Carcassonne, France
c. 1130
Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, France
806 AD
Foix, France
10th century
Cucugnan, France
11th century
Lastours, France
11th century
Montségur, France
1204
Puilaurens, France
1229
Arques, France
1284
Villerouge-Termenès, France
12th century
Saissac, France
11th century
Puivert, France
12th century
Termes, France
12th century
Tuchan, France
12th century
Mazamet, France
11th century
Agel, France
12th century
Miglos, France
13th century
Fenouillet, France
11th century
Coustaussa, France
12th century
Rouze, France
11th century
Pieusse, France
1140-1145
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.