Where to Watch a Movie Under the Stars This Summer?

As temperatures rise, movie screens head outdoors. From the Louvre to the Arènes de Lutèce, outdoor cinema screenings are making a big comeback for summer 2026. Classic films, exclusive premieres, DJ sets, food trucks, and special guests (think Olivier Nakache or Wes Anderson): here are the must-book outdoor movie events of the season.

The venue. One of the Louvre’s most anticipated summer events is back! The world’s largest museum once again joins forces with mk2 cinemas for a series of open-air screenings, enhanced by live concerts, gourmet food, and heritage experiences. All set within the stunning Cour Carrée of the Louvre: the ultimate dream location.

What’s on. DJ sets, live music, food trucks, and prestigious guests make for four unforgettable evenings. From July 1 to 4, gates open at 7:30 pm, with screenings beginning at 10:45 pm each night. Wednesday kicks off with The Grand Budapest Hotel (winner of four Academy Awards in 2015), introduced by none other than Wes Anderson himself. On Thursday, audiences can enjoy The Worst Person in the World by Joachim Trier, presented alongside Lily Bloom. Friday features the exceptional premiere of Stories of the Night by Léa Mysius, ahead of its September theatrical release. The festival closes on Saturday with the magnificent Portrait of a Lady on Fire by Céline Sciamma, introduced by a mysterious “talent from the world of cinema.”

Cinéma Paradiso Louvre, Cour Carrée du Louvre, Paris 1st arrondissement. July 1–4. Event accessible via online lottery. Draws take place on June 10, 17, and 24 at 12 pm.

The venue. In addition to the Louvre, Cinéclub Paradiso takes over the forecourt of La Seine Musicale from July 15–18. This spectacular contemporary venue on Île Seguin, surrounded by the Seine, is entirely dedicated to music in all its forms.

What’s on. While the detailed lineup has yet to be announced, one thing is certain: for its 7th edition, Cinéclub Paradiso promises four free evenings combining live concerts, DJ sets, and cult movie screenings beneath the stars. For four days, the forecourt will transform into a giant open-air cinema. With 600 outdoor seats plus additional seating inside the Grande Seine auditorium, it’s the perfect summer riverside destination.

Cinéclub Paradiso at La Seine Musicale, Île Seguin, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt. Doors open at 6 pm. 600 outdoor seats available nightly, plus additional indoor seating.

© Julia Brechler and Sony Pictures Releasing GmbH

The venue. The iconic Monnaie de Paris opens the doors of its magnificent Cour d’Honneur for four magical movie nights under the stars, complete with live entertainment and food trucks. What else?

What’s on. This year’s screenings (starting at 9:30 pm) tie in with the current exhibition: CLING! Comics Talk Money. Fun for both kids and adults! On July 1, enjoy Persepolis in tribute to its creator Marjane Satrapi. July 2 celebrates Hayao Miyazaki with the beloved Studio Ghibli classic Howl’s Moving Castle. Friday and Saturday bring two French favorites: OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra. We love it!

Outdoor Cinema Festival at Monnaie de Paris, July 1–4, 11 Quai de Conti, Paris 6th arrondissement. Tickets €8, free for children under 12. Free access to the “Cling” exhibition from 6 pm to 8:45 pm. Online booking required.

The venue. Arguably the largest outdoor cinema in Paris. The Parc de la Villette Open-Air Cinema returns this summer to the Prairie du Triangle. Whether lounging in a deckchair or stretched out on a picnic blanket, moviegoers can enjoy carefully curated screenings in a spectacular setting.

What’s on. For its 35th edition, the theme is “The Call of the Wild.” While organizers are keeping the full program under wraps for now, the new screen—the largest in Europe at 544 square meters—promises an incredible visual experience. Two screenings are scheduled daily: one at 6 pm for younger audiences and another at 9 pm for film lovers. Bonus: as part of the Été du Canal festival, cinema cruises along the Canal de l’Ourcq on July 26 and August 2 will transport passengers directly to the Prairie du Triangle.

La Villette Open-Air Cinema, Prairie du Triangle, Paris 19th arrondissement. July 22–August 16. Free admission, subject to capacity (no registration required).

The venue. In the ancient Roman amphitheater of Lutèce, the Dolce Vita Festival invites lovers of French and Italian cinema to rediscover iconic classics. Paired with Rome’s Villa Borghese, the festival screens films simultaneously in both cities. Between screenings, the amphitheater turns into a festive gathering spot with an Italian bar.

What’s on. The festival opens on Thursday at 9:30 pm with Sergio Leone’s masterpiece Once Upon a Time in the West. Friday features the restored classic Bicycle Thieves by Vittorio De Sica (6:30 pm), followed by the premiere of Three Goodbyes by Isabel Coixet, attended by the director herself. Saturday brings Il Grande Boccia by Karen Di Porto (6:30 pm) and Ettore Scola’s cult favorite Ugly, Dirty and Bad (9:30 pm). Sunday’s family screening is No Dogs or Italians Allowed by Alain Ughetto (4:30 pm), followed by Un Sacco Bello by Carlo Verdone (6:30 pm). Finally, Monday features The Hawks and the Sparrows by Pier Paolo Pasolini (6:30 pm) before the closing screening of Mario Monicelli’s legendary Big Deal on Madonna Street (9:30 pm), attended by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache.

Dolce Vita sur Seine Festival, Arènes de Lutèce, 49 Rue Monge, Paris 5th arrondissement. July 3–6. Free admission, arrive early.

The venue. An old train station on the Petite Ceinture railway transformed into a cultural and community hub? Welcome to La REcyclerie. For over 12 years, this unique venue has promoted eco-friendly lifestyles through engaging and positive initiatives. For the second year running, the former railway tracks become an open-air cinema accessible to everyone free of charge.

What’s on. From July 3 to August 1, Friday and Saturday nights become thought-provoking outdoor cinema evenings. Expect a selection of impactful documentaries exploring responsible travel, sustainable consumption, permaculture, and citizen-led initiatives. Highlights include Sweet France and The Cost of Growth. The former follows a group of suburban teenagers determined to shape the future of their community, while the latter reveals the environmental price of our lifestyles. A perfect recipe for post-screening discussions. Full programming details will be announced soon.

Gare aux Docs at La REcyclerie, 83 Boulevard d’Ornano, Paris 18th arrondissement. July 3–August 1, Fridays and Saturdays. Free admission.

Also discover 5 Free Exhibitions to See in Paris Right Now and Our Favorite Beautiful Parisian Terraces.