Le Bateau Ivre 17 rue des Sapins. Low-key but atmospheric hangout which puts on a mostly rock-oriented programme of music and performance, with an open-mike night on Thurs attracting lovers of traditional French chansons. Tues & Wed 10pm–2am, Thurs–Sat 10pm–4am. Closed Sun, Mon & all Aug.Big Ben Pub 95 rue du Gros-Horloge. Right under the big clock – hence the name – this always-packed bar is strictly speaking entered from a side street, at 30 rue des Vergetiers. Usually as crowded inside as is the street outside. Karaoke at weekends. Tues–Sat noon–2am. Le Café Curieux 3 rue des Fossés Louis VIII. Incredibly loud and hectic bar, where Rouen's beautiful mingle to a techno and drum 'n' bass soundtrack. Tues & Fri 7pm–4am, Wed, Thurs & Sat 7pm–2am. Exo 7 13 place des Chartreux. Traditionally the centre of Rouen's heavy-rock scene, a long way south of the centre, the Exo 7 (pronounced "Exocet") is these days becoming a bit more eclectic, with the odd techno dance night as well. Fri & Sat 11pm–5am. La Luna 26 rue St-Étienne-des-Tonneliers. Glamorous late-night club that specializes in all things South American, with steamy salsa dancing most nights. Tues–Sat 7pm–4am. La Taverne St-Amant 11 rue St-Amant. Popular bar with draught Guinness and bistro meals, off rue de la République above the cathedral. Closed Sun & first three weeks of Aug. Le Traxx 4 bd Ferdinand-de-Lesseps. Rouen's top gay club offers a regular diet of house and techno to a flamboyant clientele that loves to go wild on a special occasion. Wed–Sat 10pm–4am. XXL 25–27 rue de la Savonnerie tel 02.35.88.84.00. Gay (male) bar that's a premier clubbing rendezvous and stays open all night Sat to serve breakfast on Sun. Closed Mon.
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