Dambach-la-ville, France
11th century
Kruth, France
14th century
Labaroche, France
12th century
Ribeauvillé, France
11th century
Buhl, France
1227
Soultzbach-les-Bains, France
1220-1230
Cons-la-Grandville, France
13th century
Katzenthal, France
13th century
Mousson, France
13th century
Wangenbourg-Engenthal, France
13th century
Thann, France
c. 1224
Gerbéviller, France
18th century
Haut-Rhin, France
c. 1219
Forbach, France
11th century
Wettolsheim, France
c. 1230
Heiligenstein, France
12th century
Pierry, France
1760
Niederbronn-les-Bains, France
13th century
Bas-Rhin, France
11th century
Neubois, 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.