Le château de Foix - Historic Monument in Foix

Discover Toulouse Ariège & Pyrénées

Contacts

Call 05 61 05 10 10

Rates and booking

Opening hours

Closed

Monday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm

Opens at 10:00 amDetailed schedules

Useful information

Location : In the countryside

Province : Ariège - Foix and the countryside

English
- The castle of Foix, emblem of the city of Foix and Ariège, is a historical monument of great importance.
  
  History and architecture
  It is a fortified castle that dates back to the 10th century, although it has undergone modifications over the centuries.
  Its position perched on a rock gave it strategic importance and a reputation for impregnability in the Middle Ages.
  The round towers, added in the 15th century, are characteristic of its architecture.
  The castle also served as a prison until 1862.
  
  Classification and cultural significance
  It is listed as a Historic Monument, testifying to its heritage value. It is associated with important historical figures such as Gaston Fébus and Henri IV.
  Since 1930, the castle has housed the collections of the Ariège departmental museum.
  
  Tourist attraction
  The castle attracts many visitors, fascinated by its history and architecture.
  Medieval events are organized there, offering an immersion in the past.
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Traveller Reviews Google Le château de Foix

4.4 sur 5 7713 reviews

5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Meinolf R. on 13/02/2026

If you like the Cité of Carcassonne, you'll love the Château de Foix. While Carcassonne is an entire fortified city, Foix embodies the ideal of an impregnable count's castle. It sits atop a massive limestone cliff high above the town of Foix and the foothills of the Pyrenees – a sight that makes it clear from afar: someone once wielded considerable power here. What makes the Château de Foix so special: The three towers: The castle's iconic feature is its striking towers. The oldest dates back to the 12th century. The round tower (the most recent of the three), in particular, with its intricate stonework, appears almost elegant for a fortress. Residence of the Counts: This was the residence of the powerful Counts of Foix, including the famous Gaston Fébus. He was a kind of medieval rock star – a warrior, writer, and a truly unique character who massively expanded the castle. Prison Past: After its time as a fortress, the castle served as a prison for many years. Even today, you can still see carvings and inscriptions made by prisoners on the walls of the towers, giving the place an almost reverential atmosphere. The Modern Experience (Museum) The castle was completely redesigned a few years ago. It's no longer a dusty museum, but a highly interactive experience: Immersive Experience: The counts' rooms are furnished as if they had just left. Medieval Workshops: On the terraces, craftsmen often demonstrate live how to use blacksmiths, stonemasons, or old war machines (like the trebuchet). My Tip: Since you like Carcassonne in the evening – the view from the rocky outcrop of Foix Castle at sunset over the mountains is unbeatable. Up there, you truly feel like the "Guardian of the Pyrenees."
5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Melissa Hoquerelle on 13/02/2026
5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Jean Caubet on 12/02/2026

Magical! Absolutely beautiful, very playful and modern inside. Honestly, a wonderful discovery.

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Traveller Reviews tripAdvisor Le château de Foix

1179 reviews

"Very impressive castle, well maintained."

Reviews posted by clairegB9934NW (London, United Kingdom) on 15/09/2025

Good castle, well maintained, good access to rooms, turrets etc. Interesting museum, we enjoyed the animated immersive book experience in particular. Very picturesque when surrounded by mist.
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"Mixed - all Chateaux’d out"

Reviews posted by TwixUK (Aberdeen, United Kingdom) on 20/08/2025

After a week in the Aude region, we had been spoilt for choice of castles, Abbey’s, fortified villages and hilltop sites. We visited Foix castle on our way back to Toulouse airport and felt...
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"Make sure to see the town as well"

Reviews posted by Nubus (Copenhagen, Denmark) on 21/04/2025

The castle might be the reason for visiting Foix but the fact is that the town is so much more interesting than the castle. Make sure set aside time for a walk through Foix. The castle is placed on...
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