Foix is a small town and commune, the préfecture (capital) of the Ariège département in France. It lies south of Toulouse, close to the border with Spain and Andorra. Population (1999): 9,109.

Château des Comtes de Foix

History

The town of Foix probably owes its origin to an oratory founded by Charlemagne, which afterwards became an abbey.

Sights

The main historical feature is the Château of the Counts of Foix, which overlooks the old part of the town, with winding streets and old houses (illustration, right). It crowns an isolated rock with its three towers of the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The chief church, a Gothic building of the 14th century, is consecrated to St Volusien, an archbishop of Tours in the 5th century.

Miscellaneous

Foix was the birthplace of Charles de Freycinet (1828-1923), statesman and prime minister.

See also

• County of Foix for the detailed history of medieval Foix
• List of Co-Princes of Andorra
• Gaston de Foix

External links

• Official Homepage
• List of Counts of Foix
• Rulers of Languedoc (including Foix)