Rouen Nightlife, France

Situated at half distance between Le Havre port and Paris, the city of Rouen is home to many historic sights and a bustling nightlife. Rouen nightlife starts up in the afternoon and ends late in the night. A night out in a historic city like Rouen must definitely start with a walk and a coffee in the main square. It is near sunset when the shadows get deeper, enhancing the beauty of the gothic cathedral and when the warm afternoon light gives the medieval houses (‘maisons a colombage’= half-timbered houses) a fairytale glow.

Place du Vieux Marche is the centre of Rouen’s social life: it hosts a food market during the day and it becomes a hot spot for visitors at nightfall, due to the great number of bars and restaurants located around the square. Places like Carpe Diem Café or L’Euro Café are cramming with tourists and make ideal places to relax, have a snack and maybe to make some new friends.

Rouen Nightlife – Restaurants

La Couronne claims to be the only restaurant in France to function continuously since its opening in 1431, which also makes it the oldest restaurant in France. Nevertheless, there are many top class restaurants, whose chefs are true artists: Gill, Le Reverbere, Les Jardins du Vieux Marche, Le Maupassant or Les Petits Bateaux. The restaurants specialized in local food serve traditional Norman and Breton dishes: Saint Marc, Dufoer, Le Bistrot de 4 Saisons. Dishes from all corners of the world add flavor to Rouen’s nightlife: American (American Café), Italian (La Bocelli, Chez Pepe), Lebanese (La Bekaa), Japanese (Moshi Moshi) and even African (Plein Sud).

Rouen Nightlife – Bars, Clubs, Pubs

Pub Yesterday, Le Saxo, Shari Vari and L’Inoxidable are some of the bars that stay open until late in the night. If decoration is one important criterion in your choice of places, the first two of the previously enumerated bars will definitely surprise you. Between the most appreciated places featuring live music are: La Suite Afgane, Exo 7, Emporium Galorium, La Brocherie, Le Tremplin or Le Tabou. Dancers can choose between African, Latino, Electro, Retro or any other possible genres in some pubs/clubs like: L’Anatole Bar, La Luna or Le Café Curieux. You can as well try getting a peak at Rouen’s cultural life, as you are free to attend one of the numerous manifestations that take place all year round, from food and film festivals, to local celebrations like Fetes Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc was executed in Rouen) or Le Festival des Arts du Cirque (a festival dedicated to circus artists).