The Abbey of Munster, also known as Saint Gregory's Abbey was founded around 660. Its purpose was to promote Christianity in the region, which had been in decline since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It thrived with the support of the Frankish kings, particularly Childeric II and Louis the Pious. Over time, the abbey faced conflicts with the bishops of Basel, Strasbourg, and the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
As the region largely turned to Protestantism, the abbey's influence waned. It experienced a revival under Louis XIV, who sent French monks to restore and rebuild the dilapidated buildings. During the 18th century, the abbey became an important regional intellectual center, with figures like Abbot Charles Marchant and theologian Augustin Calmet passing through.
However, the French Revolution led to the dissolution of the abbey and the confiscation and sale of its assets. Some of the convent buildings, including the abbey church, were destroyed in the years following the Revolution, while the rest were converted into a textile factory by the industrialist André Hartmann. This factory was also destroyed during World War I, leaving only the abbot's residence and some cloister ruins.
References: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.