What's On in Loire Valley

The French have a penchant for nocturnal sound and light shows, and there of plenty to choose from in the Loire Valley.

Les Balades du Roi René in Angers. On Saturday nights in the summer. The walls of historical monuments are used as a screen to project light and sound shows and are open for night-time visits, and displays include jousting re-enactments in the street. A fantastic opportunity to visit the castle and the Apocalypse Tapestry housed there, all for free.

La Nuit des Chimères in Le Mans is a stunning sound and light festival that makes the town come alive with magic. Great to stroll around on a balmy summer evening. http://www.nuitdeschimeres.com/?lang=en

Summer Night Walks in Chenonceau – take a magical nocturnal stroll around the illuminated castle grounds set to classical music. https://www.chenonceau.com/en/agendas/nocturnal-promenades/

Les Montgolfiades in Brissac Quincé in August. Join the throngs in the grounds and watch the pilots take off, or settle down with a gourmet hamper on the opposite side of the river in Les Ponts de Cé and enjoy the display from afar.

Le Festival d’Anjou in Angers. Plays, concerts and theatrical performances at stunning locations including castles and theatres.

Les Fêtes de Jeanne d’Arc in Orléans. The town of celebrates its Maid every May when the famous ten-day siege is re-enacted and the townsfolk hold a parade and a mediaeval fair in honour of their teenage heroine.

Plus, the nationwide fireworks displays on 14th July, for Bastille Day, and/or 15th August for the holy day of the Assumption, which are often fired from the Loire river itself.