Oct 20th, 2016, 11:17 PM

Where To Discover Paris's Extensive World of Cinema

By Stephanie Russell
Image credit: Flickr/Frédéric Bisson
A simple guide of where to watch blockbusters, classics, and independant films in Paris.

 

Living amongst the French language in Paris can be potentially problematic for native English speakers. For avid film lovers and watchers alike, this may be especially tricky for those Friday evening urges to entertain your fantasies at the cinema in a language you can understand. Thankfully, Paris is home to a wide range of cinemas, both ordinary and enchanting, each creating a different experience and housing their own unique collection of movies. Each of these cinemas have something for every taste, whether it be for the latest blockbusters, old classics or French independent films.

Where to watch the latest blockbusters and French independent films


Image credit: Jim Linwood/Flickr 

Paris has a collection of cinema chains that screen the latest blockbuster films in their original language: Gaumont et Pathé, UGC, MK2 Bibliothèque and Louxor. Here you can find both the newest Hollywood films shown in English, occasionally with French subtitles (perfect to help you with your French!), as well as the latest French independent films shown in French. And do not fret; these Parisian cinemas are well equipped to give you the full sensory experience of the cinema—and are even equipped with mouth-watering popcorn and sweets galore!

Situated all over Paris, you have an extensive selection of cinemas to choose from, depending on your whereabouts. When booking a movie online or at the cinema itself, you may encounter three acronyms, which explain the language the films will be shown in. VF implies that the film played is the French version, indicating that it is either dubbed in French or is an original French language film. VO stands for original language version that the film originates from and VOSTFR indicates that the film will be played in its original language but with French subtitles.

UGC Cine


Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

All thirteen locations of Paris’s UGC Cinemas can be found on their website at the foot of their home page, ranging from cinemas on the Champs-Elysées, boulevard Saint-Germain, boulevard de Montparnasse and lots more! 

Gaumont et Pathé

An extensive list of fifteen cinemas can be similarly found on Gaumont et Pathé’s website, providing you with a vast range of possibilities for when you lose yourself in the streets of Paris with an aching desire to dive into the rooms of cinematic fantasies.

MK2 Bibliothèque

For a more modern and sophisticated cinematic experience, MK2 Bibliothèque is your ideal location. As well as showing films both in English and French, it also contains three restaurants and a lounge-bar serving cocktails. Its seats have also been designed for maximum comfort, providing an experience of both class and luxury. Perfect for a romantic evening cuddled up with your loved one in their two-seater armchairs. 

Enchantingly Alternative Cinemas


Image credit: Flickr/ParisSharing

La Geode 

La Geode is giant dome structure, comprised of a giant hemispherical IMAX screen covering 1,000 square meters, complete with a surround sound system. Here, you can watch science, nature, and travel documentaries, short and long feature-length films, and high definition animated subjects, all dubbed in French—but rich in high definition visual asthetics. 

Le Champo

If old, classic movies are your preferred choice of films, Le Champo is the cinema for you. Situated in the Latin Quarter, Le Champo is an "arthouse" cinema, unique with its traditional art-deco exterior and complete with an eccentric upstairs screening room that uses the unique periscope-mirror projection system. It screens mostly French independent films, along with a rotating range of old classics; Le Champo is currently featuring Beetle Juice and Sweeney Todd

Louxor Cinema 


Image Credit: Flickr/Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

The Louxor is a unique, alternatively decorated cinema with Egyptian-style mosaic decor. Here you are able to watch cartoons, comedies and festival movies, all while immersing yourself in its gold and blue toned Egyptian ambience. It shows mostly French independent films, with the occasional American film thrown in. 

La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin

La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin offers an exquisite cultural diversity of films, featuring works from Hungary, the Middle East, Ukraine and Finland. In the heart of the Latin Quarter, you are able to enjoy a double barrel experience of culture through cuisine and cinema. Choose from the diverse selection of surrounding restaurants to dine at before or after you experience cozy comfort in the small cinema rooms where you are able to expand your cultural knowledge through film.