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Château de Foix

The Pyrenees

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The Ariège’s most unmistakeable landmark is Foix’ triple-towered castle, the stronghold of the powerful Comtes de Foix. Built in the 10th century, it survived as their seat of power throughout the medieval era, and served as a prison from the 16th century onwards.The castle is approached via a cobbled causeway from the old town. The interior is rather bare, but the view from the battlements is wonderful.

In July and August there is at least one guided tour in English offered daily (at 1pm).

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

  • Eentrance of the cave of Niaux.

    Grotte de Niaux

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    Most people know about the prehistoric artworks of the Dordogne, but far fewer realise that ancient painters left their mark in caves all across the…

  • Grotte du Mas d’Azil

    Grotte du Mas d’Azil

    14.51 MILES

    Twenty-five kilometres northwest of Foix, near Le Mas d’Azil, this rock shelter is famous for its rich finds of prehistoric tools. Visits are by guided…

  • Rivière Souterraine de Labouiche

    Rivière Souterraine de Labouiche

    2.99 MILES

    Deep beneath the village of Labouiche, 6km northwest of Foix, flows Europe’s longest navigable underground river. Discovered in 1908 by a local doctor, it…

  • Château de Montségur

    Château de Montségur

    13.15 MILES

    For the full Monty Python medieval vibe, tackle the steep 20-minute climb to the ruins of this hilltop fortress, 32km east of Foix (and don't forget to…

  • Parc de la Préhistoire

    Parc de la Préhistoire

    7.77 MILES

    Eighteen kilometres south of Foix, near Tarascon-sur-Ariège, this excellent museum-park provides a useful primer on the area’s prehistoric past. The…

  • Lombrives

    Lombrives

    10.08 MILES

    Twenty-two kilometres northwest of Ax-les-Thermes on the N20 near Ussat-les-Bains, Europe’s largest cave system burrows its way through the soft limestone…

  • Musée de Montségur

    Musée de Montségur

    13.34 MILES

    Tucked into the sleepy village of Montségur, this small museum contains a collection of Cathar relics, models of siege weapons and visual displays of what…

  • Musée de la Préhistoire

    Musée de la Préhistoire

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    In the town just north of the Grotte du Mas d'Azil, this prehistory museum contains a trove of objects unearthed in the nearby caves. It's small, but well…

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Nearby The Pyrenees attractions

1. Les Forges de Pyrène

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In Montgailhard, 4.5km south of Foix, this ‘living museum’ explores Ariège folk traditions, with live displays of ancient trades such as blacksmithing,…

2. Rivière Souterraine de Labouiche

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3. Parc de la Préhistoire

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Eighteen kilometres south of Foix, near Tarascon-sur-Ariège, this excellent museum-park provides a useful primer on the area’s prehistoric past. The…

4. Lombrives

10.08 MILES

Twenty-two kilometres northwest of Ax-les-Thermes on the N20 near Ussat-les-Bains, Europe’s largest cave system burrows its way through the soft limestone…

5. Grotte de Niaux

10.23 MILES

Most people know about the prehistoric artworks of the Dordogne, but far fewer realise that ancient painters left their mark in caves all across the…

6. Château de Montségur

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7. Musée de Montségur

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Tucked into the sleepy village of Montségur, this small museum contains a collection of Cathar relics, models of siege weapons and visual displays of what…

8. Grotte du Mas d’Azil

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