I'm assuming night in France etc also has to be under IFR.
Nope. VFR at Night in France is just that. VFR. Same in Belgium. Although some special restrictions might apply. But NVFR in the Netherlands, for instance, is forbidden (except for the trauma heli and such) so in the Netherlands you'll need an IFR plane, plan and an IR.
All countries have different ideas on how to fly at night. Maybe EASA is going to bring some consistency here. Until then check the AIP, section "Visual Flight Rules" (Normally ENR 1.2)
For instance from the French AIP:
1.2.3 Night VFR Flight
Reference: Ministerial Order dated June 20th, 2001 relative to aircraft
night flight according to Visual Flight rules (JORF dated July 25th,
2001).
a) Definitions
Local Flight: Non-stop Round trip flown within a Control Zone (CTR)
associated with the concerned aerodrome or, when there is no CTR, to
6,5 NM maximum from the concerned aerodrome.
Cross-country Flight: Flight other than a local flight.
b) Approved aerodromes
A night VFR flight shall be carried out from and to approved aerodromes:
see visual approach and landing charts.
An aerodrome approved “with limitations” is only reserved for pilots
authorized by the Civil Aviation Director or his representative; these
pilots shall then be aware of local instructions specifying the specific
operating rules for this aerodrome.
c) Weather conditions
A night VFR flight shall be carried out with the following weather conditions:
a) For a local flight
- maintain the aerodrome in sight,
- ceiling equal or more than 450 m (1500 feet),
- visibility equal or more than 5 km.
b) For a cross-country flight
- keep visual reference to the ground or water,
- ceiling equal or more than 450 m (1500 feet) above the planned
cruising level,
- visibility equal or more than 8 km between departure, destination
and possible alternate aerodromes.
However, the pilot may proceed to the destination or alternate
aerodrome if the visibility transmitted by aerodrome ATC unit or
STAP, is less than 8 km but more than or equal to 5 km.
No rain shower or thunderstorm forecast between departure, destination
and possible alternate aerodromes.
For a cross-country or local flight, if there is no weather station,
STAP or ATC unit at the departure aerodrome, the pilot shall estimate
the take off visibility.
d) Lighting system when there is no ATC unit
When there is no ATC unit, the lighting system is operated, as appropriate:
- by the pilot, using a PCL if the aerodrome is equipped with,
- by a person approved by the Civil Aviation Director or his representative.
e) Flight plan
Filed Flight Plan
A FPL is sent at least 30 minutes before the estimated off blocks
time or transmitted to the appropriate ATC unit, at least 30 minutes
before SS time at the destination aerodrome for a day flight which
has to continue during night time.
Special cases
A flight plan is not required for the following flights; the appropriate
flight data are transmitted through radio communication to the
concerned ATC unit:
- local flight,
- flights between two aerodromes for which the approach control service
is provided by the same ATC unit, within the limits of the airspace
under the control of this ATC unit,
- day flights that, for unexpected reasons, will still continue during
night time, if a radio communication contact has been provided
during daytime with the ATC unit of the destination or alternate
aerodrome.
f) Routes, minimum level
Except for take-off or landing operations and associated maneuvers, a
night VFR flight shall be carried out:
- on published routes,
- if there is no route, at a minimum height of 450 m (1500 feet) above
the highest obstacle in a 8 km radius around the estimated aircraft
position. This height is 600 m (2000 ft) for areas where the relief altitude
is more than 1500 m (5000 ft),
- for local flights, except if special local instructions are provided, at a
minimum height of 300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle in a 8
km radius around the estimated aircraft position.
g) Controlled airspaces and restricted areas
A night VFR flight shall be carried out:
- upon clearance issuing, in the TWR and APP controlled airspace,
especially in the airspace included in the limits of Flight Information
Sectors (SIV) during their operating times,
- upon prior permission of the appropriate ATC unit, in a restricted
area, using routes notified to users through Aeronautical Information
Service, if any.
h) Radiocommunications
Local flight without ATC unit
A pilot operating in night VFR local flight, shall keep a radio-telephone
listening watch. If there is no ATC unit, at the first call of
another pilot on the frequency, the pilot transmits position, altitude
and his intentions using self-information procedure.
Controlled Airspace and Restricted Areas
A pilot operating in night VFR flight in a controlled airspace or restricted
area, shall have a direct two-way radio-communication with
the concerned ATC unit and keep a permanent listening watch on
the appropriate radio frequency.
https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv...11_ENR-1.2.pdf