This Parisian venue will be showing films on a Boeing 747 throughout the summer of 2026.
This summer, open-air cinema in Paris transforms the capital into a huge , open-air cinema. From La Villette to Les Invalides, dozens of free or low-cost screenings await lovers of the seventh art. Here’s a list of not-to-be-missed events to make the most of the fine weather.
Major outdoor film festivals in Paris
Le Cinéma en plein air de la Villette remains the highlight of the season. The 35th edition runs from July 22 to August 16, 2026, with some twenty screenings. This year’s theme is “The Call of the Forest”.
In the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Arènes de Lutèce and the Square Capitan host the Dolcevita-sur-Seine festival from July 2 to 6, 2026. The festival celebrates the twinning of Paris and Rome through masterpieces of Italian cinema.
The Cour Carrée du Louvre will host the Cinéma Paradiso Louvre from July 1 to 4, 2026. This prestigious setting offers viewers a rare experience.
“The 7th art loves Paris, and Paris loves you back!
Sessions at heritage sites
The Shoah Memorial is organizing three screenings on its forecourt on August 21, 22 and 23, 2026. Tickets cost €5 (€3 concessions). The program includes Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator, Ernst Lubitsch’s To Be or Not to Be and Mel Brooks’ The Producers.
At Les Invalides, the Cour d’Honneur will host the festival Les Invalides font leur cinéma from September 3 to 5, 2026. This charity event supports wounded soldiers and bereaved military families.
- Cinéma en plein air de la Villette: July 22 to August 16, 2026
- Dolcevita-sur-Seine at the Arènes de Lutèce: July 2 to 6, 2026
- Cinéma Paradiso Louvre: July 1 to 4, 2026
- Les Invalides make their films: September 3 to 5, 2026
- Shoah Memorial: August 21, 22 and 23, 2026
Original outdoor movie-going experiences
Cinéma sur le toit returns between July and September 2026 at the bubble bar on the roof of the Machine du Moulin Rouge. Sessions take place every Wednesday and are free with reservation. Montmartre offers a unique setting for an evening at the movies.
Les Vedettes de Paris offers evening cruises on the Seine and open-air cinema in Paris. Once the cruise is over, the pontoon becomes an open-air cinema. The glittering Eiffel Tower serves as the backdrop.
The Festival Ciné-Jardins, from August 20 to September 5, 2026, offers ten screenings at 8:30pm in the North-East of Paris. Each screening is preceded by a guided tour of the garden at 6pm and a buffet dinner at 7:30pm. This convivial formula attracts families and the curious.
Short films and documentaries
The Silhouette Festival celebrates its 25th edition in the Butte du Chapeau-Rouge park. Organized since 2002, this free event is dedicated to short films. As an added bonus, each screening is preceded by a concert.
At the REcyclerie, the Gare aux Docs event on the railroad tracks of the Petite Ceinture offers committed documentaries. Screenings are free and by reservation only. This is a rare opportunity to see films in an atypical location.
Open-air cinema in Greater Paris
Cinéclub Paradiso will be at La Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt from July 21 to 24, 2026 for its 7th edition. 650 seats are available, with free access upon registration. DJ sets complement the screenings.
Château de Vincennes hosts the Vincennes estival Club from July 10 to August 2, 2026. The event features screenings of cult series and past sporting highlights, in partnership with INA. In addition, every afternoon, spectators can follow the Tour de France stage on a giant screen.
Ciné Tarmac returns to the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace at Le Bourget on July 3, 4 and 5, 2026. The fuselage of a Boeing 747 serves as a projection screen on the museum’s tarmac. This open-air cinema in Paris and the suburbs offers a truly singular experience.
From August 12 to 28, 2026, the Château de Blandy-les-Tours will be staging the 14th Créneaux de la Nuit. Films will be screened on the ramparts on the theme “In the time of the knights”. Similarly, the Château d’Écouen will be holding free screenings on August 21 and 22, 2026, with a varied program.
