While carrying out a survey on the archaeological valleys and hills on Luxor's West Bank, in an attempt to locate sites used by the Copts, an archaeological mission of the French Institute for Oriental Studies has unearthed a significant number of clay sherds dating back to the Coptic era (451 - 641 AD).

The survey also aimed at drawing an archaeological map for these Coptic sites by using the GPS technique as well as documenting and studying all inscriptions and potteries found.
The General Director of Antiquities in Upper Egypt, said that the team also found several objects, dating back to  the ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman and Coptic eras.

In Haggag Valley Aspaniya, the team succeeded in locating six Coptic archaeological sites, one of which includes a cave with bent corridors covered with gypsum and bearing Coptic inscriptions.

The other five sites contain a large number of clay fragments and ruined structures that possibly were used as fortresses or houses. At the summit of this valley, two caves were also located. One is in very bad condition and only bears traces of colour, while the second is well preserved and has a brick wall.

In the Valley of the Queens, the mission discovered five caves with Coptic pottery sherds, while at the edge of the rocky outcrop on the Valley's northwestern side another cave decorated with graffiti was located.