Veytaux, Switzerland
12th century
Morges, Switzerland
1286
Lausanne, Switzerland
1397-1425
Nyon, Switzerland
13th century
Avenches, Switzerland
13th century
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland
1260-1270
Grandson, Switzerland
13th century
Aigle, Switzerland
13th century
La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland
13th century
Rolle, Switzerland
1264
L'Isle, Switzerland
1696
Prangins, Switzerland
1732
Saint-Saphorin, Switzerland
12th century
Vufflens-le-Château, Switzerland
1425
Aubonne, Switzerland
12th century
Clarens, Switzerland
13th century
La Sarraz, Switzerland
1049
Oron-le-Châtel, Switzerland
13th century
Lucens, Switzerland
12th century
Les Clées, Switzerland
11th 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.