What to do with friends during the summer vacations?

Cultural running

July 20 and 27 and August 3 and 10, 9.15 a.m. Discover the city with your friends on a 7 km cultural run. Your sportive walk will be punctuated by a number of breaks that will enable you to learn more about the history of the town, on a variety of themes. Info and booking

Wine and cheese tasting in a tavern

July 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 and August 1, 2 and 30, 6:30pm In a typical tavern in Rouen’s historic center, accompanied by a passionate cheese-maker, discover the best cheeses from Normandy and beyond. Each cheese is accompanied by a historical anecdote and a tasty pairing to tantalize your taste buds, making for a convivial evening with friends. Information and booking

Discover the cellars of Château de Bosmelet

August 8, 1:45 pm Join us for an 8km excursion along the Terroir de Caux paths around Auffay, and discover the Château de Bosmelet and its 13th- and 17th-century cellars. Information and booking

L’Aître Saint-Maclou Insolite

August 4, 3pm Discover the Aître Saint-Maclou, a place steeped in history, during a captivating guided tour. Then, unleash your creativity in a clay modeling workshop. Leave with your own unique earthenware creations. An unusual experience combining heritage and art, perfect for groups of friends looking for a cultural adventure. Information and booking

Chimes at the Cathedral

July 27 and August 10, 10 a.m. Adventurous friends, climb to the top of the Saint-Romain tower in Rouen this summer! Discover the largest carillon in France, with its 64 bells, guided by the Cathedral’s carillonneur. A unique experience combining heritage and music, crowned by a 30-minute audition. Memories guaranteed! Info and booking

Escape game “Libérez Rouen

Wednesday to Sunday all summer long Dive into Rouen’s history with an immersive escape game in the heart of the Donjon. In teams, infiltrate a German bunker in 1944 to recover crucial documents. Challenge yourself in an authentic period setting, solve puzzles and experience the thrill of the Resistance! Information and booking

Lighting tours at Château du Taillis

July 20 and August 10, 9:30 pm Discover the Château du Taillis in a new light with the “Lighting Tours”. Immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere created by 2,500 candles, explore the historic estate, and marvel at an aerial dance show in the trees. A magical evening crowned by a spectacular fireworks display, perfect for an unforgettable summer adventure with friends. Information and booking

Show at Château du Bosmelet

August 17, 6pm Experience a magical evening at the Château de Bosmelet with the performance of Jean Racine’s tragedy “Phèdre”. This spectacular open-air production features 120 artists, combining theater, song, music, dance and acrobatics. A unique cultural experience in an enchanting historical setting. Information and booking

Introduction to beekeeping

August 7, 11 and 17, at 4pm Become a beekeeper for a day at the “Les crins de verdure” farm! Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of bees,discover the secrets of a beehive and let yourself be enchanted by the surrounding nature. Information and booking

Rising Sun Exhibition

Until September 22 Immerse yourself in a unique sensory experience with this immersive exhibition that blends impressionist art, biodiversity and neuroscience to celebrate the resilience of living things. Perfect for groups of curious friends, it invites you to rethink your relationship with the world and with yourself in an innovative and captivating setting. Information and booking

Visit the Maison Sublime

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm Discover this archaeological gem, unique in France, dating from the 12th century and hidden beneath the Palais de Justice. Guided by an expert, explore the crypt and its ancient inscriptions, witnesses to a rich medieval Jewish history. Information and booking

Sport en Seine

July 28, 3pm In conjunction with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, discover the sporting uses of the Seine through the centuries during this tour. Walk along the river and explore the different activities that make the Seine the region’s finest sports ground! Information and booking

Whistler, The Butterfly Effect

Until September 22 Embark with your group of friends on a unique artistic adventure. The exhibition invites you to explore “Whistlerism”, a major artistic movement, through a captivating multisensory experience. Discover total art, from dandyism to Japonism, in an immersive atmosphere blending music, textures and fragrances. Information and booking

Rouen 1944

August 22, 27 and 30, 3pm Travel back in time with your friends as you explore “Rouen 1944”! Accompanied by a guide, relive the intense moments of the Occupation and Liberation as you tour the city’s emblematic sites. A unique experience to understand and feel this crucial period, 80 years after the fact.Information and booking

The Clouds Theory exhibition

Until September 29 Head to Jumièges for a unique artistic odyssey at the abbey.Between futuristic sculptures and romantic ruins, let yourself be transported into Laurent Grasso’s spellbinding universe with the exhibition “The Clouds Theory”. Information and booking

