Foix

Visit Foix, Midi-Pyrenees

Set deep in the upper Ariège valley, the outstanding scenery and lush green mountain pastures that surround the town welcome you to the beautiful town of Foix.

Explore Foix

Foix castle and Museum

The most dominating feature of Foix, the castle, is also the focal point of the town's history and the centre of your visit.

The Chateaux de Foix was built before the seventh century (it was mentioned in Roger 1st will when he bequeathed this amazing chateaux to his youngest son Bernard). Seated on top of a hillock, this astounding piece of architecture is essential viewing on your visit here. The chateaux has undergone recent renovation and is the jewel of the town.

Unlike many chateaux, the tourist authority have also provided abundant information for visitors and offer self-guided recorded visits in many languages. Whether you’re a count, a knight a fair maiden, or a parent looking for activities for the kids, you’ll be sure to step back in time at a visit to this magnificent fortress.

Since 1930, the castle has housed the collections of the Ariège departmental museum. Sections on prehistory, Gallo-Roman and mediaeval archaeology that tell the history of the Ariège from ancient times have been created with amazing taste. The museum is currently rearranging exhibits to concentrate on the history of the castle site so as to recreate the life of Foix at the time of the Counts.

Other sites in Foix

The town itself offers an interesting mix of architecture typical of an area that has incurred cross border fighting and enemy control over the centuries. There are pretty alleyways with patisseries, boulangeries and brocantes, one of which in particular you should visit.

It’s nestled in the alley below the Chateaux de Foix and the owner (a lady) has stood in the doorway of the brocante for over 10 years, and lets no one in, not even the locals, so if you happen to pass her door, give it your best shot!!

History meets modernisation in the old market square, with quaint café’s, boutiques and the occasional mobile phone shop to bring you back to reality.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are the best time to visit Foix, which comes alive with it’s markets, held in the craft centre, and on Fridays at the Place Saint Colusien and the allee de Vilotte where you will discover the biggest selection of cheeses and honey ever in one place!

Attractions nearby

In the winter months, ski stations are about 40 minutes from Foix, not the best slopes in the world, but they do have great food and stunning scenery, perfect for beginners! In the summer, the mountains become a haven for walkers and hikers and there’s plenty of accommodation ranging from Self catering gites, hotels and camp sites.

Nearby you should also visit Montsegur to the south-east of Foix. See also more detailed information about Foix castle.

Note: Foix is a twinned town with Ripon (North Yorkshire, England)

Photos of Foix (click any picture to start the gallery)

Suggested places to visit near Foix, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Ax-les-Thermes 33km; Saint-Girons 38km; Saint-Lizier 38km; Gorges de l'Aude 48km; Carbonne 48km; Quillan 48km; Castelnaudary 48km; Cazeres 50km; Limoux 51km; Rennes-le-Chateau 54km; Rennes-les-Bains 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Foix

Foix tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Pyrenees Ariegeoises - regional natural parc (15km) : Parc aux Bambous - remarkable garden (23km) : Fontaine Intermittente de Fontestorbes - site of natural beauty (28km) : Vallée de Vicdessos - site of natural beauty (31km) : Lac du Bouillouses - site of natural beauty (54km) :

French version: see Foix (Francais)