Réserve naturelle de Vireux-Molhain

Known to geologists since the 19th century, the deposit of the Mur des Douaniers is exceptional for the abundance of fossil forms found, the diversity of species present, but also the finesse of their conservation. 1.89 hectares in size, the site is internationally renowned and has been the subject of intensive extraction by amateur or professional collectors. Over the years, the partial destruction of the deposit was worsening, which motivated a project for a Nature Reserve. Since 1991, the Nature Reserve has made it possible to control the uncontrolled exploitation of fossils, in order to ensure the conservation but also the study of these witnesses of ancient life forms that have disappeared forever.GEOLOGY: The rocks of the Nature Reserve are 385 million years old.FOSSIL FAUNA: The fossil fauna of the Mur des Douaniers is very diverse and very numerous in individuals. The most remarkable and representative animal forms are the Trilobites.SCIENTIFIC WORKS: A Nature Reserve is not only a space "under a bell". It is also a privileged site for scientific research. Thus, in collaboration with researchers in geology and paleontology, the Vireux-Molhain Nature Reserve participates in various projects that contribute to a better geological and paleontological knowledge of the site and its surroundings. The nature reserve is also a tool for raising public awareness of the conservation of the geological heritage. The site is freely accessible for walkers, and information panels welcome the visitor. REGULATIONS: The conservation of this fragile site implies elementary rules that walkers are asked to respect: - Prohibition to extract or collect fossils and minerals - Prohibition to harm the fauna and flora - Prohibition to deposit rubbish outside the bins provided for this purpose - Prohibition to circulate with motor vehicles #### The wall of the customs officers is today the Nature Reserve of Vireux-Molhain. Where in this protected setting, there are many prodigious legacies of the past. Known by geologists since the 19th century, the deposit of the customs wall is exceptional by the abundance of fossil forms found. But also by the diversity of species present and their authentic conservation. This site very quickly became internationally renowned. So much so that professionals were no longer the only ones to do research. They were soon joined by collectors and amateurs. As the years went by, the destruction of the partial deposit worsened, which motivated a Nature Reserve project. Since 1991, this has made it possible to control the uncontrolled exploitation of fossils, in order to ensure the conservation but also the study of these witnesses of ancient life forms that have disappeared forever (dinosaur bones, swimming animals...)Regulations: The conservation of this fragile site implies some elementary rules that the walker is asked to respect: - no extracting or collecting fossils and minerals - no harming the fauna and flora - no depositing rubbish outside the bins provided for this purpose - no driving with motor vehicles. #### The Nature Reserve of Vireux-Molhain in the Pointe des Ardennes françaises, dominates the Viroin valley, a few kilometres from its confluence with the Meuse. This fossiliferous site is also known as the "Mur des Douaniers", because of its proximity to the border, at the level of the former customs post of the departmental road 47 that links Vireux-Molhain to Couvin (Belgium).