Foix Property Insight

Foix is the administrative centre (préfecture) of the Ariege department and the French smallest one. Its 9,109 inhabitants - the Fuxéens - are proud of their beautiful town located at the confluence of the Rivers Ariege and Arget, at the foothill of the Pyrenees mountains. Foix lies 80km south of Toulouse, close to the border with Spain and Andorra (75km). The town was first settled by the Romans who built a fort on the rocky hill that overhangs the actual town. Foix began to develop its urban life from the 13th century on, especially around its abbey - Abbaye Saint Volusien - and its castle. It became prestigious due to its role of capital town of the earl’s territory.

Overview

Foix has been spreading its influence all over the Pyrenees region since the Middle Ages. This south-western town has a glorious medieval past and kept an important heritage from this period. The museum of Ariege will allow you to learn many things about this area since the prehistory. The town of Foix is beautiful year-round - with mild springs and hot summers – and is the perfect place for relaxation, adventure or shopping. Like all mountain regions, this town is also fiercely proud of its origins and traditions. Let’s discover Foix’s historical heritage while strolling in the streets of the ancient centre with their springs, half-timbered houses, squares, etc.

Foix Immobilier & Property Market Trends

The Ariege department belongs to the cheapest French areas in terms of real estate prices. The property market in Foix and its surroundings is pretty stable with property prices around €1,450 / square metre for an ancient apartment to buy in 2009. Renting an apartment in Foix is really affordable as it costs about €6 / square metre / month. Real estate prices for new properties to buy are quite expensive with a price of €4,390 / square metre for a new apartment.

Prices of ancient houses are also important: €120,000 on average. They are higher than the national average as it cost about €20,000 more to buy an ancient property in Foix. But we can notice a decrease in property prices due to the financial crisis.

In Foix, 83% of the properties are main homes and only 6% are holiday houses. Why not invest in a second home in this peaceful and quiet area? You will enjoy its closeness to the Pyrenees mountains, ski resorts and beaches (Perpignan), as well as its temperate climate.

To get updated info about housing prices in the Ariege departement, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

4 Reasons to Buy a Property in Foix

Located in a quiet area of the Ariege department, Foix will definitely seduce you! A historical heritage, various and breathtaking landscapes and strategic location, this town has all the assets that a town needs to be famous amongst holidaymakers.

• Scenery: landscapes in and around Foix are various, unspoiled and quiet. You will be able to gaze a panoramic view from the northern plain and Ariege’s high peaks on the south while trekking on one of the 24 walkpaths or VTT rising and horse trekking. These sites are rich and striking. The balade de la Croix Saint Sauveur is probably amongst the most beautiful hiking.

• Foix’s Castle: built at the end of the 10th century, Foix’s castle provides an outstanding view as it overlooks the town. This important tourist site known as a centre of the Cathars has been listed as an historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture. The count of Foix, Gaston Fébus - also called the “King of the Pyrenees” - lived in this castle for some time.

• Location: as Foix is located at the foothill of the Pyrenees mountains, you will be able to access to medium or high-altitude in less than one hour. Foix has a great situation at the heart of the tourist activities of the Midi-Pyrenees region. This town is an important crossroad of south-western France: 75km from Andorra, 80km from Toulouse and Carcassonne, 140km from Perpignan, 150km from Tarbes and 250km from Barcelona.

• Historical heritage: Foix’s historical heritage - from the prehistory to these days - is really rich and interesting: the castle of Foix’s counts with its 3 towers overhanging the town, the Forges de Pyrène in Montgailhard (exceptional site wide of 5 acres with a museum explaining all the handcrafted jobs), the underground river of Labouiche, the roman chapels and churches of the 11th and 12th centuries in Foix, Bénac, Vernajoul and Saint-Jean de Verges, the observation towers, etc.

Property Styles and Architecture in Foix

As far as property styles are concerned, Foix does not except to the rule and has a very similar architecture than the surrounding towns of the Ariege department.

• Half-timbered Houses: you will find plenty of maisons à colombage (half-timbered houses) in the old quarter of the town. This area of Foix is really attractive amongst potential investors. With its narrow and winding streets and pretty sparkling fountains, you will enjoy the great atmosphere of this quarter. These half-timbered properties are mainly composed of wood, both inside and outside of the house. Walls are made of a slab being a mix of cob and stone.

• Stone Houses: made up of stone, with many windows (fenêtres à chien assis : windows going out of the roof...), colour-painted shetters and usually many flowers on the front of the houses, these properties are really sought-after.

• Villas: why not invest in a grand property surrounded with a large land composed of many trees and sometimes a swimming-pool? Usually composed of stone or cement, these villas are often located in very quiet areas of the town. Some of them will need to be renovated or have some work done, but it will definitely increase their value. There are still bargains to drive!

Click here for more info about Midi Pyrenees Architecture.