Historical sound and light show facing the Comtal Castle of Foix
Every summer, the Théâtre de Verdure de l'Espinet transforms into a breathtaking performance venue, facing the illuminated silhouette of the Comtal Castle of Foix. Since 1957, the tradition of historical sound and light shows has been perpetuated in this exceptional natural setting, at the foot of the medieval fortress that dominates the town. The association Foix Terre d'Histoire has continued this tradition since 1979, bringing together over 150 enthusiasts each year — actors, technicians, extras, and volunteers — to bring the history of Ariège to life.
The night performances blend theater, dance, fire arts, and monumental video projections to tell the story of Foix and Ariège with emotion, creativity, and modernity. Nearly 100 actors and extras take to the stage for large-scale shows, conceived and directed by live performance professionals. The 2025 show, "La Dernière Leçon" (The Last Lesson), created by Agathe Roumieu, offered a poetic, contemporary, and digital vision of Ariège's history.
Beyond the main night show, Foix Terre d'Histoire offers a complete three-week program including a medieval jousting tournament, a fire night, storytelling evenings, and open-air cinema screenings. The medieval animations immerse the audience in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages with combat demonstrations, craft workshops, and street performances. The festival is aimed at all audiences, from families to history enthusiasts.
A member of the French Federation of Historical Festivals and Shows, Foix Terre d'Histoire contributes to the valorization of Ariège's heritage and the tourist appeal of the town of Foix. The festival is a powerful vector of social cohesion, bringing together hundreds of volunteers of all ages around a collective artistic project. Every summer, thousands of spectators discover or rediscover the history of Ariège in a magical setting.
The 2026 edition of Foix Terre d'Histoire takes place from July 30 to August 18, 2026, at the Théâtre de Verdure de l'Espinet, facing the Château Comtal de Foix. At the heart of the program is the grand nocturnal show « La Dernière Leçon », directed by Agathe Roumieu, featuring nearly 100 actors, dancers, and fire artists. The festival also offers a chivalry tournament, the Night of Fire, open-air cinema screenings, and medieval entertainment.
From July 30 to August 18, 2026, Foix lives to the rhythm of its historical sound and light show at the Théâtre de Verdure de l'Espinet, facing the Château Comtal. The 2026 edition, for its second year, highlights the grand nocturnal show « La Dernière Leçon », conceived and directed by Agathe Roumieu.
The show follows Anne, a retired teacher, who revisits the great figures of Ariège's history, from the Magdalenians to the Cathars, from the Counts of Foix to the revolutionaries. A poetic, contemporary, and digital show, performed by nearly 100 actresses, actors, dancers, and fire artists, with scenes illuminated by monumental scenic video projections.
Around the main show, the festival offers the chivalry tournament by the Arion Horse Show association, the highly anticipated Night of Fire, several open-air cinema evenings, and medieval entertainment.
Performances on July 31, August 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026, at the Théâtre de Verdure de l'Espinet.
Several open-air film screenings are scheduled during the festival (dates to be confirmed on the official website).
The show takes place at the Théâtre de Verdure de l'Espinet, rue de l'Espinet, 09000 Foix, facing the Comtal Castle.
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Théâtre de Verdure de l'Espinet
Rue de l'Espinet, 09000 Foix