FOIX AND CYCLING
In 2022, Hugo Houle wrote a new page in Canadian cycling history in Foix by becoming the second rider from his country to win a stage of the Tour de France, 34 years after Steve Bauer (the following year, Michael Woods became the third by winning at Puy-de-Dôme). The Quebecer had joined the day's breakaway to support Woods, but circumstances allowed him to take the lead on the Péguère climb, about 30 kilometres from the finish, and to achieve his dream. The Tour de France's previous visit to Foix was marked by Simon Yates' impressive victory at Prat d'Albis, but it was Thibaut Pinot who made the biggest impression on this stage, attacking 6 km from the summit to surprise the other favourites and establish himself as a serious contender for the overall victory. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, an injury decided otherwise. The previous year, in a short stage in Ariège starting from Saint-Girons, Warren Barguil won and earned valuable points for the polka dot jersey. This first stage victory for "Wawa" in the Grande Boucle was all the more impressive as the Frenchman had outclassed a prestigious trio consisting of Alberto Contador, Mikel Landa and Nairo Quintana.
In 2008, at the finish in the Ariège prefecture, Kurt-Asle Arvesen became the third Norwegian winner of a Tour stage at the foot of the castle, after a sprint won by an inch ahead of Switzerland's Martin Elmiger and Italy's Alessandro Ballan. In 2012, Luis Leon Sanchez confirmed his fondness for the roads of Ariège. The Spanish rider won both in Saint-Girons in 2009 and in Foix in 2012.A few years earlier, the 1984 Tour de l'Avenir was largely decided around Foix, with Charly Mottet initially breaking away from the pack. The next day, he won the stage that started in Foix and ended in Saint-Gaudens, before taking the lead in the overall classification.Ariège is also the setting for one of the world's biggest cycle tours, the Ariégeoise, one of whose routes, the Passejade, passes through Foix in June.
FOIX
Castle of the Counts of Foix
Construction: 11th century
Style: fortified castle
Characteristics: standing on a rocky outcrop, this medieval castle dominates the medieval town of Foix with its high walls and three towers. It offers a panoramic view of the Pyrenees.
History: this impregnable and still intact fortress was built in the year 1000. It was the residence of the Counts of Foix, some of whom were famous, such as Gaston Phébus, author of the motto "touch it if you dare". Henri III of Navarre, the last Count of Foix, became King of France under the name Henri IV.
Current use: turned into the Ariège departmental museum, the castle has several rooms dedicated to the history of the county of Foix, its construction in the Middle Ages, its history as a prison and many other temporary exhibitions.
Listed as: Historic Monument since 1840
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Saint Volusien Abbey
Construction: 12th century, restored in the 17th century
Style: Gothic
Characteristics: Most of what remains of the medieval church is the portal and the base of the nave walls.
History: in 1104, the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine took possession of an abbey housing the relics of Saint Volusien. Construction then began on a vast church with three naves and a transept. In the 14th century, the Romanesque chevet was replaced by a new polygonal choir. The building was ruined during the Wars of Religion and its relics were burned. Reconstruction work began in 1609 and was probably completed around 1670.
Special features: it houses a 40-stop romantic organ built by Leroy-Legendre & Fermis père & fils in 1869 and restored by Lucien Simon and Jean-Pascal Villard in 2004. The gallery organ, its case and its instrumental parts have been listed as historic monuments since 1997.
Listed as: Historic Monument since 1964
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Labouiche underground river
Characteristics: Seated comfortably in a boat, you can follow the Labouiche River, the longest navigable underground river in Europe. The four-kilometre route takes you into the bowels of the Ariège, through rooms and galleries adorned with multiple concretions, passing by the Salette waterfall.
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L'Estive
Characteristics: The Estive national theatre is a cultural hotspot in Ariège, offering more than 40 shows a year in Foix and throughout the department. L'Estive supports artistic creation and implements awareness-raising initiatives to bring culture to everyone. It also manages the Art et Essai cinema at L'Estive Foix and the Ariège Images travelling network throughout the department.
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The Devil's Bridge
Construction: 13th century
Characteristics: A fortified bridge with two arches. Like all "Devil's Bridges", there is a legend associated with it: the architect made a pact with the Devil and could only finish building the bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross it. But he was smarter than the Devil and made a cat cross it instead.
Rebech, a whitewater stadium
Characteristics: The quality of the facilities, coaching and natural site at Le Rebech, specially designed for whitewater sports, make Foix an essential venue for various championships, as well as for training and advanced courses. In 2010, Foix hosted the Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships. More than forty nations took part in the competition. In 2025, the site will once again welcome the world's elite juniors and hopefuls for the World Canoe Kayak Championships.
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