: The Château de Foix, the former home of the local counts

Spotlight on the Château de Foix

Built in the 11th century, the Château de Foix was home to the Counts of Foix until the fall of their dynasty in 1589, when the kingdom of Navarre was annexed by France. Today, the fortifications continue to dominate the upper Ariège valley and the town of Foix below.

With more than a thousand years of history, the castle of Foix has a long and varied past. Foix was the stronghold of the Ariège (and is still the main town and prefecture today), located on the edge of the region, and was thus prey to numerous attacks. Some of them left their mark on French history, such as the Albigensian Crusade, the Thirty Years’ War and the Wars of Religion.

The castle was gradually turned into a prison. At first on an occasional basis, then permanently, from the Revolution onwards. During that time, the administrative department of Ariège was created. The prison remained until the 19^th century, when the castle was listed as a Historic Monument. The listing prompted restoration work, which was undertaken by Paul Boeswillwald, known for his involvement in the restoration of the medieval city of Carcassonne. In 1930, the Château de Foix took on a new role, housing the Ariège departmental museum.

On your agenda?

The museum still exists today and is an invitation to relive the Middle Ages through a series of fun workshops. You can learn how to use weapons from the period, how to cut stone or become a skilled blacksmith. In addition to these activities, the museum itself covers some 2,000 m².

The visit is entertaining and interactive, giving the whole family a chance to discover the castle’s secrets. From the family of the Counts of Foix to daily live in medieval times, plus the legends once told by the troubadours… no stone is left unturned.

Place du Palais de Justice, 09000 Foix

https://www.sites-touristiques-ariege.fr/en/chateau-de-foix/