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France Unveils 33-Point Security Plan After Theft of 2,500-Year-Old Vix Gold Torque

cultural-heritage · 2026-07-29

On July 24, a pair of thieves disguised as tourists made off with the Vix gold torque from the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais in Châtillon-sur-Seine, France, while around 20 visitors were present. Although one suspect has been apprehended, the torque is still unaccounted for. This incident has heightened security worries, especially after a recent robbery at the Louvre. Authorities are probing into organized theft, and the case has been referred to a specialized court in Nancy. The torque, which weighs 480 grams of gold, is part of the Vix Treasure unearthed in 1953 and dates back to the sixth century BCE. On July 27, French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard revealed a 33-point security initiative for museums, designed to safeguard over 3,100 cultural sites. The search for the torque is ongoing.

Key facts

  • The Vix gold torque, a 2,500-year-old artifact, was stolen from the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais on July 24.
  • Two thieves posing as tourists smashed the display case and escaped through the main entrance.
  • The theft occurred during opening hours with around 20 visitors and eight staff members present; no injuries.
  • A suspect has been detained, but the torque remains missing.
  • The torque is part of the Vix Treasure, discovered in 1953 near Vix, Burgundy, dating to circa sixth century BCE.
  • The torque weighs approximately 480 grams of gold and features winged horses, lions' paws, and geometric patterns.
  • French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard presented a 33-point security plan on July 27.
  • The plan includes moving vulnerable objects, staff training, and improved security tools, with urgent projects starting in 2026.
  • The plan aims to protect over 3,100 vulnerable cultural heritage sites across France.
  • The theft follows a recent robbery at the Louvre, raising concerns about museum security.

Entities

Institutions

  • Musée du Pays Châtillonnais
  • Louvre
  • French Ministry of Culture
  • Culture Ministry
  • Ministère de la Culture
  • Direction générale des patrimoines et de l'architecture
  • Mission de sécurité, sûreté et audit
  • Parquet de Dijon
  • Parquet de Nancy
  • Gendarmerie de Dijon

Locations

  • Châtillon-sur-Seine
  • France
  • Vix
  • Burgundy
  • Nancy
  • Dijon

Sources