5 outdoor cinemas in Paris Movie screenings have become a summertime tradition
Outdoor cinemas have become a tradition in Paris, offering a fusion of art, film, and music that brings creativity to life in the most inspiring ways. From La Villette Open-Air Cinema to the eagerly awaited 24th edition of the Festival Silhouette, this season is a true celebration of artistic expression. Each event provides an atmospheric setting that captures the essence of summer while showcasing the dynamic dialogue between various art forms.
1. La Villette Open-Air Cinema
After a brief hiatus to host Club France during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, La Villette Open-Air Cinema returns for picnics and relaxing moments on the grass or in sun loungers with a blanket during summer afternoons. From July 23 to August 17, the program includes Greta Gerwig's Barbie, Randal Kleiser's Grease, Tom Hooper's Les Misérables, and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis. Tickets are available exclusively online; sales open daily at 4:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM for that evening's screening (sun lounger reservations can only be made on the day). Screenings run from Wednesday to Sunday, offering a variety of options to suit all tastes. For families, intergenerational films begin at 6:00 PM. Later, classic screenings begin at 9:00 PM, promising timeless entertainment for all cinephiles.
211 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris
2. Hotel Paradiso
Hotel Paradiso's outdoor cinema program is a delight for film lovers. This summer, its rooftop terrace has been transformed into Rooftop Paradiso, an open-air cinema under the stars. Every Sunday and Monday at 9:30 p.m., the cinema offers a curated selection of films from mk2's programmers. The rooftop is open daily (weather permitting), making it the perfect place to enjoy Parisian summer nights. Among the season's highlights, you'll find titles such as Tom DiCillo's When You Are a Stranger, Alain Resnais's Life Is a Novel, and Charlie Chaplin's timeless masterpiece, Modern Times. These and many more will be screened until September 14th. If you're in the 12th arrondissement, don't miss this opportunity. Seating is limited, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance on their official website.
135 Boulevard Diderot, 75012 Paris
3. Machine du Moulin Rouge
In collaboration with So Film, the open-air cinema at the Machine du Moulin Rouge returns every Wednesday from July 9 to September 10. Now in its sixth edition, Cinéma sur le Toit promises a lineup of ten films at the Bar à Bulles, located in the Machine du Moulin Rouge. Highlights include The Season of Women by Leena Yadav, The Party by Sally Potter, The Meaning of the Party by Olivier Nakache and Eric Tolédano, and The Farewell by Lulu Wang. Reservations are made every Thursday at noon before the session on La Machine's Shotgun profile. Tickets are only available on the Shotgun app.
4 cité Véron, 75918 Paris
4. Festival Silhouette
Created by Raphaëlle Giaretto (film photography), Emma David (drawings), and Manon Gérardin & Mathilde Bila (artistic direction), the 24th edition of the Festival Silhouette will take place from August 29 to September 6 at the Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge. The program includes 9 days of Fiction films, documentaries, animations and clips from around the world outdoors in the park at nightfall after each concert (the indoor programming will be hosted at the Pavillon Carré de Baudouin).
5 Avenue Debidour, 75019 Paris
5. Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac is a cultural attraction unto itself, and when cinema is added to the conversation, weekend plans are sorted. From Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, August 3, the museum transforms its outdoor space into an open-air cinema, with free screenings of films inspired by the museum's rich themes and diverse civilizations. An evening immersed in stories from around the world, just steps away from the Eiffel Tower.
37 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris
