Foraging in national forests in France is not a guaranteed right, but an administrative tolerance that allows for limited collection of forest products. Each forest has its own specific rules, generally allowing up to five liters per person per day, though this can vary by region. For example, in the Jura, the limit is set at two kilograms per person per day. Exceeding these thresholds without authorization can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines of up to 45,000 euros or even up to three years in prison, depending on the volume collected and the nature of the act. At the edge of national forests, authorized agents from the National Forestry Office routinely check foragers. They weigh the collected items, pour them into a graduated bucket, and record the amount. This process occurs regularly in popular forest areas during the autumn season. However, many foragers are unaware that their activity is not a right granted by law, but rather a tolerance granted by the state. According to the French Civil Code, the fruits of the soil belong to the landowner, and in national forests, the landowner is the state. This means that even mushrooms, which many see as freely available in nature, are considered property—like a fallen log or a chestnut. The rules governing foraging are detailed in local decrees displayed at forest entrances. These decrees set thresholds for what can be collected, and these limits can vary significantly by department or forest. For example, in the national forests of Orne, Manche, and Calvados, foraging is restricted to family use with a daily limit of five liters per person, and is not allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the Hautes-Vosges, a 2024 decree allows the collection of mushrooms and berries up to five liters per person for family use. These rules are not uniform, and foragers must check the specific regulations at each forest entrance. The legal consequences of exceeding the allowed limits depend on the volume collected and the nature of the act. Collecting under ten liters without authorization is considered a minor offense, with fines up to 750 euros. However, once the limit is exceeded, the act becomes a criminal offense, with penalties that can include up to three years in prison and fines of up to 45,000 euros. Additional factors, such as organized foraging, resale of collected items, or damage to the forest, can further increase penalties. The law does not distinguish between a casual forager and an organized criminal, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rules and checking the local regulations before collecting.