Best Free Outdoor Cinemas in Paris: Where to Watch Movies Under the Stars (for free!)
Last Updated on 10th July 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau
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If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to spend a summer evening in Paris, then why not swap dinner or drinks for a movie beneath the stars? From iconic parks to hidden corners of the city, Paris comes alive each summer with outdoor cinema screenings that offer a truly memorable way to experience the French capital. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or searching for something a little different, this guide covers the best free outdoor cinemas in Paris, along with everything you need to know before you go.
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La Villette
Running from 22nd July to 16th August 2026 (this year is the 35th edition!)
Hands down, the most well-known of outdoor cinema screenings in Paris, not to mention boasting the largest screen, is that at Parc de la Villette. Throughout the summer, there are screenings throughout the week on the triangle lawn of Parc de la Villette.
The closest metro station is Porte de Pantin (metro line 5, orange line), and all of the screenings are free. On arrival, you’ll have to enter through a small airport-style security, where no glass bottles are allowed, though you’re allowed to bring your own picnic and picnic blanket.
If you’d like a little extra comfort, you can reserve one of La Villette’s iconic transats (deckchairs) for €6. Reservations are made online only and open at 4 pm on the day of each screening, with deckchairs available to collect from 7:30 pm. Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring your own blanket or low chair and enjoy the film from the grass. Main evening screenings begin at 9 pm, while selected family-friendly films are shown earlier at 6 pm.
Just be sure to take some warm clothing as it can get pretty cold in the evenings so close to the water! Both English language and French language films are available, so be sure to check the schedule when visiting.
When I attended a screening with a friend, we watched the Sofia Coppola Marie Antoinette, which was an English-language film. French subtitles were shown below the film. To find out more about what’s on and how to book, you can visit their official website here.
Moulin Rouge rooftop open-air cinema
Every Wednesday evening from July 15th to September 2nd, 2026
If you don’t want to go as far from the centre of the city, then you might consider going to the rooftop terrace of the Moulin Rouge in order to enjoy a free open-air cinema screening. Now in its 4th edition, the festival by Toit x So Film is set against the backdrop of the Bar à Bulles in the Pigalle area of Paris.
Screenings take place every Wednesday during the summer and up until the first week of September. Screenings start after nightfall (typically around 9:00 PM or 9:30 PM, depending on when the sunset is).
For those who don’t want to be bothered by the noise of the bar, headphones are available. It’s also worth noting that the Moulin Rouge film screenings are in French. For more information on how to visit this Parisian free outdoor cinema, check their website here.
The Louvre
The Cinéma Paradiso Louvre open-air cinema festival took place from July 1st to July 4th, 2026
Each year, the Festival Paradiso is held in the courtyard of the Louvre. However, this one is a highly exclusive event requiring tickets that are distributed via a lottery system on the festival’s official website…so unless you have a rooftop with binoculars or happen to be very lucky, this cinema is a little less accessible. Find out more information here.
Gare aux Docs/ REcyclerie cinema
July 3rd to August 1st, 2026. Screenings take place on Friday and Saturday nights on the Petite Ceinture railway tracks, starting at 9:30 PM.
One of my personal favourites when it comes to open air and outdoor cinemas in Paris is that of the REcyclerie cinema in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, i.e. Montmartre. A unique urban farm which also functions as a meeting space and café, the building is actually a former train station for the Petite Ceinture, a now defunct railway line that encircles Paris.
2026 sees the 9th edition of this Parisian outdoor screening festival, which is free to attend. The screenings are all documentaries which touch on topics such as climate change, nature, and other eco-friendly and environmental topics. Find more information here.
La Péniche Cinéma
While they do not publish a rigid months-long open-air schedule like the large parks, they host indoor and dockside film nights weekly.
One of the more unique film experiences visitors and locals alike can have in the City of Light is to attend one of the screenings at La Péniche Cinéma. La Péniche is actually a floating barge which is moored on canal de l’Ourcq and some film screenings are free.
The programme is rather varied and, as well as showing films and documentaries, Le Péniche also hosts events by actors, crew, and film directors. The cinema has been in operation since 2008, and while some events are paid for ticketed events, others are free to attend. Find more information here.
Georges-Valbon Park (Parc de la Courneuve)
Screenings take place on Friday evenings from July 17th to July 31st
While not in central Paris itself, but rather located in the northern suburbs within the Seine-Saint-Denis department. This park also hosts several open-air cinema sessions as part of Bel Été 2026, all of which are free and open to everyone. A huge screen is placed in the heart of the park, and screenings take place every Friday from 8 pm.
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