Explore the historic highlights of Toulouse
Toulouse, France
1750
Toulouse, France
1080-1120
Toulouse, France
1795
Toulouse, France
1764
Toulouse, France
1544-1632
Toulouse, France
13th century
Toulouse, France
13th century
Toulouse, France
1300
Toulouse, France
1893
Toulouse, France
40 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.