The earliest record of the Riilahti village is from the 15th century and first manor was established about one hundred years later. From the year 1725 Riilahti has been owned by the noble family Aminoff. The present manor house was built in 1803-1806 by Pehr Granstedt. It’s surrounded by the large English style park.
Sweden and Russia fought massive naval battle near Riilahti in 1714. Today there’s a monument of the battle near the manor. Riilahti provides nowadays conference facilities, horse riding and cottage rents. Guided tours are available for groups.
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.