Hyères, France
1531
Fontaine-Henry, France
15th century
Haute-Goulaine, France
12th century
Chaussy, France
11th century
Préchac, France
11th century
Vendeuvre, France
1750-1752
Rauzan, France
13th century
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, France
10th century AD
Crazannes, France
14th century
Windstein, France
13th century
Tonquédec, France
1406
Lembach, France
12th century
Castries, France
1565
Bas-Rhin, France
1246-1264
Bazouges-la-Pérouse, France
1620
Cabriès, France
8th century AD
Sarzay, France
14th century
Tourlaville, France
1562-1575
Andlau, France
1246-1250
Osthoffen, France
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.