Foix Castle is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable sites and monuments in Ariège, and one of the best preserved castles in the Occitanie region. For a day, let yourself be taken on this wonderful journey through time: immersive museum, demonstrations of war machines, operation of construction machines, crossbow shooting, stone cutting, blacksmithing... be witnesses privileged from the history of the castle and the counts of Foix!
On July 6, 2019, after almost 3 years of work, the Château de Foix reopened its doors to the public to offer them a brand new, most immersive modern experience.
Visit the Château de Foix
After a stroll in the old Foix which leads you in particular to Saint-Volusien Abbey Church and a slight climb, you will arrive at the old portal and the entrance to the monument. Behind this portal, until the reopening of the Château de Foix in 2019, the old town court sat. This is where your visit begins.
This imposing building today happens to be themuseum space departmental. Of the temporary exhibitions ou permanent await you there. This museum is an interactive space with exhibitions, models and immersive rooms of all kinds where the famous book of hunting Gaston Fébus, comes to life.
Enter the dark room, a large luminous book sits there. Touch the pages and find yourself immersed in the many stories straight from the book's illustrations.
Now it's time for you to conquer the centerpiece of the museum: the castle itself!
Exhibitions in pictures
History through
his three turns
The castle itself is made up of 3 towers as well as a banqueting hall connecting the two oldest towers from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
You will have access to 4 floors of the round tower completed in the XNUMXth century, express order from Gaston Fébus (Count of Foix and Lord of Béarn among others). In each room, time seems to have stopped: each room is fitted out and furnished so that you are transported to the time of Gaston Fébus and his court, as if they still occupied the premises.
The middle tower, although smaller, gives you access to two rooms with exhibitions, to the terrace which allows you to visit the oldest tower, at least its first floor; and of course access to the terrace at the top of the building.
Workshops to do during
your visit
You will also walk like a guard, the walkway around the castle walls and on your way you will be able to participate in the different animations presented as the crossbow shooting range, stonecutter, medieval forge or trebuchet, terrible war machine.
In addition, you will find a plethora of characters from a bygone era, bringing the castle to life, who will warmly welcome you and show off their skills and knowledge during various workshops.
Book your day, equip yourself with good shoes and warm up your knees, the Château de Foix is waiting for you!
Entertainment throughout
of the year
Throughout the year, medieval festivals and unusual visits take place within the walls of the Château de Foix to transport you into a fantastic medieval atmosphere and discover the hidden secrets of the fortress's history. Medieval festivals, murder parties, nocturnal visits, aperitifs at Gaston’s, fables and tales evenings… Go to our calendar to discover the next dates!
The Château de Foix escape game
Lovers of challenges and legends, this escape game is made for you!
“In the midst of a crusade against the heretics, it is said that the last Cathars hid their treasure and perhaps even the Holy Grail at the foot of the castle of Foix... The Inquisitor is at the gates of the fortress and you therefore have a hour, the time he attends mass, to find his remains and put them in a safe place…”
Accessible by our brave detectives from 6 years old, this escape game will be appreciated as much by beginners as by those in the know!
History of the Château de Foix
Pride of Ariège and of an entire territory, it is on a limestone throne 60 meters high that this medieval jewel looks down on you with all its thousand-year-old history. The castle of the Counts of Foix spans the ages and watches over its inhabitants and its region since the Middle Ages and more particularly the XNUMXth century, where the first medieval tower was erected.
Historically, at the very beginning of the Middle Ages, the county of Foix was part of the county of Carcassonne. The first page of the history of the Counts of Foix was written by Bernard-Roger. A dozen counts and countesses followed one another, including some illustrious characters like Gaston Fébus ou Henry II from Foix.
For the record
Henri II of Foix was also Henri III of Navarre and better known to the French as Henri IV, king of France and last count of Foix.
Opening
Prices
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult |
6.25 € | - |
| Kids |
4.5 € | - |
| Student fee |
5 € | - |
| Big family |
20 € | - |
| Adult |
12.5 € | - |
| Kids |
9 € | - |
| Student fee |
10 € | - |
| Big family |
40 € | - |
Contact information
Info & Reservation
F.A.Q.
How much time should you allow to visit Foix Castle?
We advise you to plan a good half day (4 hours) to fully enjoy the immersion offered by the Château de Foix with its workshops and its immersive museum.
Can I eat at Château de Foix?
There are no facilities for eating within the Château de Foix grounds. However, it is possible to leave the site to eat in town if you ask for a bracelet at the entrance which symbolizes your arrival earlier in the day and the purchase of your tickets.
Are dogs allowed?
For conservation and hygiene reasons, animals are not allowed at the Château, even in a bag or on a leash.
Where do I park when I want to go to Château de Foix?
There are several car parks in the city center (free and paid) less than 10 minutes walk from the Château de Foix. Visit our page Parking lots and parking for more information.
Is Château de Foix accessible to people with disabilities?
"The museographic space is fully accessible to all audiences and wheelchairs.
However, the location of Château de Foix, on a rocky outcrop, makes access difficult for people with reduced mobility (steep paths, numerous stairs, sometimes uneven ground, etc.).
It is not possible to visit the tours in a wheelchair or stroller.
Welcoming visually impaired visitors is also difficult, because there are numerous obstacles (steps, unmarked unevenness, etc.) and very significant light contrasts.”
Source: Château de Foix
