Cinema Under the Stars: Where to Watch Outdoor Films in France This Summer
There’s something timeless about watching a film outdoors. The warmth of the evening, the hum of the crowd, the glow of the screen under a darkening sky, it’s cinematic in its own right! And in France, where cinema isn’t just entertainment but a cultural institution, cinéma en plein air (open-air cinema) has become one of the country’s most beloved summer traditions.
While Americans may associate summer movie nights with drive-ins, France took a different path. The first outdoor screenings here date back to the early 20th century, often tied to village festivals or local fairs. After World War II, the idea took hold more widely, particularly in the 1950s and ’60s, with public parks, squares, and cultural venues becoming regular summer cinemas. Today, open-air screenings are more popular than ever, offering Hollywood blockbusters and French classics alike!
From rooftops in Paris to seaside towns along the Riviera, open-air screenings pop up across the country, bringing together communities, tourists, and film lovers alike. Here’s our curated list of some of the most exciting open-air cinema events happening across the country this summer — from Paris to Normandy to the Côte d’Azur.
In and Around Paris
La Seine Musicale – Boulogne-Billancourt | July 15–18
Music and movies come together at this riverside venue. The evenings kick off with live DJ sets, followed by films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Blues Brothers and Saturday Night Fever.
Find out more
La Villette Outdoor Cinema | July 23 – August 17
A true summer tradition in Paris. Every evening offers a double bill: a family-friendly film early on, and a crowd favorite after dark. This year’s lineup includes La La Land, Grease, Barbie, and The Wizard of Oz. Bring a blanket and come early!
Check out the full program
Bar à Bulles Rooftop at the Moulin Rouge | Fridays, June–September
Tucked behind the famous cabaret, this rooftop bar hosts indie film screenings in an intimate setting.
All information here
Rooftop Cinema at Hôtel Paradiso | June–September
France’s first cinema-hotel brings a curated film program to its rooftop all summer long. With a drink in hand and the Paris skyline in view, it’s one of the more stylish ways to watch a movie.
Book your ticket here
Gare aux Docs | July 4 – August 30
This free festival takes place on the old tracks of the Petite Ceinture railway, an unusual setting for a lineup of documentaries on environmental issues.
Find out more
La Monnaie de Paris | July 23–26
Set in the courtyard of the historic Paris Mint, this four-night event features large-scale films like Amadeus, The Count of Monte-Cristo and Inception.
Full lineup here
Vedettes de Paris – Port de Suffren | August 23–27
Screenings take place just below the Eiffel Tower at 10:30 PM on the pier of the boat company Vedettes de Paris. A magic and unforgettable location.
More information here
Ciné-voisins | July 17–27
A grassroots, community event in the 12th and 20th arrondissements, with films like Azur & Asmar, Respect, and Jalsaghar.
Find out more
On the French Riviera
Villefranche-sur-Mer | June 28 – September 12
Screenings start at 9:30 PM every evening, with ticketing from 8:45. The setting is right on the waterfront, it simply couldn’t be more picturesque! Riviera summer at its finest.
More information here
Beaulieu-sur-Mer | July 7 – August 26
Another daily screening series with a mix of new releases and family-friendly films, all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Find out more
Nice | Through August 23
This city-wide program features open-air screenings across various neighborhoods. Films on the lineup include Finding Nemo, The Big Blue, Top Gun: Maverick, and Astérix: Mission Cléopâtre. Ideal for families and tourists.
Full program here
In Normandy
Ciné & Patrimoine – Calvados | Through September
Pairing cinema with cultural heritage, this series hosts film nights in historic locations like the Villa Montebello in Trouville-sur-Mer and the Manoir du Désert in Honfleur. A beautifully curated way to experience both film and local history.
Find out more
Mon Quartier d’Été – Caen | August 20 – September 13
Local parks across Caen turn into open-air cinemas, showing family favorites like My Neighbor Totoro, The Princess and the Frog, and Wonka. A family-friendly way to end the summer.
More info here
🎧 Looking for more on France’s cinema culture? In Episode 18 of Lost in Frenchlation, we dive into Paris’s legendary movie theaters and what makes French filmgoing so special.
