To the rhythm of highlights

From January 17 to 19, the Puces Rouennaises return to the Parc des Expositions in Rouen, to the delight of flea market enthusiasts. Stroll the aisles for 3 days, discovering collections of antique, retro chic, vintage and unusual objects and furnishings. On January 24, take part in the Perche Élite Tour, a real show between spectacle and competition, where the athletes will thrill you! The best pole vaulters from around the world come to challenge each other in exceptional conditions at the Kindarena, with the aim of beating their records and preparing for the major championships in the coming year. For the first time in Rouen, Luminiscence, the immersive show that travels through France’s sacred monuments, will be taking over the secrets of Rouen Cathedral with a 360-degree show featuring live music, starting on January 24. On January 31 and February 1, the French Cup returns for its 30th edition. During this international synchronized figure skating competition, you’ll be able to feast your eyes on the artistic performances of numerous countries determined to qualify for the world championships.

On February 8 and 9, the Normannia medieval fantasy fair is back, with a whole host of surprises in store: a gigantic medieval, fairy-tale and craft market with over 250 exhibitors, plus shows, concerts, fights and parades! From March 5 to April 16, the Spring festival,the first international festival of contemporary circus on a regional scale, invites you to meet today’s circus for a month and a half: dance, music, theater, visual arts… on the theme of “Being one with the world”. The Courant d’Art festival, proposes a dialogue between the Church and contemporary art by opening churches to a variety of works carrying meaning and hope. For its 20thᵉ edition, the works of Ivan Martel are on show at the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, in a striking work of chiaroscuro, in a play of light and darkness. On view from March 8 to April 10. From April 12 to 20, take part in one of the most eagerly-awaited sporting events of the year in Rouen: theCapfinances Openwomen’s tennis world cup at the Kindarena!

From May 7 to 28, discover theCurieux Printempsperforming arts festival, featuring local artists in unusual locations. From May 16 to 18, Normandy’s heritage is decked out in its finest lights, with concerts, exhibitions and unusual walks during the Pierres en Lumières night-time weekend. Funerary heritage opens its doors to the public at participating cemeteries across the region during the Printemps des Cimetières national event. This year, the Terres de Paroles festival will be held from May 17 to 24, opening the summer season at Jumièges Abbey! Welcome to the world of literature, presented in all its forms: authors, actors, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers and a host of other artists. On the weekend of May 17 and 18, Graines de Jardin, the must-attend event for green fingers at the Jardin des Plantes. From May 22 to 25, antique dealers, brocanteurs and galleries take over the streets of Rouen for the RAR Weekend, the annual rendezvous for bargain hunters and treasure hun ters! A key figure in French history, Joan of Arc has become a myth that has attracted international interest. From May 29 to 31, the Fêtes Jeanne d’Arc return for a 4th edition. Parades, medieval market, shows… take a leap back in time to the era of the troubadours. May 31 also sees the return of the Cathedral of Light illumination show, projected onto Notre-Dame de Rouen until September 27!

The most beautiful parks and gardens, both public and private, all over France open their doors from June 6 to 8, for the Rendez-vous aux Jardins. In Normandy, 179 protected gardens, 40 of which have been awarded the Jardin Remarquable label, will amaze nature lovers. The musical event that opens the summer season is back, so get ready to vibrate, dance and dream at the cultural and family festival: Rush from June 5 to 14. Masks, fencing, acrobatics, humor, laughter, romance, song, dance, combat – everything is brought together to carry you away in a whirlwind of pleasure and intense Italian emotions at the Festival Commedia Dell’Arte, from June 23 to July 5. Viking Festival, on June 28 and 29,Jumièges Abbey, a jewel of Normandy’s heritage and one of the most beautiful ruins in France, will become the setting for an immersive journey to the heart of the history of the Vikings, who profoundly influenced Normandy. On the program: a Viking camp,behemoth combat demonstrations , interactive workshops for all ages, a medieval market featuring local craftsmen and fun activities such as axe-throwing. Visitors can also enjoy an impressive falconry show and a festive banquet. The day culminates with a night-time show that brings history to life on the walls of the abbey dwelling. From June 27 to 29, Viva Cité is one of the top 3 street arts events in France and Europe, with over 200 free performances.

