Fun and entertainment Rouen

It was Marie de Medici who laid the first stone of this architectural treasure in 1615. At the end of the 19th century, it was saved from destruction and classified as a historical monument. Bombed in 1942, its restoration took several decades, and the first work on an auditorium will begin in 2014. Today under the responsibility of the Rouen Opera, the venue offers a very beautiful and eclectic artistic program of songs, recitals, chamber and symphonic music concerts, world music...

It's the ideal place for a quiet break! With its wicker furniture, plants and half-timbered facades, the courtyard is charming. In summer, you can enjoy a cool iced tea or, at lunchtime, simple, tasty cuisine, including salads, omelettes and savory tarts. The cosy interior is an extension of this haven of peace where, in winter, a cup of homemade hot chocolate or a delicious tea will accompany your slice of cake made in the kitchen... And keep an eye out for the occasional feline lurking at your feet!

This is undoubtedly one of the most charming tea rooms in the city, and the window alone is worth a visit. On the ground floor, there is a cosy room with a dapper Anglo-Saxon decor, while upstairs you will find a room with a large window overlooking the cathedral. In this real doll's house, you can enjoy sublime homemade cakes, some of which are gluten-free, with a tea, a fresh fruit juice or a delicious hot chocolate. For lunch, puff pastries, quiches, and salads are available.

Inspired by coffee-shops across the Atlantic, the contemporary decor makes for a pleasant setting. The lunchtime menu, featuring American burgers, bistro-style dishes, salads and finger food, changes every week according to what's in season. Fish, meat, sandwiches, vegetable veloutés: everything you need for a delicious meal. The terrace under the trees, set back from the pedestrian street, is absolutely delicious whenever there's a ray of sunshine. The restaurant also offers brunches on Sundays.

The Opéra de Rouen is the city's cultural institution, with two performance halls: the Théâtre des Arts and the Chapelle Corneille. Every year, 100,000 spectators flock here to enjoy top-quality operas, concerts and dance performances. All audiences are catered for, with performances for children and the visually and hearing impaired. We love the €5 ticket for under 28s and those on minimum social benefits. So this year, go for it!

Behind this facade, which could not be more appetizing, hides a 200^m2 temple of greed... And it's none other than the second Bubblicious, in an XXL version, the work of Camille, who already runs Cam's Cake. Here you will fall in the many sweets she concocts over the years, with, in addition, a sustainable development trend and full of surprises: new recipes of bubble tea (this drink made of tea and tapioca balls from Taiwan), new glasses, bamboo straws, and always these ultra colorful donuts ... hmmm!

This is an address that lives up to its name! Here, the decor takes you back to the last century: Chesterfield sofas, objects and advertisements from the 1940s and 50s give the place a quirky, retro atmosphere. On your stool or toad chair, enjoy traditional beers and cocktails, and others to discover. If you're feeling peckish, opt for one of the copious and original house platters. Theme nights and concerts will delight those who love a festive atmosphere. The best part? 1% of Friday's takings are donated to Secours populaire.

The Délirium Café welcomes its customers at the foot of the Gros-Horloge... It couldn't be more central! The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a drink with friends. With its patinated decor, the place will appeal to beer lovers: the house offers a selection of Belgian and craft beers. You'll find great classics like the one that gives the establishment its name, craft beers, both draught and bottled, as well as others with fruity and floral flavours, cocktails, shooters... there's something for everyone.

La Fée Torchette is one of the city's emblematic bars. Behind this poetic name hides a mecca of Rouen's nightlife. In a small room, the "fée-tardards" crowd at the counter to order all sorts of cocktails, since they are the ones who make the place famous! Another particularity: its nectars are made on demand, according to your tastes! And all this in a warm, but also festive atmosphere with the presence of a DJ from Thursday to Saturday. A simple, good-natured and well-placed address. Very popular!

Fans will know which series the Social Perk refers to... Friends, of course, the cult American series of the 1990s and its famous Central Perk café! At the foot of the cathedral, the place takes the concept of the New York café and is inspired by it: brick walls, soft armchairs and a relaxed atmosphere, a wide choice of coffees, teas and chocolates in S, M, L and XL cups, with toppings and toppings of all kinds, but also smoothies, fresh and vitamin-rich cocktails, without forgetting bagels and donuts! The plus? The terrace!

