One would expect a bit more attention to France’s museums after the unthinkable heist on Sunday morning, October 19, when thieves snatched royal jewels worth 88 million euros from the Louvre. Just 72 hours later, new brazen criminals broke into the “Denis Diderot” museum – named after one of the distinguished Enlightenment philosophers – in the city of Langres and stole 1,952 coins. All from the period 1790-1840, 1,633 silver and 319 gold. These particular coins had been discovered in 2011, during the museum’s restoration.
Read: Controversy over AI video showing Macron stealing jewels from the Louvre Museum
In France, of course, they have this perception, far removed from reality, that because these are cultural artifacts, thieves will respect them. The announcement from Langres municipal authorities, speaking of “a blow to our common cultural heritage” and “an act of vandalism against history and art,” is telling. Certainly, the problem affects all of France, as its museums are completely vulnerable. The security system is an issue that concerns the government, yet no progress seems to be made. Authorities, however, are searching for the perpetrators.
🇫🇷 Another French museum robbed: the Denis Diderot House in Langres
On the morning of October 20, staff arriving at the Denis Diderot House museum in Langres, northwestern France, discovered a broken entrance door and a shattered glass display case containing gold and silver… pic.twitter.com/CBjAcidDjv
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 22, 2025
