Archaeology in France

Archaeological remains and sites

The history of our ancestors has been inscribed in the soil or under the water, over time, in the form of traces called «vestiges». A collection of remains constitutes an archaeological site. It testifies to the human activities that took place there but also to the evolution of the landscapes, the climate... It can regroup several imposing constructions, or be reduced to the traces of a temporary occupation, traceable through some coals, stones, bone fragments... The archaeological remains are therefore numerous and varied, they can be spectacular or tenuous.

Most of the time, archaeological sites are buried because they have been destroyed by natural phenomena or by humans themselves. But some buildings can also be preserved, entirely or partially, in elevation. Their study is a particular field of the discipline: the archaeology of the built. You can also find remains under water, in the sea, lakes or rivers. We are talking about underwater or underwater archaeology. When archaeologists study caves and mines, they are called “underground”.

Searching a site is a scientific process. In the field, the team of archaeologists precisely records the position of structures and objects uncovered, even the smallest. To make them “talk”, you have to connect them to each other, including their environment.

Together with its partners, the Ministry of Culture establishes and enriches the National archaeological map, a database that identifies all known archaeological sites.

Institutional framework

Archaeology is carried by different actors:

• the Ministry of Culture (Directorate-General for Heritage and Architecture, Regional Directorates for Cultural Affairs, Department for Underwater and Underwater Research, and National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research);
• the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, CNRS and Universities); National Council for Archaeological Research (CNRA) , a national scientific advisory body attached to the Minister for Culture, is responsible for matters relating to archaeological research throughout France.
• local authorities and authorised private operators ;
• the community and volunteers.

They operate in the framework of archaeological operations governed by the Heritage Code to allow the realization and guarantee its scientific quality.

Within the regional cultural affairs directorates, the Regional Archaeology Services, drawing on the advice ofterritorial commissions for archaeological research, authorize and control the carrying out of archaeological operations, which may be planned or preventive. The Department of Underwater and Underwater Research (Drassm) performs the same missions for archaeological operations carried out in the maritime public domain and the contiguous area.

The Ministry of Culture preserves all scientific data in repositories and conservation and study centres. He puts them at the disposal of researchers and students who can continue the studies begun during the excavations and restore the evolution of knowledge through publications.

Promotion of archaeology

The Ministry of Culture and all those involved in archaeology promote access to the results of archaeological research through various actions: activities in conservation and study centres and on archaeological sites, publishing books and magazines for specialists and for all audiences, exhibitions in museums...

Every year, on the occasion of the European Archaeology Days and the European Heritage Days, many sites open their doors. Everyone can come to learn, visit and learn.

It is also possible to learn about archaeology in participating in a excavation site.