Bor Castle was built in the mid-13th century. Švamberk family owned it until 1650. originally a medieval moated castle, it was altered in an extensive late Gothic reconstruction and later in the 18th century to the current appearance. It has been a popular tourist destination since opening to visitors in 2003. Tour begins on the ground floor, next to the ticket office, and includes the diamond-vaulted Švamberk Hall with a display of period costumes and weapons, St Lawrence Chapel, chateau picture gallery, rooms, as well as a climb up 117 steps to a lookout tower.
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.