Vienne, France
10 BC
Sommières, France
0-100 AD
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
0-100 BC
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
0-100 AD
Vienne, France
40-50 AD
Arles, France
300-400 AD
Vienne, France
27 BC
La Turbie, France
6 BC
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
20 AD
Arles, France
4th century AD
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
0-100 AD
Vienne, France
0-300 AD
Bordeaux, France
2nd century AD
Sollacaro, France
3300 BCE
Saintes, France
40-50 AD
Andernos-les-Bains, France
1st-3rd century AD
Locmariaquer, France
4700 BC
Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts, France
2nd century BCE
Plouezoc'h, France
4850 - 4000 BC
Fontvieille, France
2nd century AD
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.