French Man Discovers €700,000 Gold Treasure in Backyard

Lucky Discovery During Pool Construction

A French homeowner in Neuville-sur-Saône, just north of Lyon, has made an extraordinary discovery while digging for a swimming pool in his garden. In May 2025, the man unearthed a treasure trove consisting of five gold bars and numerous gold coins stored in plastic bags, with an estimated total value of €700,000 (approximately $800,000).

The discovery came as a complete surprise to the homeowner, who immediately reported his find to local authorities. 'I was just preparing the ground for our family swimming pool when my shovel hit something hard,' the man told local media, preferring to remain anonymous. 'When I saw the gold bars and coins, I couldn't believe my eyes.'

Legal Investigation Confirms Ownership

Following the discovery, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs launched a thorough investigation to determine the origin and legal status of the treasure. After several months of examination, authorities confirmed in November 2025 that the homeowner was entitled to keep the entire fortune.

'The investigation revealed that the gold was legally obtained and had been melted down at a refinery in the Lyon region approximately 15 to 20 years ago,' explained a spokesperson for the Neuville-sur-Saône town council. 'Since the treasure has no archaeological significance and was found on private property, the finder has the right to keep it under French law.'

The case highlights an important distinction in French treasure law. According to French archaeological regulations, discoveries with historical or archaeological importance typically become state property, while modern treasures found on private land generally belong to the landowner.

Mystery Surrounds the Origin

Despite the thorough investigation, the origin of the buried gold remains a mystery. The homeowner purchased the property just one year before the discovery, and the previous owner has since passed away, leaving no clues about how the valuable hoard came to be buried in the garden.

'This is one of those rare cases where the stars align perfectly for the finder,' commented Marie Dubois, a legal expert specializing in French treasure law. 'The combination of modern gold, private property discovery, and proper reporting procedures means he gets to keep this life-changing fortune.'

The discovery has caused quite a stir in the quiet community of Neuville-sur-Saône, with many residents expressing both excitement and curiosity about the mysterious treasure. Local authorities have confirmed that no further investigation into the origin is planned, as the gold has been legally cleared.

Gold Market Context

The timing of this discovery coincides with a period of significant activity in the gold market. As reported by Reuters, gold prices have been reaching new highs in 2025, making this discovery particularly valuable. The five gold bars and numerous coins represent a substantial windfall for the lucky homeowner.

This case stands in contrast to other recent treasure discoveries in France. In a separate incident earlier this year, a farmer discovered a gold deposit worth an estimated €4 billion, but under French mineral rights law, he could only claim 0.5% of the value since mineral resources beneath private land belong to the state.

The Neuville-sur-Saône discovery serves as a reminder that sometimes, extraordinary fortune can be found in the most ordinary of places. For now, the homeowner is reportedly considering his options for the unexpected windfall, while his neighbors continue to wonder what other secrets might be hidden beneath their own gardens.