Urban beach and summer entertainment on the banks of the Seine
Every summer since 2008, Rouen sur Mer has transformed the quays on the left bank of Rouen into a genuine ephemeral seaside resort on the banks of the Seine. For a month, from early July to early August, a large fine sandy beach is set up between the Guillaume-le-Conquérant bridge and the Saint-Sever meadow, offering the people of Rouen and visitors a free space for relaxation, leisure, and festivities. Water games, beach sports, creative workshops, wellness activities, concerts, and DJ sets in the evening make up a rich and eclectic program that makes Rouen sur Mer the unmissable summer event of the Norman metropolis.
Since 2008, Rouen sur Mer has brought a breath of vacation to the Norman capital every summer. The initiative, supported by the City of Rouen, involves setting up a vast sandy beach on the lower quays of the left bank of the Seine, transforming the riverbanks into a friendly and festive summer living space, open to all and completely free.
The Rouen sur Mer concept follows the trend of urban beaches developed by several major French cities. Rouen's unique feature is its exceptional location on the banks of the Seine, facing the panorama of the right bank quays and the iconic silhouette of the cathedral. The beach extends along Quai Jean de Béthencourt, between the Guillaume-le-Conquérant bridge and the Saint-Sever meadow, offering a vast relaxation area in the heart of the metropolis.
Every day, Rouen sur Mer offers a varied program of sports and recreational activities: beach volleyball, beach soccer, badminton, pétanque, taekwondo, zumba, tennis, water games, capture the flag, and adventure courses. Since 2025, each weekend is dedicated to a different sports theme, renewing the experience week after week.
A space dedicated to well-being hosts sessions for body awakening, relaxation, and massages. An ephemeral toy library allows families to enjoy board games and creative activities in the shade.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, Rouen sur Mer transforms into a party venue with concerts, DJ sets, karaoke, salsa, and rock nights. These summer evenings by the Seine attract a large crowd and are highlights of the Rouen summer.
Access to Rouen sur Mer and all its activities is completely free, making it a particularly inclusive and popular event. The beach is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings for nighttime entertainment. Specific actions are carried out for the elderly and isolated audiences, reinforcing the social dimension of the event.
The 19th edition of Rouen sur Mer is scheduled for July-August 2026 on the left bank quays of Rouen. The free urban beach will once again offer sports, leisure, wellness, and festive evenings by the Seine.
Rouen sur Mer returns for its 19th edition in the summer of 2026. The sandy beach will reclaim its spot on Quai Jean de Béthencourt, between the Guillaume-le-Conquérant bridge and the Saint-Sever meadow, for a month of free activities by the Seine.
The full program will be announced in spring 2026. Visitors can expect to find the sports activities, wellness areas, toy library, and Friday and Saturday evening festivities that have made the event so successful.
From early July to early August, every year.
Quai Jean de Béthencourt, left bank, between the Guillaume-le-Conquérant bridge and the Saint-Sever meadow, 76100 Rouen.
By metro: Joffre-Mutualité or Théâtre des Arts stations.
By bus/TEOR: Théâtre des Arts stop (multiple lines).
By car: Hangars 106, 107, 108 parking lots.
Access and activities are completely free.
Ville de Rouen — Communication Department
2, place du Général-de-Gaulle, 76037 Rouen Cedex
Tel: 02 35 08 87 00
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Quais rive gauche de Rouen
Quai Jean de Béthencourt, 76100 Rouen