Bois le Duc

"Bois le Duc" is located in Foisches, a small town in the Givet region of the Ardennes department, within the Grand Est region of France. It lies near the border with Belgium, close to Doische, with coordinates approximately at 50° 7' 46'' N, 4° 46' 8'' E. This location is part of the Pointe de Givet National Nature Reserve, offering a scenic blend of forests and rocky landscapes.

The locality is renowned for its Fluorite, often appearing in violet or green hues, prized by collectors for its beauty. Other minerals include Calcite, Galena, Goethite, Hematite, Pyrite, and Quartz, adding to its mineralogical diversity. These minerals were historically extracted for industrial uses, particularly Fluorite for metallurgy.

Geologically, "Bois le Duc" sits within the Dinant synclinorium, featuring folded Devonian carbonate rocks from the Givetian to Frasnian stages. These rocks, dating back 387.7 to 382.7 million years, are rich in fossils like corals, gastropods, and brachiopods, making it a significant site for geological study.

Mining began in 1871 under Charles Pierrard, with intermittent activity until 1972, when it ceased due to environmental concerns. In the 1930s, Charles Goffette expanded operations, forming the "Société des Carrières de fluorine de Foisches," extracting significant Fluorite. Now part of a nature reserve, collecting minerals is prohibited, preserving its natural state.

Foisches boasts historical landmarks like the church of St. Martin and the Renaissance-style "ferme des Templiers." Ceded to France in 1772, it has ties to the fortress of Charlemont. The Pointe de Givet National Nature Reserve enhances its cultural significance, with events like the "Marche Rose" reflecting community engagement.

The climate is oceanic altered, with an average annual temperature of 10°C. The nature reserve, covering 354 hectares, protects diverse ecosystems, including forests, moors, and dry grasslands, hosting rare species like orchids, bats, and birds, making it a biodiversity hotspot.