Saarburg Castle was one of the first and most impressive castles (Höhenburgen) in the West, built by Graf Siegfried von Luxemburg in 964. It was damaged in 1431 by troops of Ulrich von Manderscheid. Johann II von Baden rebuilt the castle later. It was conquered several times in the wars of 17th-early 18th century and finally left to decay in 1734.
The castle hill is surrounded by high fortified walls. With a depth of 60 metres, the fortress well almost reached down to the river bed of the Saar. The upper part of the tower, which offers a wonderful view of the Saar valley and the pilgrimage church of St. Mary in the Beurig district.
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.