to obtain administrative authority from the Prefect of the Region. This authority comes in the form of a license which may be issued after reference to the searchers identity, competance, experience and method of searching. Regard is also taken of the location, scientific objective and the duration of the searches to be undertaken.
Failure to take notice and act upon this could result in the confiscation of the metal detector being used and a fine.
It is believed that beach detecting falls outside of this law.
If your French is good enough you may be able to glean more info from the following site:
http://www.tresors.com.fr/ When you get on the home page scroll down to the link to la-Loi.
So in terms of being confused etc... its not.... in terms of being strict... it is - surprisingly this is the same for archaeologists as well... so no need to feel vicitmised, rather you are being treated in the same way as an archaeologist. Detecting finds artefacts.. and I will always always push for recording. just the simple act of recording.. I don't want to take it all... just know about it.
Thanks
BARJ
listen very carefully I will type this only once. Detecting is not illegal in France. There are classes of objects where you need authorization to search for them. Be under no illusion this authorization is not a license but a barrier its only issued to archaeologists.