Sightseeing in Foix
The premier attraction in Foix is one that can be seen from a considerable distance. The Château de Foix simply cannot be neglected if you visit this area. The château itself is a marvel of 10th-century architecture. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to take in some of Europe’s most stunning scenery from a great elevated viewpoint.
Les Forges des Pyrénées, two miles south of Foix, is an expansive property featuring various craftsmen at work. Picnic tables, a playground and a restaurant are also on-site.
Foix Caves
This is a fabulous destination if prehistory and cave paintings interest you. The caves here include:
La Grotte du Mas d’Avil has discoveries that led to the identification of the Azilian Age. Various artifacts and tools were discovered that are on display at the village’s museum.
La Grotte de Lombrives (33-05-61-05-98-40, in Lombrives) is the largest cave in Europe, and is mentioned in the Guiness Book of World Records.
If you want to see some fine examples of cave paintings, be sure to visit la Grotte de Niaux, just south of Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Reservations there are mandatory.
La Grotte de Bedeilhac, in Bedeilhac, provides a great mix of stalactites, stalagmites and cave paintings.
The Labouiche subterranean river, just northwest of Foix, is the longest such river that is navigable in all of Europe. Visitors go on a magical 1½- hour barge ride.
Shopping in Foix
Some of the area’s best shopping comes at the local markets. Some nice ones to visit include the Ax-les-Thermes market, held mid-June through mid-September on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm.
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