There are two types of castles in France: châteaux forts and châteaux de plaisance. Châteaux forts were built between the 12th-14th centuries for protection, with thick walls, towers, and moats. Examples include Carcassonne and Tarascon. Châteaux de plaisance emerged in the 14th-16th centuries Renaissance for pleasure, with gardens, sculptures, and large windows. Over 300 were built in the Loire Valley, such as Chenonceau and Chambord. Other famous examples include the Louvre, Fontainebleau, and Versailles.