Visit the Château de Foix!
Even before entering the city, the imposing stature of the castle dominating the valley catches the eye of visitors and impresses with its height. With three large towers and unshakeable walls, this little gem of Ariège heritage has withstood both enemy attacks and the cogs of time. Its interior, completely redesigned as before, will give you the impression of being in the Middle Ages.
It is therefore an essential stopover in Ariège, being just 5 minutes from our Hotel Pyrène!
History
Yet the richness of its territory has often been the object of much envy. First the home of the Counts, this marvel of medieval architecture later became the refuge of the Cathars.
The second tower, wider and taller, was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It then made it possible to once again welcome counts, such as the famous Gaston Phoebus, the most famous of the counts of Foix-Béarn. A man of very strong character, soldier, hunter, builder, and at the origin of the third and last tower, which has the distinction of being round.
Unfortunately, the castle was quickly abandoned before being transformed into a barracks in the 16th century, then a prison in the 19th century.
Even today, we can still observe the engravings on the walls of the cells, made by the prisoners whose conditions of detention were appalling.
Listed as a Historic Monument and extensively restored to give it back its Medieval allure in the 19th century, in 1930 the castle became accessible to the public to allow everyone to discover its history and the personalities who occupied it.
Activities
Visit of the interior of the castle
In each room, furniture, chairs, tables, beds and weapons are installed to restore the castle to its former appearance. The equipment was made to measure after a long work of archival research and an inventory of the various known medieval collections. You will therefore be able to discover the great ceremonial hall, the count’s chamber, the hall of arms, the scriptorium, the dungeon, and many more.
Visit of the exterior of the castle
These machines operate every day and regular demonstrations are made to explain their history and utility, you can even participate in the demonstration.
But long before you are impressed by these machines, you will especially be struck by the extraordinary view of Foix, its valley and the surrounding Ariege Pyrenees which beg to be contemplated.
Fun workshops
At the foot of the three towers of the castle, fun workshops are offered every day. They are animated by characters straight from the Middle Ages and will help you project yourself into the time of the Counts of Foix. You will learn how to use imposing war and construction machines, how to handle weapons such as a bow or crossbow, how to cut stone or even the basics of blacksmithing.
The Museographic space:
The souvenir shop
Possibility of leaving your purchases at the store in order to collect them once the visit is over!
Escape game "The Treasure of the Cathars":
Intended for all people who like to have fun, play in a team and solve puzzles, whether with friends, colleagues or family, this medieval escape game will allow everyone to experience the Middle Ages for a moment, through of clues, puzzles and other challenges as original as they are quirky.
This game is located in the museography area, the team can be made up of a maximum of five people. It is accessible to children as well as to people with reduced mobility. Mandatory reservation.
Temporary exhibitions
To not miss them: refer to “Contact & social networks” a little further down on this page.
Informations
The visit
It takes about 4 hours for the full visit.
Prices
Group rates (reservation required):
Accessibility:
- The museum area: fully accessible to all audiences and to wheelchairs.
- The access path to the castle: steep paths, numerous stairs and a paved floor which can be slippery in rainy weather. So remember to put on good shoes and to prefer, for example, a baby carrier to the stroller. This access is difficult for people with reduced mobility.
- It is not possible to visit the tours in a wheelchair or stroller.
- Welcoming visually impaired visitors is also complicated there, because there are many obstacles (steps, unspecified unevenness, etc.) and very significant light contrasts.
Equipments
- Audioguide
- Drinking water point
- Toilets for people with reduced mobility
Pets
Pets are not allowed within the site, even on a leash.
Parkings
There are many car parks in Foix and around the castle, some free, others not.
Contact & Social Networks:
Contact & Social Networks:
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