The coureurs de bois were french?

That's correct! Coureurs de bois were French fur traders and explorers who operated in North America, primarily in the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi Valley, during the 17th and 18th centuries.

They played a vital role in the French fur trade, venturing deep into the wilderness to establish trade relationships with Native American tribes and obtain valuable furs. They were often independent and adventurous, living among the Indigenous peoples and adopting many aspects of their culture.