Château de Castelnaud overlooking the river Dordogne, France © garethkirklandphotogrphy/Getty Images

Castles usually come with towers, walls and at least one dramatic story. Château de Castelnaud in France has plenty of all three, plus medieval weapons. Rising around 150 metres above the Dordogne Valley, this 13th-century fortress commands views towards Château de Beynac and Périgord Noir. Its story is anything but quiet. During the Hundred Years" War, Castelnaud changed allegiance several times before French forces captured it after a three-week siege in 1442. Centuries later, the neglected fortress was used as a stone quarry before restoration began in 1965.