France Guide
Normandy
Bars
1 Le Bateau Ivre 17 rue des Sapins 
02.35.70.09.05 Opening time: Tues & Wed 10pm–2am, Thurs– Sat 10pm–4am. Closed Sun, Mon & all AugThis low-key but atmospheric hangout a long way northeast of the centre puts on a rock-oriented programme of music and performance, with an open-mic night on Thurs.
2 Big Ben Pub 95 rue du Gros-Horloge 02.35.88.44.50 Opening time: Mon 6pm–2am, Tues– Sat noon–2amRight under the big clock, this busy pub in a splendid half-timbered house has the air of a medieval tavern, even if it does feature karaoke on Thurs, Fri and Sat evenings (except during summer). There are two floors inside and some tables on the busy street outside.
3 Emporium Gallorum 151 rue Beauvoisine 02.35.71.76.95 Opening time: Tues & Wed 8pm–2am, Thurs– Sat 6pm–4am. Closed AugBusy half-timbered bar, a short walk north of the centre, that's especially popular with students, which often puts on small-scale gigs and theatrical productions.
4 Exo 7 13 place des Chartreux 02.35.03.32.30 
www.exo7.net Traditionally the centre of Rouen's heavy-rock scene, a long way south of the centre, the Exo 7 (pronounced "Exocet") is nowadays a bit more eclectic, with varied gigs and dance nights as well. Opening time: Fri & Sat 11pm–5am. Closed first 3 weeks of Aug
5 Le Nash 97 rue Écuyère 02.35.98.25.24 Opening time: Mon– Fri 11.30am–2pm & 6pm–2am, Sat 6pm–2amRelaxed bar popular with locals. With its moody lighting and zebra-striped upholstery, the interior has a lounge-like feel, while the outdoor terrace is much more akin to a classic French café and serves light snacks. O'Kallaghan's Place du Général de Gaulle "Irish" bar with a large outdoor terrace, which gets particularly packed on summer weekends.