Charleroi, Belgium
1936
Tienen, Belgium
14th century
Amiens, France
1406-1410
Veurne, Belgium
1628
Sint-Truiden, Belgium
13th century
Lier, Belgium
1369/1740
Tielt, Belgium
1773
Dendermonde, Belgium
1337
Nieuwpoort, Belgium
14th century
Menen, Belgium
1782
Abbeville, France
1209
Diksmuide, Belgium
1428
Thuin, Belgium
17th century
Zoutleeuw, Belgium
1231
Herentals, Belgium
1534
Roeselare, Belgium
1769-1771
Eeklo, Belgium
17th century
Cambrai, France
1447
Lo-Reninge, Belgium
1565-1566
Gembloux, Belgium
12th century
The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.