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Behind-the-Scenes of Castle Mysteries on the French Riviera

Medieval Castle Village at Roquebrune Cap Martin, France

Conrad 1st, Count of Vintimiglia, built this fortified castle in 970 to defend the Western border of his feudal domain from attack by hordes of Saracens that rampaged around the area, both on land and sea. Initially the entire village was encompassed by the fortress. The keep's military strength was reinforced in the 15th century by the Grimaldi family. In 1808 the castle was sold as a Bien National to five Roquebrune inhabitants. A century later, in 1911, it was sold again – this time to wealthy Englishman Sir William Ingram, who set about renovating it but eventually gave it to the town of Roquebrune in 1921. The fortress overlooks the medieval village and its atmospheric alleyways, sometimes carved out of the rock itself.

Sites not to miss in the village of Roquebrune: the lavoir (traditional washing place), Place des Deux Frères, St Marguerite Church, the replica of a smithy, Rue Montcollet, Place du Capitaine Vincent, the Thousand-year-old Oak and of course the Castle. Magnificent views.