A French homeowner in Neuville-sur-Saône, a small town near Lyon, has struck literal gold while digging a swimming pool in his garden. The unexpected discovery, valued at around €700,000, has captured national attention and stirred local curiosity.
According to the Neuville-sur-Saône council, the remarkable find was made in May and promptly reported to the relevant authorities, including the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC). The local government confirmed the discovery to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Wednesday, commending the resident for his honesty and cooperation.
The treasure trove reportedly consists of five gold bars and numerous coins, all carefully sealed in plastic bags. The regional newspaper Le Progrès revealed that the items appeared to have been intentionally hidden and well-preserved, suggesting they may have been stored there for decades.
Following an official assessment, DRAC authorities ruled out any archaeological significance in the discovery. This decision meant the find legally remained in the possession of the homeowner, rather than being claimed by the state — a rare outcome in France, where historical artifacts often fall under government jurisdiction.
Law enforcement agencies conducted an investigation to ensure the gold was not connected to any criminal activity. Their inquiry determined that the gold had been melted and shaped between 15 and 20 years ago by a local company in the Lyon region. Officials further confirmed the gold had been legally acquired, eliminating suspicions of theft or illicit trade.
Despite confirming its legality, the origin of the treasure remains shrouded in mystery. The Neuville-sur-Saône council noted that the previous owner of the property had passed away, making it difficult to trace who originally buried the gold or why it was concealed underground.
Local residents have expressed a mix of astonishment and envy at the discovery, which adds to a series of rare but headline-grabbing “hidden fortune” stories in France. Such finds are not unprecedented — though few involve such a significant sum and clear legal ownership for the finder.
For now, the fortunate homeowner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, holds onto his newfound treasure with official blessing. His backyard dig has turned into one of France’s most extraordinary accidental discoveries of 2025 — and a reminder that sometimes, buried riches may literally lie beneath one’s feet.