Belcastel, France
9th century AD
Sévérac-d'Aveyron, France
13th century
Najac, France
1253
Bournazel, France
16th century
Gissac, France
15th century
Brousse-le-Château, France
10th century
Saint-Izaire, France
14th century
Rivière-sur-Tarn, France
12th century
Lacroix-Barrez, France
12th century
Salles-la-Source, France
13th century
Espalion, France
11th century
Alrance, France
15th century
Coupiac, France
15th century
Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux, France
1430
Camjac, France
1180
Saint-Beauzély, France
12th century
Vézins-de-Lévézou, France
1120
Saint-Rome-de-Cernon, France
14th century
Lugan, France
1180
Rebourguil, France
13th 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.