Why Are There So Few New Viking Finds in France Compared with the UK and Scandinavia?

Exploring the Disparity in Archaeological Discoveries of Viking Age sites Between France, the UK, and Scandinavia, despite a high potential in France.

A recent conversation on the Vikingology podcast with Dr. Christian Cooijmans, author of Monarchs and Hydrarchs, raised an intriguing question: why are new archaeological finds related to the Vikings so rare in France compared to the UK and Scandinavia? Despite its rich Viking history, particularly in regions like Brittany and Normandy, France has yielded fewer discoveries than the U.K. and Scandinavia in recent decades. This disparity reflects historical differences and modern cultural and legal factors that shape archaeological practices.

Viking Activities in France

The Viking Age left a profound mark on France, particularly in the ninth and tenth centuries. Brittany, a region with deep cultural and linguistic ties to the Celtic world, became a frequent target for Viking raids due to its strategic coastline and access to key trade routes and resources (such as salt). Norse raiders established temporary bases and, at times, more permanent settlements, interacting with local populations in ways that influenced both groups. The Breton resistance to Viking incursions, as well as occasional alliances, adds complexity to this history. Normandy, named after the Norsemen, is the most well-known example of Viking integration, but Brittany’s role in this narrative is equally significant and remains underexplored archaeologically. In no uncertain terms, the experience of these regions of the Viking Age is no less than in neighboring England. Yet, there exists a significant disparity in the frequency of new finds.

France’s Archeological Potential

One of the great strengths of France’s archaeological potential lies in its abundance of historical sources. Medieval chronicles, such as those by Dudo of Saint-Quentin, monastic records, and royal annals, offer detailed accounts of Viking raids, settlements, and interactions with local populations. In contrast to the UK and Scandinavia, which rely on fewer written sources often supplemented by oral traditions, France’s rich documentary history should theoretically guide archaeologists to more frequent and precise discoveries. Yet, despite this advantage, new finds remain elusive. This disconnect suggests that something beyond the availability of historical records prevents discoveries, pointing to modern practices and regulations—such as France’s strict limitations on metal detecting—as potential factors hindering progress.

Some Past Archaeological Finds of Note

France has produced notable archaeological finds, though discoveries in other regions often overshadow them. For instance, the ship burial site on the Île de Groix, excavated in June 1906 by archaeologists Louis Le Pontois and Paul du Chatellier, offers evidence of a broader and more permanent Norse presence. Similarly, the Camp de Péran, located in Plédran, Côtes-d'Armor, is a significant archaeological site in Brittany with a history of multiple occupations, including during the Viking era. The site, known locally as "Pierres Brûlées," was first studied between 1820 and 1825 by A. Maudet de Penhouët and F. Duine. It features remnants from the Iron Age, the Gallo-Roman period, and the Middle Ages, with notable fortifications attributed to Viking settlers. The site's strategic location and defensive structures suggest it served as a fortified settlement during the Viking occupation of the region. Despite these fascinating sites pointing to a wealth of potential discoveries beneath the surface of the French countryside, discoveries are infrequent, often constrained by a centralized and bureaucratic approach to archaeology.

French Archaeological Culture vs. the UK

French archaeological culture contrasts significantly with the UK and Scandinavia, where private and public institutions often collaborate to fund and conduct digs. In the UK, archaeology benefits from a decentralized system that allows for a more flexible and responsive approach to exploration. Public engagement is also more pronounced, with initiatives encouraging amateur involvement. France, by contrast, centralizes archaeological oversight under state institutions such as INRAP (Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives). While this ensures rigorous standards and heritage protection, it can also slow the pace of exploration and limit opportunities for non-professionals to contribute.

How Metal Detecting Has Bolstered Finds in the Anglophone World and Scandinavia

One of the most striking differences lies in the role of metal detecting. In the UK and Scandinavia, metal detecting has played a transformative role in uncovering historical artifacts. Enthusiasts armed with metal detectors have made some of the most significant discoveries in recent decades, including hoards of Viking silver and Anglo-Saxon treasures. These finds often result from partnerships between amateur detectorists and professional archaeologists, creating a dynamic that blends citizen science with academic rigor.

During a visit to the island of Noirmoutier in 2019, I witnessed firsthand how modern tools like metal detectors and ground-penetrating sonar can complement traditional archaeology. A team sponsored by the local historical heritage group L’Association des Amis de Noirmoutier (of which I am a member) investigated whether anything new could be found at an existing Gallo-Roman villa site. Although the effort yielded no new artifacts, the potential was palpable. If regulated effectively, such technological approaches could open new avenues for discovery in France. Unfortunately, amateur metal detecting is illegal there.

Why Metal Detecting Is Illegal in France

In France, metal detecting is highly restricted. A 1941 law prohibits using metal detectors without explicit authorization, reflecting concerns about looting and the destruction of archaeological context. While these concerns are valid, the law has also stifled potential discoveries. France’s strict legal framework prioritizes heritage protection but limits public engagement in archaeology, leaving fewer opportunities for grassroots discoveries. All attempts to amend this law have come up short despite vocal groups' efforts to tap into France’s archeological potential.

What Can Be Done to Increase Finds in France

Several measures could be considered to increase archaeological finds in France. Allowing regulated metal detecting, similar to systems in the UK, could harness public interest while safeguarding historical sites. Increased public funding for targeted digs, particularly in underexplored regions like Brittany, would address gaps in the current research. Educational initiatives promoting citizen archaeology could also cultivate a broader support base for archaeological projects. Finally, fostering international collaborations would bring fresh perspectives and methods to French archaeology, aligning it with international best practices.

Conclusion

France’s Viking heritage remains an untapped reservoir of archaeological potential. Its historical depth, combined with modern advancements in technology and methodology, presents an opportunity to reexamine the region's Viking activity narrative. The disparity in discoveries between France, the UK, and Scandinavia is not merely a reflection of history but a result of how each country approaches the study of its past. France could uncover new chapters in its Viking story by balancing preservation and exploration, enriching our understanding of this fascinating era.

The conversation with Dr. Cooijmans reminds us of the value of interdisciplinary dialogue in revitalizing interest in archaeology. With a concerted effort, France could bridge the gap and reclaim its place as a center of archaeological discovery. Doing so would not only shed new light on the Vikings but also demonstrate how the past continues to inform and inspire the present.