DetectingWales.com

I've taken to watching Aquachigger's YouTube channel a lot lately and especially enjoy his metal detecting videos. He's very knowledgeable and I've learned some interesting things from him.

One thing that disturbs me though, is that several of the vids involve metal detecting in France, sometimes alone and sometimes with a British guy who goes by the nom d'ecran of Chill Bill. He's detected in and around a castle and in one particular video is seen detecting in woodland in Normandy; the intro includes "Join me, ChillBill and Andy as we search for WWII relics in Normandy."

I was under the distinct impression that metal detecting in France outside of the beaches was strictly interdit and attracted huge penalties - according to this dedicated European war relics site :

http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/search-technology-metal-detecting/laws-pertaining-metal-detecting-10209/ (http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/search-technology-metal-detecting/laws-pertaining-metal-detecting-10209/)

I've spent a bit of time in France over the years (before I got into MD-ing) and can imagine that there must be a lot of history there - even disregarding the stuff left from two world wars. It would be nice to find some WW2 battlefield stuff, but my conscience wouldn't let me do it; it's too close to looting.

Point is, unless the law has changed, how is he getting away with it? And before anybody asks - no, I don't want to know how to avoid getting caught - just wondering

I was always under the impression that you had to get the permission of the landowner - and the local mayor / town council.

This article sort of helped - it seems the rules changed in 2016.

https://www.connexionfrance.com/Practical/Your-Questions/Metal-detecting-can-be-a-legal-minefield-in-France (https://www.connexionfrance.com/Practical/Your-Questions/Metal-detecting-can-be-a-legal-minefield-in-France)

Much of the difference between here and there is - in my opinion - related to the different thrust of the law - over here you can do anything that isn't prohibited - over there you can only do things you have been given permission / rights to do.