Every Thursday in July, Rouen hosts Les Terrasses du Jeudi, a series of free concerts in a variety of musical styles right in the heart of the city. On July 7, sports fans and enthusiasts, especially track and field enthusiasts, can come and support Olympic medallists and future champions at the Meeting International de Sotteville, one of France’s top 5 track and field meetings. On Tuesday, July 8, stage 4 of the Tour de France will make its way from Amiens to Rouen, where it will finish. There will be plenty of entertainment as the finishing town. The summer rendezvous Rouen sur Mer will be back on the banks of the Seine, on the quays of the Left Bank, to the delight of Rouen residents and tourists looking for deckchairs and beach activities! To keep you entertained all summer long, the Jours de Fête festival will be back on weekends from July 5 to August 24, offering some twenty free shows across the Rouen Normandy Metropole. Les Musicales de Normandie returns from August 17 to 24, with new concerts in some of the region’s outstanding heritage sites. Listen to classical music, world music and recitals. Once again this year, Rouen and the surrounding area play host to the Cavaillé-Coll Organ Festival. Concerts, exhibitions, tours and masterclasses are all on offer as you discover the beauty of organs in the Rouen Metropolis, from August 3 to 24. The Vibrations Festival will once again take over Rouen’s Jardin des Plantes from August 23 to 30, to get families and friends swinging in a convivial atmosphere around world music, blues, jazz, live music, house and electro!

The back-to-school season rhymes with the Fête du Commerce et de l’Artisanat. In addition to the ” braderie”, shopkeepers’ associations and the Vitrines de Rouen organize a number of fun events in local neighborhoods and markets. Among the most eagerly awaited is the traditional waitress and waiter race. On September 20 and 21, the Journées du Patrimoine return with a new theme. This weekend invites you to discover or rediscover the establishments, monuments and sites of our rich heritage, often exceptional and closed the rest of the year. An opportunity not to be missed! The Seine Marathon 76 is THE event for sports enthusiasts, attracting an ever-growing number of runners, and will be back on September 27 and 28, with its 5, 10, 21 and 42 km routes through the city. Old books, trendy books, historical books and books of all kinds, the Quai des Livres is a goldmine for shopping among the hundreds of exhibitors on the right bank quays of the Seine. The NormandieBulle comics festival will welcome French and international authors for a weekend of exhibitions, shows, signings, round tables and prize-giving ceremonies.

For all you architecture fans out there, the Zigzag festival will take you on a tour of some 20 living spaces in Le Havre and the Yvelines, with visits, trails, walks and installations, from September 27 to October 12. The Opéra de Rouen Normandie takes over Rouen Cathedral’s forecourt and movie theaters to broadcast live a cultural masterpiece. After Carmen and Aïda, which attracted thousands of spectators, what does Opéra en Direct 2025 have in store for us? The long-awaited return of gourmets, Rouen à Table! and the Fête du ventre are back on the weekend of October 11 and 12, in honour of the UNESCO Creative Cities network for gastronomy, of which Rouen is a member! Enjoy unique culinary experiences throughout the city of Rouen and a huge market featuring over 150 local exhibitors. From October 17 to November 16, the Foire Saint-Romain lights up to the delight of Rouennais, young and old alike. Ghost trains, laughter palaces, thrill rides, grilled pigs, croustillons… a colorful event.

This is England, the British short film festival that has been an integral part of Rouen life for several years now, will be back at the Omnia République and Kinepolis Saint-Sever cinemas! The children’s book festival will delight your children with a new edition. Arts and crafts take center stage at the end of the year! On November 22 and 23, the Salon Normand de l’Artisanat Coutelier will showcase the many facets of this ancestral craft. To the delight of your children, the Opéra de Rouen will be transformed into a musical adventure for a festive, family-friendly weekend, with the Big Bang Festival. As the festive season approaches, the heart of Rouen comes alive with Rouen Givrée.A Christmas and designer market, a frosted refuge, entertainment, illuminations and new features… a magical end-of-year celebration in store!

Open all year round, stroll through the Roumare state forest to discover the 13 works of the second edition of Forêt Monumentale, which has already attracted thousands of visitors since opening in June 2024. On a 4km self-guided trail, discover artistic installations by designers, architects and artists from all over the world.