Foix is the capital of the Ariège department, in the Occitan region, 80 km south of Toulouse. The city lies at the foot of the Pyrenees, surrounded by two rivers, the Ariège and Arget. The city is part of a castle route through the south of France, although Foix stands out as one of the most beautiful cities on the route with a charming historic center and a castle that is still in very good condition, dominating the city from the top. high.
In this post I talk about what to see in Foix, what to see in Foix Castle and I add some great accommodation options.
WHAT TO SEE IN FOIX, FRANCE
The city was occupied by the Romans, it had its peak with the foundation of St. Volusien abbey in the 9th century before the construction of a castle of the Xe ago urbanization accelerates. Later, the city became a military fortress, it is one of the capitals of Gaston Phoebus in the fourteenth trying to preserve some autonomy in Béarn and Foix between the French and the English.
Once occupied by Protestants during the religious wars, Foix is taken by Catholics in 1582. And in 1589, Henry of Navarre, who was also Count of Foix, became King of France under the name of Henry IV.
Seat of a prosperous county under the old regime, Foix became a prefecture of the Revolution.
The main attraction to see in Foix is its medieval castle.
What to see in the castle of Foix, France
The castle of Foix is located on top of a small hill, dominating the city from above. Its 3 towers stand out, the cylindrical tower is more modern than the other two, although it dates from the 15th century.
The castle was an important fortress associated with Catharism, a Christian religious movement of a Gnostic nature. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the place was fortified in the 7th and 8th centuries. The castle was mentioned in the year 987 and became the seat of the county of Foix in the year 1034. It withstood numerous sieges during the Middle Ages and played a defensive role in the religious wars.
The Counts of Foix began to abandon it in the 14th century. Since 1862, the castle ceased to be a prison. It currently houses the Departmental Museum of the Ariège and you can visit and access two of the towers. In addition, they have several daily activities for all ages.
The Torre del Arget of the castle of Foix
This is the northernmost tower of the castle, it dates from the 9th century and is the oldest of the three. The slate roof covering is not original.
The central tower of the Castle of Foix
This tower can be visited. On the ground floor there is a large living room with long tables, access to the old pantry/kitchen with some period objects, various pieces of furniture and in the background, presiding over the room, 3 thrones.
Through a renovated spiral staircase, you will find several rooms and bedrooms. One of them furnished with a bed, a wooden bathtub, a desk, a fireplace, and some precious stone seats that preside over a window, through which you can see the city.
The Round Tower of the castle of Foix, France
Also known as the Fébus tower, it was built at the beginning of the 15th century. This tower can also be visited. The stairs are not in such a good state, so be careful when stepping. As you go up you will access several rooms. The library, the weapons room, the dungeon in the basement... and in the highest part, you will find the exit to the outside of the tower, a viewpoint from where you will have incredible views of the city.
The area outside the castle of Foix
Outside the castle you will find the armory, garden areas, weapons, pulleys... Daily activities are carried out where you can listen (in French) how the castle was contracted, how the fortress was defended... there is also a space dedicated to various weapons, where you can use the crossbow or archery.
The castle museum
Completely renovated, the castle museum offers a space where the history of the city from medieval times to the present is explained. You will also find original objects such as weapons, armor, everyday objects, clothing... even the original king's bed. It is the last stop to make after the tour.
The Church of San Volusien, essential to see in Foix
Returning to the historic area of the city, you will find the church of Foix, founded in the 9th century. Later, it became an abbey, and when in the year 1002 the County of Foix was constituted, it was renamed Saint-Volusien.
The exterior doesn't draw much attention, but the inside is quite nice, considering its simplicity.
Remains of the medieval building are preserved in the church, although after several renovations throughout history, it is characterized by being romantic in style.
Stroll through the historic center of Foix
Foix preserves a beautiful historic center. Full of low houses, with colored windows that stand out with the cream tones of the walls. In the basement of the houses you will find all kinds of little shops, bars, restaurants... The historic center has a lot of charm.
WHERE TO STAY IN FOIX, FRANCE
If you are planning to visit the area to visit various towns and castles, I recommend staying in Foix. The city is beautiful and at night, the whole castle lights up. In addition, there are guided tours at night. Here are some great accommodation options in Foix:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Foix a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!