The Vireux-Molhain Nature Reserve, also known as the “Customs Wall”, is located at the tip of the French Ardennes in the commune of Vireux-Molhain.
Less than a kilometer from the Belgian border, it bears the name of “Customs Wall” in reference to a former customs post located on the departmental road 47 connecting Vireux-Molhain to Couvin. Covering a area of 1,82 hectares, it is of interest geological and paleontological major.
This exceptional site is internationally known since nineteenth century, due to the richness and diversity of the fossil speciesUnfortunately, this also led to the partial degradation of the deposit, as this notoriety led to significant initial exploitation, including professionals, collectors and amateurs.
In addition, research since 1991 this place has been classified national nature reserve in order to be protected. Since then, the collection of fossils and minerals has been strictly prohibited there. In addition, the reserve is located in the Ardennes Regional Natural Park.
History
It all starts at the end of the 19th century, when highlighting is attributed to the geologist Jules GosseletThe abundance of fossils and the diversity of species have made this site a very popular place for paleontologists.
Then in the 1980 years, the site has been looted for commercial purposes and strata have been degraded from of amateurs as well as professionals.
In order to allow the conversation and the study of fossils, in 1991, the Vireux-Molhain nature reserve was created. Initially, it was entrusted to the Ardennes Natural History Society, and secondly, since 1996 it is theNational Forestry Office who manages the site.
Today, the reserve is open to all, an explanatory sign reminds you that it is forbidden to extract and collect fossils and minerals. You can also go to the Museum of Minerals, Rocks and Fossils of the Ardennes located in Bogny-sur-Meuse. They have a room specially dedicated to the Vireux-Molhain nature reserve.
Geology and fossil fauna of the reserve:
We're going to dive back in time to find out how this deposit was formed.
Geology
Le “Customs Wall” is a rock face whose formation began there about 397 million years ago, in the Middle Devonian (Primary era).
These rocks were originally sediments deposited by continental erosion. Over time, they transformed into solid layers.
During the formation of the Ardennes massif, these layers were folded and subjected to high pressure and significant heat, which transformed them into shale.
Later, the Meuse and its rivers have dug deep valleys in the plateau, revealing the “Customs Wall”.
For a long time, it was thought that these rocks belonged to a more recent formation, the Lower Couvinian. But recent geological studies have shown that they actually date from the Lower Eifelian.
Fossil fauna
There is about 393 million years ago, in the Lower Eifelian, this region was covered of a shallow sea. In calm, warm waters, life developed. The process of fossilization began when marine animal corpses were covered with sedimentThe main animals were trilobites, reef organisms for both cnidarians.
This outcrop of Devonian shales medium is famous for the quantity and quality of the fossils it contains. It is estimated to be old about 385 to 397 million years ago, dating from the period of the Eifelian.
Reserve instructions:
To protect and conserve the fauna, flora and geological remains of the site, some strict rules have been put in place. The main ones are:
- Prohibition on collecting fossils and minerals,
- Prohibition on driving motorized vehicles,
- Do not deposit waste outside the designated areas.
If you visit this nature reserve, please respect the history and conservation of this place.
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