Guided Tour of the Monumental Forest #2

July 21 and August 25, 3pm Head to the Roumare forest for a unique artistic adventure! Explore a 4 km path punctuated by 13 monumental works created by artists from around the world. From the Mirror Egg to the Cathedral of Green, let yourself be amazed by these grandiose installations that sublimate nature. Information and booking

Passion Japon exhibition

Until September 22 This summer, treat yourself to a cultural getaway to the heart of Japan without leaving Normandy. This exhibition invites you to explore the influence of Japanese art, from netsukes to manga. Discover how these objects have captivated European artists and collectors since the 19th century. Information and booking

Perfume creation workshop

Thursday to Sunday in July and August at 2pm and 4pm In a charming perfumery in the historic heart of Rouen, give free rein to your olfactory creativity. Guided by experts, you’ll compose your own unique fragrance from over 40 French accords. A unique sensory experience, crowned by your own perfume to take home! Info and booking

Mosaic workshop

2-day workshop: July 9 and July 11, 9:30am to 12pm and 2pm to 4:30pmTake inspiration from the Impressionist painters and create your own masterpiece by juxtaposing colorful tesserae. A fun and creative workshop where you’ll discover the secrets of this age-old art while sharing a convivial moment. Information and booking

Jewelry workshop

August 18, 1:30 pm Join us in the Galerie des Arts du Feu at the Aître Saint Maclou for an introduction to copper enameling. You’ll create a pair of earrings and a pendant in the style of our ancestors. Information and booking

Côte Sainte-Catherine treasure hunt

July 21, 2pm Join your friends on a nature treasure hunt in the hills above Rouen! Equipped with magnifying glasses and nets, explore the Côte Sainte-Catherine in search of small wonders of biodiversity. Information and booking

Equestrian show

August 27, 7:30 p.m. Let yourself be enchanted by a breathtaking equestrian show that will take you on a journey through history! The “Cheval Spectacle” association will plunge you into a whirlwind of time, from medieval chivalry to contemporary prowess. Infos and booking

Open-air cinema

August 24, 9pm Under the stars, (re)discover the hilarious adventures of Mr Bean, the worst employee of London’s Royal National Gallery. An evening of laughter and relaxation in the open air, to share a cocooning and convivial moment. Information and booking

Escap’Arboretum

August 21, 2:30pmSolve riddles and escape from the woods by taking up the Escap’Arboretum challenge. A fun time in the heart of nature, to try out with friends Info and booking

So British guinguette weekend

August 24 & 25 Enjoy a weekend of British-style festivities. Join us on the esplanade Marcel Duchamp for a wide range of activities: language workshops, story readings, open-air cinema, musical guinguette … Info and booking

Fou rire, rêve fou” exhibition

Until October 6 Let yourself be carried away by the dreamlike, mischievous world of artist Maia Flore in the Matmut contemporary art center! Her photographs, a blend of reality and imagination, will take you on a visual journey full of poetry and humor. Prepare to be surprised and charmed by these magnified scenes of everyday life, where the human body blends into its environment. Information and booking

Thursday Terraces

July 4, 11, 18 and 25, 6-10: 30pm Sip a cocktail on the terrace while enjoying a free concert. Like every summer, Les Terrasses du Jeudi will set the pace for your aperitifs! A variety of concerts to suit all tastes: contemporary music, pop-rock, electronic, world music… with local artists and those from France and abroad to discover! More info

Cavaillé-Coll Organ Festival

August 4-25 The Cavaillé-Coll Organ Festival invites you to discover the exceptional heritage of the city of Rouen. A series of concerts, musical tours and an exhibition will allow you to hear the finest instruments in Rouen. Further information

Musicales de Normandie

August 18 to 27 Experience exceptional concerts in the most remarkable heritage sites in the Seine-Maritime and Eure regions. In an atmosphere where time has stood still, enjoy performances by internationally renowned artists and up-and-coming talents! More info

The Solitaire du Figaro

Departure village, August 17 to 23 For its 55th edition, the Solitaire du Figaro will set up its Grand Départ village on the quays of the Seine in Rouen, offering a great popular celebrationpunctuated by highlights of the city’s river and maritime heritage. More info

Vibrations Festival

From August 24 to 31, the Jardin des Plantes will be welcoming regional and national artists in a variety of styles (world music, jazz, rap…) to its stage in the Orangerie. Let yourself be carried away by an eclectic program in an enchanting setting, where you’ll find pleasure, discovery and encounters! More info

Jours de fête

From July 6 to August 31 Enjoy some twenty free shows on a variety of themes throughout the Metropole! An opportunity to get together, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors. From theater to circus, dance to music, the companies will be taking over public spaces in Rouen and other towns, creating an unusual way to (re)discover the sites. More info