A French homeowner discovered around €700,000 ($800,000) in gold bars and coins while digging a swimming pool in his garden. The find was made in May in Neuville-sur-Saône, a town near Lyon.
The man, who has not been named, reported the hoard to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs. Officials have now ruled that he can keep it. They found no evidence that the treasure was of archaeological significance.
Local authorities said there were no clues about how the gold ended up on the property. The previous owner had died, and no records linked the cache to any claimants.
According to regional newspaper Le Progrès, the stash included five gold bars and numerous coins packed in plastic bags.
The decision allows the homeowner to retain the entire find. The case highlights France’s rules on discovered property when no archaeological value or prior ownership can be established.