Loire Valley · Nightlife

Several châteaux run summer light and sound shows in the grounds after dark, ticketed separately from daytime entry.

The half-timbered square carrying the city's student nightlife, busiest Thursday to Saturday.

Cellars cut into the tuffeau cliffs around Vouvray, Bourgueil and Saumur run evening tastings by appointment.

Summer bars on the Loire sandbanks at Blois, Amboise and Tours, with live music and no dress code whatsoever.

The old town empties by six, and the terraces below the château stay open into the evening for whoever stayed.