How Many Cinemas Are There in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

Paris is known as the city of lights, romance, and art. It is one of the most visited cities in the world, attracting millions of tourists annually.

One of the popular forms of entertainment in Paris is cinema. The city boasts a rich cinematic history and has contributed significantly to the development of world cinema.

How many cinemas are there in Paris?

There are currently over 300 cinemas in Paris, making it one of the cities with the highest number of cinemas per capita in the world. These cinemas range from small independent theaters to large multiplexes with several screens.

Types of Cinemas

Parisian cinemas can be classified into different categories based on their size, location, and programming.

Art House Cinemas

Art house cinemas are small independent theaters that screen mostly non-commercial films such as documentaries, foreign-language films, and avant-garde cinema. These cinemas are usually located in trendy neighborhoods like Montmartre or Le Marais and offer a unique movie-going experience.

Multiplex Cinemas

Multiplexes are large cinema complexes that have several screens showing mainstream Hollywood movies as well as French productions. These cinemas are usually located in shopping malls or commercial areas like La Defense or Les Halles.

Outdoor Cinemas

During the summer months, several outdoor cinemas pop up around Paris showing classic movies under the stars. The most popular outdoor cinemas include La Villette’s open-air cinema and Cinema en Plein Air de la Villette.

Cinema Museums

Paris also has several museums dedicated to cinema such as La Cinematheque Francaise and Musee des Arts et Metiers which houses a collection of historical film equipment.

The Future of Parisian Cinemas

Over the past few years, there has been a decline in movie attendance worldwide due to the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. However, Parisian cinemas have managed to remain relevant by offering unique experiences like screenings of classic movies, live events, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

In conclusion, Paris is a city with a rich cinematic culture and a vast array of cinemas to choose from. Whether you are a film buff or just looking for a fun night out, there is always something for everyone in the city of lights.