Foix

Administrative centre of Ariège département in the Midi-Pyrénées region of southern France, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees on the River Ariège; population (1999) 9,100. It was the capital of the former county of Foix, and is a picturesque town with many old buildings, including an unfinished 14th-century church and wooden-fronted houses. It is overlooked by a 12th–15th-century castle (restored in the 19th century) situated on a rock. It is a market town and tourist centre with light industries.

Foix

Old county of France, joined to the French crown by Henry IV in 1607. Its power was increased between the 11th and 15th centuries until it became quasi-independent. It is now part of the Ariège département.