L’activité des orpailleurs remonte à la période antique. Elle atteint son apogée entre le XVe et le XVIIIe siècle. C’est le plus souvent sous forme de paillettes que l’on trouve l’or dans les rivières françaises. Seulement une dizaine d’orpailleurs tentent de vivre de leur « récolte » et cela grâce à des activités annexes telles que la confection de bijoux ou l’organisation de stages pour les touristes. On voit apparaître depuis une vingtaine d’années des compétitions à travers le monde. C’est en 1986 que sont organisés les premiers championnats en France. Ces photos ont été prises lors de la 8e Coupe d’Europe des Chercheurs d’or en mai 2004 dans les environs de Cardet (Gard). 45 concurrents rentraient en compétition durant 3 jours, le but étant bien sûr de ramener le plus d’or possible et ceci avec un minimum d’outillage.
A father and his son in front of one of the mobile homes which accommodate the competitors of the European Gold Diggers' Cup. May 2004, Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044495x © Alexandra Frankewitz
FRA0127476 © Alexandra Frankewitz
One of the participants looking for gold, during the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044490x © Alexandra Frankewitz
The 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044480x © Alexandra Frankewitz
Some participants look for gold in the middle of the river, during the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044484x © Alexandra Frankewitz
One participant wears a tshirt with her photo printed on it, as well as a gold medallion. 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044487x © Alexandra Frankewitz
The 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044482x © Alexandra Frankewitz
Jean-Louis is in charge of supervising the competition. During the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044494x © Alexandra Frankewitz
During the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044489x © Alexandra Frankewitz
One of the participants in front of the mobile-home where he's staying during the competition. During the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044481x © Alexandra Frankewitz
Panning for gold during the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044485x © Alexandra Frankewitz
During the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044486x © Alexandra Frankewitz
During the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044483x © Alexandra Frankewitz
Panning for gold during the 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044491x © Alexandra Frankewitz
8ème Coupe d'Europe des chercheurs d'or Mai 2004
FRA0044493 © Alexandra Frankewitz
Medallion made out of gold found in the Gardons River. 8th European Gold Diggers' Cup held in May 2004, in Cardet, Gard, France.
FRA0044488x © Alexandra Frankewitz