Castelnau-Bretenoux

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Shortened history of the castle:

Its construction took place over several centuries, from the twelfth century to the seventeenth century. Its origin dates back to Hugues de Castelnau, who had built a wall around his area. He is the ancestor of a family line very powerful barony subservient to the counts of Toulouse and who thrives in a region rich in agricultural resources.

In the medieval period, we find the square tower and a stately home. It was then redeveloped in the fifteenth century to accommodate the burgeoning artillery. It will be taken by Henry II but will revert ownership of the barons of Castelnau at the end of the Hundred Years War.

When the last Castelnau died in 1715, the castle is no longer maintained and is deteriorating for nearly two centuries. In 1860, the castle belongs to a Mr. Dubousquet that for a moment the idea to place a monastery. It is a historical monument in 1862 (and later the entire site will be included). In 1895 he was bought by Jean Mouliérat, Parisian comic opera singer, who began its restoration. In addition, Mouliérat is a collector who collects number of furniture and objects of religious art (paintings and sculptures). You can now visit seven parts of this fortress, restored and furnished in medieval style.

Opening times and aditionnal information:

2 May to 30 June: 10am-12.30am and 2pm-6.30pm
July 1 to August 31: 10am-7pm
September and April: 10am-12.30am and 2pm-5.30pm
1 October to 31 March: 10.30am-12.30am and 2pm-5.30pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Last admission 60 minutes before

Closed
1st January, 1st May, 1st November
November 11 and December 25

Full price: 7 €
Reduced price: 4.50 €
groups: 5,50 € (from 20 persons)

Free:
Under 18 (accompanied by an adult)
18-25 years (nationals of 27 countries of the European Union and non-European residents regularly on French territory)
Disabled person and their companion
Jobseeker

Foix

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Shortened history of the castle:

Outstanding fortress, the castle of Foix is an imposing and remarkable building. Built just before the year one thousand by a family of Carcassonne, it was until the late Middle Ages a powerful symbol of the Lord of Foix.

In the north, the first square tower, covered with a slate roof in the late nineteenth century, the tower is certainly the oldest of which dates back eleventh and twelfth centuries. The middle tower built during the thirteenth century has been completely remodeled in the fourteenth century. The round tower, later, has a Gothic architecture with large windows illuminating the beautiful vaulted hexagonal plan.

First main fortress of the Lord of Foix, the castle housed a garrison from the late Middle Ages and participated in the defense of the city by its strategic position.

It was used as a prison during the eighteenth century and became a historical Monument in 1840 (while still being used as a prison).

Opening times and additional information:

Adults : € 4.50
Students under 26 years : € 3.80
Children 5 to 12 years : € 2.40
Youth 13 to 18 years : € 3.30
FAMILY PASS Parents 2 Adults 2 Children : € 13.20 (Extra child : € 2.00)

From January 2 to January 31 : Open from January 2 to 10 and weekends
10.30am to 12pm and from 14 to 17.30
Guided tours at 11am, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30

From February 1 to April 30, 2010 : Open every day
10.30am to 12pm and from 14 to 17.30
Guided tours at 11am, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30
Closed Tuesdays except holidays

From May 1 to May 31, 2010 : OPEN from 10:30 to 12h and 14h to 17h30 on weekdays
Guided tours at 11am, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30
Weekends and public holidays from 9.45am to 12am and from 14h to 18h
Guided tours at 10am, 11am, 14:30, 15:45 and 17h

From June 1 to June 30, 2010 : OPENING from 9:45 to 12h and 14h to 18h
Guided tours at 10am, 11am, 14:30, 15:45 and 17h

The 01, 02 and July 3, 2010 : OPENING 9:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Guided tours at 10am, 11h, 12h, 13h in English, 14h, 15h, 16h, 17h, and 17.30

From July 4 to August 20, 2010 : OPENING 9:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Guided tours at 10am, 11h, 12h, 13h (English), 14h, 14h30, 15h, 15h30, 16h, 16h30, 17h and 17h30

From August 21 to August 31, 2010 : OPENING 9:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Guided tours at 10am, 11h, 12h, 13h (English), 14h, 15h, 16h, 17h and 17h30

From September 1 to September 30, 2010 : OPENING from 9:45 to 12h and 14h to 18h
Guided tours at 10am, 11am, 14:30, 15:45 and 17h
Closed first Friday of September

01 OCTOBER 8 November 2010 : OPEN from 10:30 to 12 and 14 to 17.30
Guided tours at 11am, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30

From November 9 to December 31, 2010 : OPEN from 10:30 to 12 and 14 to 17.30
Guided tours at 11am, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30
Closed on Tuesday except school holidays, December 25 and January 1, 2011.