: Foix

Foix is the historic capital of the Ariège department and the traditional capital of the County of Foix, sitting at the foot of the Pyrenees. Its formidable triple-towered castle dominates the town and was a stronghold of the Cathar resistance. The town serves as a gateway to the high Pyrenees for hiking and skiing.

Foix has a railway station on the TER line from Toulouse to Latour-de-Carol/Enveitg (about 1 hour 15 minutes). By car, the A66 motorway then the N20 continues south.

The old town around the castle is compact and walkable. A local bus network serves the Ariège region. For the Pyrenean valleys, a car is essential.

The Château de Foix with three towers, housing a museum on Catharism. The old town with Église Saint-Volusien. The Labouiche River Cave (Europe's longest navigable underground river).

Hiking in the Ariège Pyrenees (Orlu Reserve, Etang de Lers). Ski stations of Ax-Trois-Domaines. The Saturday market.

Ariège cuisine: garbure, confit de canard, trout from Pyrenean streams, grilled lamb.

Côtes de Gascogne and Gaillac wines. Armagnac, prune brandy, génépi.

Hotels from budget to mid-range near the station and old town. Chambres d'hôtes and gîtes in the valleys. Campsites.

Pyrenean cheeses (Bethmale, Tomme des Pyrénées), charcuterie, local honey, herbal liqueurs.

The Ariège valley to Ax-les-Thermes and Andorra. The Niaux prehistoric caves. Cathar sites (Montségur). Toulouse.