Cette Semaine à Rouen, a pamphlet that details the week's entertainment offerings and events, is available free at the tourist office and most hotels.
For highbrow entertainment, Théâtre des Arts, 7 rue du Dr.-Rambert (tel. 02-35-71-41-36), presents ballet, opera, and classical music. Théâtre des Deux Rives, 48 rue Louis-Ricard (tel. 02-35-89-63-41), presents plays in French. Théâtre des Arts/Opéra Léonard de Vinci, 7 rue du Dr.-Rambert (tel. 02-35-71-41-36), has a busy schedule of classical and contemporary opera. A variety of concerts takes place at Eglise St-Maclou, 3 rue Dutuit, and Eglise St-Ouen, place du Général-de-Gaulle. For information about who's playing, contact the tourist office.
Much of the nightlife, especially pubs, centers on place du Vieux-Marché. The better pubs frequented by 25- to 45-year-olds are the crowded Café Leffe, 36 place des Carmes (tel. 02-35-71-93-30), and La Taverne St-Amand, 11 rue St-Amand (tel. 02-35-88-51-34), which has a friendly environment perfect for enjoying a mug of the best Irish, Belgian, or German beer. Across the street, La Bohème, 18 rue St-Amand (tel. 02-35-71-53-99), is a small discothèque with a cozy, publike ambience. Many students meet at the Underground Pub, 26 rue des Champs-Maillets (tel. 02-35-98-44-84), which has a street-level bar and an underground bar fitted with wood and British bric-a-brac.
Wine Bar
Le P'tit Zinc, 20 place du Vieux-Marché (tel. 02-35-89-39-69), is a bistro-style wine bar with early-1900s decor and one of the best wine selections in town. Of course, you can order Norman cider as well.
Disco
At Le Kiosque, 43 bd. de Verdun (tel. 02-35-88-54-50), 20-somethings rule the dance floor. You'll pay a cover of 14€ ($18) to enjoy hard-edged techno music and psychedelic light action. A disco that appeals to a somewhat mature (22-40) crowd is l'lbiza, 29 bd. Des Belges (tel. 02-35-07-76-20). Located near place du Vieux-Marché, it has modern decor, a crowded dance floor, occasional karaoke, and a cover charge of 8€ to 12€ ($10-$16), which includes one drink.
Gay & Lesbian Bars
Le Central, 138 rue Beauvoisine (tel. 02-35-07-71-97), attracts a très cool crowd of mostly gay males in their 20s and 30s who prefer the James Dean look. There's a full bar, and the music is house and techno. Pinball machines, video screens, billiards, and darts are other entertainment options. The modern Le Chakra, 4 bis bd. Ferdinand-de-Lesseps (tel. 02-32-10-12-02), attracts its share of young, well-connected gays and lesbians. It's known for light shows and techno music. A wild crowd parties here until the wee hours, especially on weekends. You'll pay an 8€-to-10€ ($10-$13) cover, which includes one drink.
