Fernelmont Castle is a fortified farmhouse or château-ferme in Noville-les-Bois in the municipality of Fernelmont. It s a large quadrilateral surrounded by an impressive moat. The only original medieval building left is the imposing arcaded prison, built around the 14th century. It is a massive stone structure with a central arched entrance between two hemispherical protrusions. Its internal layout shows that it was well equipped with latrines, niches, basins embedded in the walls, window seats, two fireplaces and, in particular, an interesting floor covered with small painted terracotta tiles. The rest of the castle is in brick and is from the 16th century, with the exception of the Tuscan gallery, which was added in 1621. Since 1986 it has been given new life by a non-profit organization.
References: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.