Chateaux are large castle-like houses originally built for military purposes between the 10th and 20th centuries. The Loire Valley, known as the "Garden of France", contains many chateaux along the Loire River and is influenced by French Renaissance and Italian architecture. The largest chateau is Chambord, built by François I in 1519. Château Rousse, located in Dordogne, was built starting in 1150 but not completed until 1648 due to religious wars. It offers amenities like pools, tennis courts, and can be rented from April 11-13 for 3,370 euros or $4,782.49.