Caen, France
c. 1060
Eu, France
1578
Dieppe, France
1188
Rouen, France
1204-1210
Les Andelys, France
1196
Falaise, France
1123
Fécamp, France
11th century
Vascœuil, France
15th century
Vernon, France
1196
Harcourt, France
12th century
Vernon, France
1123
Le Neubourg, France
13th century
Martainville-Épreville, France
15th century
Saint-Germain-de-Livet, France
1561-1578
Mézidon-Canon, France
1727
Acquigny, France
1557
Gisors, France
1095
Vauville, France
17th century
Creully, France
c. 1360
Bricquebec, France
11th 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.