Contres, France
1091
Clairmarais, France
1140
Tours, France
ca. 372
Houlbec-prés-le-Gros-Theil, France
13th century
La Forest-Landerneau, France
12th century
Lugan, France
1180
Saint-Laurent-de-Condel, France
11th century
Courcy, France
12th century
Tournebu, France
12th century
Gavray, France
11th century
Gœulzin, France
16th century
Butten, France
1350
Toul, France
12th 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.