In the charming Rue Eau-de-Robec, the Buvette du Robec is a cheerful, original and colourful place, where the welcome is warm and where one likes to meet, alone or with friends. It is an incredible eclectic and vintage bric-a-brac that gathers objects that have become cult of the bistros of the past, stamped Suze or Picon, in a furniture that oscillates between kitsch brocante and art gallery. And you will always have a new surprise to admire in the window... On sunny days, take advantage of the terrace and the calm of the neighbourhood.

Pierre-Jean, the young owner of this games bar, welcomes enthusiasts, novices, families... anyone who wants to have a good time playing a game. All smiles and jokes, he'll help you find the game (card, board or strategy) that suits your fancy, before introducing you to it. During the game, you can enjoy croque-monsieur, pasta or aperitif platters, and even vegan dishes! Otherwise, opt for a beer, cocktail or rhum arrangé. Fans will be delighted to take part in tournaments and themed evenings.

Come and have a drink here as if you were among friends: a warm, smiling welcome is our philosophy. The establishment has become a rallying point for the residents of Rue Cauchoise. There's a lot to like here: the socialising, the DJ performances and the sunny terrace in summer. The drinks are top quality, and the cocktails are made to order. Generosity is the order of the day: for every bottle of wine purchased, a tasting board is offered. Close to the Old Market, you'll find a place to meet and mingle.

This crazy bar in the city centre is a hit with the youth of Rouen. The watchwords here are: alcohol, music and great fun! On stage, you'll be able to hear everything: funk, soul, hip-hop, electro, Russian songs, gypsy or Cape Verdean jazz... there's something for everyone. On the drinks side, original cocktails based on vodka, gin or rum, beers, and for a small (or big) hunger, boards are proposed, with cold cuts, sausages or salad, all at very reasonable prices.

If you're a fan of Italian cuisine and pastries, you'll love this charming caffé in Place Saint-Barthélémy. Enjoy homemade specialties for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner or brunch on weekends. You'll be transported to the other side of the Alps. In fine weather, enjoy one of the city's finest terraces, at the foot of Saint-Maclou church, untilaperitivo and beyond, sipping spritz and dipping into one of the gourmet platters on offer.

As its name suggests, the Petit Bar isn't very big! The place has a look and atmosphere all its own. Furnishings and carefully-crafted objects transport you back to the 1920s, while your taste buds savor sweet concoctions inspired by rare recipes from those mythical party years. You'll also have a choice of atypical wines, beers, gins and bourbons, to be enjoyed around the counter, in pretty comfortable armchairs or in the corner of an alcove. We also offer themed musical evenings.

On the left bank, the former port hangar transformed into a concert hall is easily identifiable by its two yellow cranes. Le 106 is Rouen's major contemporary music venue. Its programming of nationally and internationally renowned artists has made it a must-see venue. In addition to its 1,200-capacity auditorium, Le 106 has a club room, rehearsal and recording rooms, a design studio, exhibition and conference spaces. Don't miss the Rush festival in June.

The Joan of Arc Tower is the very last vestige of the Château de Rouen, which has become one of the symbols of the Norman capital. Joan of Arc was not imprisoned here, but she was granted a hearing in 1431, a few days before she was burned at the stake on the Place du Vieux-Marché. Today, the dungeon is the playground of escape game enthusiasts, whose scenario is "Libérez Rouen! Join the Resistance". You can also discover the dungeon on a guided or self-guided tour.

A true Rouen institution on the quayside, the Comptoir des Pirates is decorated in the style of an authentic pirate ship, with its cockpit and masts topped by skeletons... And as it should be in the land of pirates, the Comptoir has preserved its original objective: to make discover the best rums of the world to the amateurs of the kind. If that's not your cup of tea, you can fall back on the cocktails, beers and whiskies. Check out the Facebook page to keep up to date with the concerts and parties planned.

With its Anglo-Saxon industrial look and cosy armchairs, Columbus Café & Co offers hot and cold drinks (coffees, teas and chocolate shakes, smoothies), bagels and muffins in Rouen's pedestrian centre. The bay window and terrace let you enjoy the atmosphere of the charming rue de la Champmeslé. Freelancers and auto-entrepreneurs will find it a haven where they can work all day, thanks to free wifi and sockets for recharging electronic devices. Plus: the franchise's commitment to sustainable development.