If you're planning a trip to any of France's great cathedral cities, or to the Loire Valley, then try to make it an overnight stop to catch the spectacular light shows that are put on during the summer season.
In cities like Chartres, it's worth boarding the tourist train as it goes past most of the sights in the more far flung areas of town.
In Amiens, the show is designed to restore the medieval colors in all their glory, showing how the cathedral would have looked to the citizens of a few centuries ago.
Other cities to look out for incude Rouen, Le Mans and Orleans.
Practical Information
Amiens is lit up from June 15th to the 3rd Sunday in September every evening at nightfall. Also from December 1 to January 1 at 7pm.
Most cities light up at nightfall in the summer, which is around 10.30pm, so you get the chance for a good meal before.
In the Loire Valley, many of the chateaux run son-et-lumiere shows such as Blois, Chambord, and Amboise. Check with the local tourist offices.
For Verdun son-et-lumiere, see the Verdun Memorial article
Image: Amiens Cathedral lit up at night © L. Rousselin, Amiens Metropole
Last summer, I attended the light/sound show at Blois – it was amazing!