When we think of gold diggers, we often think of a crazy old guy with a beard as long as your arm, who, armed with his sieve, works tirelessly on a river somewhere in the western United States. However, you don’t have to go that far to find nuggets. In France, too, gold can be found. In lesser quantities, of course, but it can still be found. Thousands of enthusiasts work all year long on the rivers of our country in the hope of finding a deposit and sometimes it works. Be careful though, because gold panning is regulated. Each department applying its own policy. It is therefore better to be well informed before getting involved…
But you should know that in France, there are departments that prohibit gold panning and you can read all about it in this article.
1. The Gard
It is recognized: the Gard is one of the richest departments in France in gold. It has already been found in rivers such as the Gardon d’Alès, the Gardon de Saint-Jean, La Ganière, La Cèze or Le Luech. When we tell you that we have every reason to adore the Gard.
2. The Hérault
To hope to find a nugget in the Hérault, go to the Orb and the Hérault, on the portion between Saint-Bazille de Putois and Ganges.
3. The Ardèche
Particularly rich, the Ardeche includes four rivers that are particularly popular with amateur gold panners, namely the Eyrieux, the Doux, the Ardeche and the Chassezac. The opportunity to go on an expedition to the most beautiful villages of the Ardèche.
4. The Ariege
The Pyrenees are ideal for searching for gold. In Ariège in particular, in the Salat or the Arize. To your sieves!
5. The Pyrénées-Atlantiques
The Gave de Pau and the Nive can hold some very nice surprises for those who know how to do it and who have time.
6. The Eastern Pyrenees
Direction the Tête, the Tech, the Réart… Here too you can find gold.
7. The Haute-Savoie
The Rhône, the Arve, the Fier and the Chéran are very popular rivers in the gold panning community.
8. The Puy-de-Dôme
Here, the Burande, in Singles, is particularly indicated because it drains the gold mines of Bessette. You never know. Otherwise, you can also try in the Allier and the Haute-Dordogne.
9. The Lozere
A vacation in these beautiful regions can give the opportunity to find some nuggets. Especially in the Coulagnet, the Colagne, the Lot and the Truyère.
10. The Cantal
We finish with the Cantal with the Jordanne and the Truyère also. And in case you don’t succeed, you can always console yourself with the cheese, which doesn’t require you to spend hours sifting ice water. Anyway, we already told you that we have every reason to live in the Cantal.
