I am a detectorist

Prospecting is a particular kind of archaeological intervention, involving the search for and identification of archaeological heritage, whether movable or immovable. The aim of prospecting is to complete the archaeological assessment of a given area.

As a volunteer, you can collaborate with the Institut national de recherches archéologiques by carrying out metal-detector prospecting. However, in accordance with article 12 of the law of 25 February 2022 on cultural heritage, any field survey using a metal detector or other electronic or magnetic detection equipment to search for evidence of archaeological heritage requires authorisation from the Ministry of Culture.

The granting of ministerial authorisation is subject to the conditions that the applicant:

1. must have undergone basic training at the Institut national de recherches archéologiques, or training by a foreign institute recognised as equivalent by the Institut national de recherches archéologiques, sanctioned by a certificate;

2. carries out research for scientific purposes;

3. carries out research in close collaboration with the Institut national de recherches archéologiques.

Please note that neither possession of a certificate of participation in basic training nor possession of a metal detector automatically entitles you to ministerial authorisation. Participation in basic training is just one of the conditions.