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I heard somewhere that Helsinki has so many saunas, they would be able to fit in the entire population of the capital at once. The entire population could all be sweating together in saunas with not a soul on the street. It’s a stretch, but I’m starting to think the same of independent cinemas in Paris.
There are bloodyloads.All historic and beautiful in their own way. It’s a miracle they are all still open! Alas, some have been lost to multiplexes and gimmicks but here is a selection of the best independent cinemas in Paris still here!
1. Cinéma Studio 28
Address:10 Rue Tholozé, 75018
Opened in 1928, this cinema is in the Montmartre neighbourhood and remains extremely popular to this day.
Visit theCinéma Studio 28 website here.
2. Cinéma du Panthéon
Address:13 Rue Victor Cousin, 75005
TheCinéma du Panthéon is the oldest running cinema in Paris having first opened its doors in 1907. It screens a selection of world cinema titles and often hosts events.
Visit theCinéma du Panthéon website here.
3. Le Champo
Address:51 Rue des Écoles, 75005
Le Champo is famous for being a favourite cinema of the French New Wave filmmakers. Not to mention its triple features beginning at midnight and ending at breakfast.
Visit the Le Champo website here.
4. Cinéma La Clef
Address:34 Rue Daubenton, 75005
Originally opened as an African film cinema, the two-screen Picturehousemainly screens documentaries now.
Visit theCinéma La Clef website here.
5. Grand Rex
Address:1 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75002
The most luxurious and grand of all the independent cinemas in Paris, the art deco Grand Rex serves more mainstream cinema to the viewing public.
Visit the Grand Rex website here.
6. Studio Galande
Address:42 Rue Galande, 75005
This tiny cinema is perhaps most famous for its regular interactive screenings of fan favouriteThe Rocky Horror Picture Show(1975).
Visit the Studio Galande website here.
7. Action Christine/Christine 21
Address:4 Rue Christine, 75006
Christine 21 is the new name for the Action Christine, one of three cinemas in the Action network. The Christine 21, the Grand Action and the Action Ecoles (recently renamed to the Desperado). Open since the 1970s, it is their mission to restore classic films.
Visit the Christine 21 website here.
8. Max Linder Panorama
Address:24 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75009
Often screening mainstream as well as more unusual films, the Max Linder Panorama boasts an 18-metre screen and 700 seats.
Visit the Max Linder Panorama website here.
9. Reflet Médicis
Address:3 Rue Champollion, 75005
A former theatre, theReflet Médicis became a three-screen cinema in the 1960s. The cinema mainly screens new world cinema releases.
Visit theReflet Médicis website here.
10. Le Lucernaire
Address:53 Rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006
Le Lucernaire is a multi-arts centre with three theatres, three cinemas, a gallery, bar and a restaurant.
Visit the Le Lucernaire website here.
11. La Cinémathèque Française
Address:51 Rue de Bercy, 75012
Also a multi-arts centre, there is also a cinema museum in this facility as well. It often showcases experimental cinema and cult films.
Visit theLa Cinémathèque Française website here.
12. Accattone
Address:20 Rue Cujas, 75005
The cinema is named after the first film of controversial Italian film director Pier Paolo Pasolini. So this former cabaret often screens this and his other films.
Visit the Accattone website here.
13. MK2 Bibliothèque
Address:128-162 Avenue de France, 75013
Another huge independent cinema complex in Paris! Seriously, people just don’t love cinema enough in the UK to justify having all these huge independent cinemas. This cinema screens new American and world cinema releases.
Visit theMK2 Bibliothèque website here.
14. Le Louxor
Address:170 Boulevard de Magenta, 75010
A beautiful interior with a gorgeous Egyptian facade, Le Louxor has only one screen but tonnes of character.
Visit the Le Louxor website here.
15. Cinéma des
Address:7 Avenue de Clichy, 75017
This is a fabulous three-screen cinema. It screens classic, foreign, documentary and LGBT films.
Visit theCinéma des
16. Le Balzac
Address:29 Friedland Avenue, 75008
Le Balzac is a uniquely homely cinema. The programming and art deco lobby are the two main reasons to visit this cinema.
Visit the Le Balzac website here.
17. Le Brady
Address:39 Boulevard de Strasbourg, 75010
This cinema was once frequented by a young François Truffaut. Set up in the 1950s, it’s the only cinema of it’s kind in the neighbourhood.
Visit the Le Brady website here.
18. La Pagode
Address:57 Rue de Babylone, 75007
Unfortunately, one of the most ornate and truly unique cinemas in the world closed in November 2015. The building quietly dilapidated and when the punters stopped coming, the doors closed. There is still hope as the owners may reopen when prospects are brighter. But for the time being, you’ll just have to visit the other 17 cinemas on this list!
And those are some of the best independent cinemas in Paris! Have you watched films at any of them? Have I missed any? Let me know in the comments below!
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