© Le Plaza Athénée and The Dolce Vita Festival on the Seine.
Long live open-air cinema! There's nothing like watching a classic film in an exceptional location in Paris. Whether it's in a palace, live from a rooftop, or in an ancient site of the capital, here's a closer look at the most beautiful outdoor cinemas to book as soon as possible.
At the Arènes de Lutèce
Location: In the ancient Arènes de Lutèce, the Dolce Vita Festival invites lovers of Italian and French cinema to watch classics of the seventh art. This festival is twinned with Rome, where films will be shown at Villa Borghese. Between screenings, the Gallo-Roman amphitheater turns into a festive spot with an Italian bar.
Screenings: The third edition pays tribute to Marcello Mastroianni, who would have turned 100 this September, with classics from his filmography like Ettore Scola's "A Special Day", "Too Bad She's Bad", and the comedy "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" by Vittorio De Sica. Another must-see is Sergio Leone's epic "The Colossus of Rhodes". The program includes meet-and-greets with actors, filmmakers, writers, and journalists from Rome and Paris.
Dolce Vita Festival on the Seine at Arènes de Lutèce, 49 Rue Monge, Paris 5th. From July 12 to 16. Free entry, arrive early. Complete program announced on July 9.
At the Plaza Athénée
Location: The iconic Plaza Athénée offers an unforgettable evening for its 2024 edition in collaboration with MK2. The hotel's restaurant courtyard transforms into an open-air cinema, providing a magical setting. The program includes five cult films and themed menus crafted by chef Jean Imbert.
Screenings: On June 30, enjoy "The Godfather" with a classic Italian meal. On July 1, watch the French comedy "Les Visiteurs" with a medieval feast. On July 3, "The Dark Knight" will be paired with immersive Gotham City-inspired dishes. The week wraps up with "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly", featuring Western-inspired cuisine.
Plaza Athénée, 25 Avenue Montaigne, Paris 8th. From June 30 to July 4. Starting at €580 for two. Online reservations available.
© BOBY
At La Seine Musicale
Location: After the Louvre, the Cinéclub Paradiso moves to the forecourt of La Seine Musicale from July 8 to 11. This contemporary venue on Île Seguin, surrounded by the Seine, is dedicated to music in all its forms.
Screenings: Each evening from 6 pm, enjoy a musical and dance show related to the featured film, which starts at 8 pm. The event kicks off on July 21 with the iconic "Flashdance" by Adrian Lyne. On July 9, see François Civil and Pio Marmaï in Cédric Klapisch's "En Corps". Finally, on July 11, experience the 3D documentary "Pina" by Wim Wenders.
La Seine Musicale, Île Seguin in Boulogne Billancourt. From July 8 to 11. Free screenings with online reservations. Ticket sales open on June 20, July 4, and daily during the festival.
© Julia Brechler and Sony Pictures Releasing GmbH
On the Rooftop of Hôtel Paradiso
Location: The Paradiso Hotel, opened in the 12th arrondissement by the Karmitz brothers, offers a unique Parisian cinema experience. Every Sunday evening in summer, the rooftop turns into a cine-club under the stars with warm popcorn and cocktails.
Screenings: A surprise film is shown every Sunday at 9:30 pm from the MK2 Curiosity catalog, featuring iconic films and auteur cinema gems. Check the Hôtel Paradiso website for the evolving summer schedule. The season starts on June 23 with "Gasoline Rainbow" by Turner Ross and Bill Ross IV.
Hôtel Paradiso, 13 Boulevard Diderot, Paris 12th. From June 23 to September 15. €18 per screening with a drink. Information and reservations online.
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