Activities in Rouen: Top 5 best things to do in 2025
If you're arriving in Rouen for your studies, get ready for something way more exciting than just the usual campus routine. Here, there’s always a great plan to try out, an activity to discover, or a crazy experience to share with your friends. Whether you're an adrenaline seeker, a puzzle solver, or just looking to enjoy a good time, the city of a hundred bell towers has plenty of surprises for you. And since we know you don’t want to spend hours searching on Google, we’ve put together a quick guide to the best activities to try out.
1. Escape games: can you escape in time?
Think you’re clever? Believe you have flawless logic and nerves of steel? Now’s the time to prove it! Rouen is THE place for escape games, and here, there’s no room for amateurs. For an hour, you and your team will be locked in a room with one mission… to escape. Easy? We’ll see…
At Team Break Rouen, expect an adventure straight out of the best movies and TV shows. Imagine a revamped Fort Boyard, where you’ll have to take on challenges as a team—without the snakes (phew!). And if you’re more of an adventurer, the Koh-Lanta style challenge will test your logic, patience, and, most importantly, teamwork. So, pick your teammates wisely if you want to make it out before the buzzer!
If you’re into history, you must try the escape game at the Rouen Dungeon: “Free Rouen!”. Set in the middle of World War II, you’ll have to help the Resistance save the city by solving puzzles inspired by real events. The sets are stunning, the atmosphere is incredibly immersive, and the tension builds minute by minute. You’ll truly feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
For an even more original experience, try Escape 423, Rouen’s first escape game without padlocks! Forget keys and classic codes—here, the puzzles rely on ingenious mechanisms, impressive special effects, and gripping storylines that feel straight out of a blockbuster.
2. Sports and adrenaline: thrilling experiences to try
If you love action-packed games but want to avoid getting covered in bruises, laser tag is the perfect choice. Head to Laser Game Evolution or Docks Laser, two spots featuring insane mazes, stylish lighting effects, and completely wild scenarios. Once equipped, it’s every man for himself (or team play), and from there, it’s all about running, aiming, and dodging to avoid coming in last.
Want to level up? Head to Toropark for an intense paintball session. If you’ve got the soul of a sharpshooter (or just want to unleash a paint-filled assault on your friends), you’re going to love it. Just one tip: wear a good sweater—getting hit stings a bit!
More of a climbing and heights fan? Try the Arbr’en Ciel treetop adventure course. There, you’ll be suspended several meters off the ground, scrambling across monkey bridges, hanging nets, and zip lines. There are different levels, so whether you’re there for laughs or to test your limits, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
And if you’re really fearless, why not go straight for skydiving? With Abeille Parachutisme in Le Havre, you’ll ascend to 4,000 meters, the plane door opens… and then, 50 seconds of freefall at over 200 km/h before the parachute deploys. Absolutely incredible. Once you’ve done that, nothing will ever scare you again!
3. VR, immersive games, and high-tech challenges: welcome to the future
If you’re a bit of a geek or just curious to try futuristic experiences, Rouen has some fantastic virtual reality spots. Les Explorateurs is the temple of VR. Once the headset is strapped on, you’re no longer in Rouen—you’re in a zombie apocalypse, piloting a spaceship, or solving puzzles in a futuristic escape game.
If you love shooter games, Eva Rouen takes things to the next level. This is ultra-dynamic multiplayer VR, with team battles and full immersion. It’s fast-paced, intense, and above all, a blast!
Looking for something even more original? Head to La Cité Immersive Viking. Here, augmented reality and interactive scenarios transport you straight to the age of Norse warriors. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Viking life (without taking an axe to the head), this is a must.
For a fun, laid-back evening with friends, try Quiz Room or Donut Quiz. The concept? A real TV game show setup, with buzzers, tricky questions, musical challenges, and—best of all—the chance to trap your friends with surprise questions.
4. Fun outings and activities with friends: enjoy every moment
If you love competition (or just want to crush your friends), bowling is a classic. With modern lanes, games that come down to the last throw, and special glow-in-the-dark nights with music, the atmosphere is always on point. Snooker Bowl and the Bowling International of Rouen are perfect, whether you’re a strike master or a pro at gutter balls.
Want something more offbeat? Head to Break Bar. This isn’t just a place to sip a drink on the terrace. With karaoke for belting out (off-key) tunes, beer pong to test your aim (or luck), and a comedy club for nonstop laughs, this bar has one of the best vibes in town.
L’Hachez-vous is another unique spot where you can sip a Ragnar beer while trying out an unusual activity: axe throwing. Yep, you read that right. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’ll test your precision skills—all while enjoying a good brew.
And if you’re in the mood for a chill movie night, Pathé Docks 76 is the go-to. With modern theaters and a varied selection of films, it’s the perfect plan for a simple cinema outing—especially if you want to grab dinner or a drink afterward.
5. Walks and cultural visits: discover Rouen in a new way
Want a change of pace without hitting the bars? Start with the Gros-Horloge, one of the city’s most iconic monuments. Right next to it, visit the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, which immerses you in the story of the Maid of Orléans in the heart of Normandy’s capital. And of course, don’t miss the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece.
For a deeper dive into medieval Rouen, head to the Aître Saint-Maclou. This place has a history as fascinating as it is mysterious, with its half-timbered galleries and a timeless atmosphere. If you love legendary and historical sites, this is a must-see.
More into art? Then the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen is a must. Its impressive collection includes works by Monet, Caravaggio, and many other incredible artists. Perfect for a cultural outing that’s a bit different.
Need some fresh air after all that? The Seine Quays are the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, a picnic by the water, or even a bike ride. And for the ultimate view, climb up to the Panorama Sainte-Catherine. The view of the city is just breathtaking, especially at sunset.
Student housing: the perfect spots for an amazing year
Finding good student accommodation is key to starting your year in Rouen off right. Between classes, outings, and studying, you need a place that’s practical, comfortable, and well-located. Good news—our UXCO Student residence in Rouen has exactly what you need!
Want to be close to everything? Oméga student residence is a great choice, just 15 minutes from the train station and 3 minutes from the law school. Prefer quick access to downtown? Then Uppehalls student residence, right next to the metro, is for you. And for a more relaxed atmosphere, Valhalla student residence near the Jardin des Plantes is perfect.
The best part? Handy amenities like a laundry room, secure bike storage, and co-living spaces where you can work, chill, or socialize with fellow residents. If you’re looking for student housing in Rouen, UXCO Student is waiting for you!
Once you’re settled in, all that’s left is to enjoy the city and live your best student life!
