Size matters, at least when it comes to Chambord Castle. Not only is this the largest castle in the Loire Valley, but it’s said to have inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and is renowned for its 16th-century French Renaissance architecture. A popular inclusion on Loire Valley castle itineraries, visitors to Chambord can explore the 426-room castle, stroll around the landscaped gardens and moat, and admire the magnificent spiral staircase, which was designed, in part, by Leonardo da Vinci.

With its Gothic turrets, grand Renaissance facade, and serene riverside setting, Chenonceau Castle is the exemplar of Loire Valley castle architecture. Head inside to admire the royal bedrooms, stained-glass chapel, and collection of Flemish tapestries, then stroll around the idyllic gardens or enjoy a cruise along the River Cher. During a guided tour, you can also learn about former residents Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, who earned Chenonceau its nickname of the “Ladies’ Chateau.”

Completing the trio of the three most famous Loire Valley aristocratic complexes is Cheverny Castle, which retains much of its 17th-century classical style. Owned by the Hurault family for centuries, it’s renowned not only for its stunning interior but also for its popular Tintin exhibition. Fans of the fictional detective will likely recognize the estate as Marlinspike in Hergé’s Adventures of Tintin. Stroll around the gardens and visit the kennels to see the estate’s beagles.

Blois' location makes it the ideal base camp for Loire Valley castle tours, but don’t miss the city’s very own regal structure. Château Royal de Blois sits atop a historic town with views over the Loire River and is most notable for its four different wings, each of which showcases a different architectural style. The creative flair continues inside, where you can admire the royal apartments of Louis XII and Catherine de Medici and visit the Blois Fine Arts Museum, housed in the Louis II wing.

Château Royal d'Amboise dates back to the late 15th century and overlooks the Loire River. Charles VIII, François I, and Anne de Bretagne all made their mark on the castle, while the castle’s Saint-Hubert Chapel is the burial site of art icon Leonardo Da Vinci. Explore the royal residence and its terraced gardens on a self-guided tour using the interactive Histopad tablet guides, pair a castle tour with a wine tasting lunch, or admire views of the castle on a Segway tour of Amboise.

The gardens of Loire Valley castles are often just as celebrated as the historic buildings themselves, but none are quite as resplendent as those of Château de Villandry. Dating back to the 16th century but redesigned by Joachim Carvallo in the early 20th century, the Gardens of Villandry rank among the top things to do in the Loire Valley. Explore the vast estate on a guided tour, where you can stroll the wooded nature trails, lose yourself in the maze, and visit the various gardens.

Only a few guided tours of Loire Valley castles include the lesser-known Château du Clos Lucé, but this stately property is just a 10-minute walk from nearby Amboise Castle. This small castle was acquired by King Charles VIII in the mid-15th century as a summer house for his Queen, Anne de Bretagne, but later became the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci under the direction of King Francis I. Today, art enthusiasts can visit Clos Lucé’s exhibitions on da Vinci’s life and art.

With its harmonious towers and fairy-tale turrets mirrored in the glassy waters of the Indre River, it’s hard to take a bad photo of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Effortlessly picturesque, the small, palatial residence sits on its own island in the river, hemmed in by verdant English-style gardens. Inside, highlights include the striking Italianate staircase, the sumptuous Biencourt salon, and the Parapet Walk, which affords sweeping views over the castle grounds.

Château d’Angers is among the oldest, built in the 9th century on an old Roman defensive site. The castle’s 10-foot (3-meter) thick walls stand in stark contrast to the royal residences seen elsewhere in the Loire Valley, but the biggest surprise is an exhibition housed in the castle museum. The magnificent collection of the Tapestries of the Apocalypse is one of the largest medieval tapestry compilations still in existence, stretching an impressive 340 feet (104 meters).

Often left off the must-see list of Loire Valley castles (it’s located outside of the UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Château des Ducs de Bretagne stands guard over Nantes, the westernmost city along the Loire. This former Ducal Palace makes the perfect addition to self-guided Loire Valley castle explorations, especially because it’s free to visit the grounds (there’s a small charge to visit the castle museum inside).