A medieval town in southern France with a 1000-year-old hilltop castle. The narrow streets lead to local cafes and small shops beneath the Pyrenees mountains.
Foix, a small town in southwestern France, sits at the meeting point of the Ariège and Arget rivers. Walk through streets lined with 16th-century half-timbered houses, climb the three towers of a medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop, or listen to organ music in the Saint-Volusien Abbey. Stop at the twice-weekly markets to buy local cheese and produce, or drive into the nearby Pyrenees mountains for hiking and skiing.
Getting to Foix
Direct trains run from Toulouse to Foix every two hours, with connections south to Andorra and Barcelona via l'Hospitalet station. A night train operates between Foix and Paris. By car, follow the Route Nationale 20 (N20), which connects to Toulouse in the north and Andorra in the south.
The Medieval Castle
Three distinct towers from the 12th to 14th centuries rise above the town center. Walk through the castle's 2,000-square-meter museum to learn about medieval warfare, daily life, and architecture. Try your hand at medieval construction techniques through the interactive displays, and test replica weapons from the period. Climb to the towers for views of the town's red-tiled roofs and the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance.
Walking the Old Town
Navigate the medieval center's winding streets to discover buildings from different centuries. On rue des Grands Ducs, 16th-century half-timbered houses create narrow passages beneath their overhanging upper floors. Stop at Place Parmentier to see medieval stone buildings, and visit the stone-built Halle aux Grains, which continues its centuries-old tradition as a market hall.
Local Markets
Visit the Halle aux Grains on Tuesday mornings from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM to buy directly from local food producers. You'll find seasonal vegetables, regional cheeses, and locally produced meats. Friday markets spread into the surrounding streets during the same hours, adding craft vendors and additional food stalls.
Saint-Volusien Abbey
Built between 1609 and 1670, the abbey combines a Romanesque nave with Gothic choir architecture. Listen to organ concerts, typically held on Sunday afternoons throughout the year, in this 17th-century building.
Day Trips from Foix
Drive 40 minutes to explore several medieval towns nearby. Walk under the 13th-century wooden arcades in Mirepoix's central square, explore the fortified abbey in the mountain village of Camon, or climb to Carla-bayle for regional views. In winter, reach the nearest ski slopes within 40 minutes by car. During summer, access numerous mountain hiking trails in the same area.
