What city could be better for movie lovers than Paris? Filmmaking and the French capital go hand in hand: this is where cinema was born when the Lumière brothers first screened their short films in 1895, where New Wave directors like Truffaut, Godard, and Varda revolutionized auteur filmmaking, and the home of the César Awards and France’s film industry. But beyond that, cinema is woven into Parisian culture—every local seems to have a deep appreciation for film.

Each week, around 700 films are shown across the city, from new releases to vintage, classic, and cult favorites screened at over 30 independent theaters. Add to that year-round special events like festivals, anniversary screenings, and retrospectives, and there’s always something to watch.

While the industry heads to Cannes in May, Paris remains a paradise for film buffs—you could spend a week exploring its cinematic offerings and barely scratch the surface. This guide highlights the best spots for movie lovers, from historic theaters and filmmaker-frequented cafés to immersive hotels and must-visit archives.

### Where to Stay
For a stay that feels straight out of a film, book a room at the romantic, Nouvelle Vague-inspired Hôtel Amour, the Belle Époque Maison Proust, or the opulent, surrealist Hôtel Particulier hidden in Montmartre.

Die-hard cinephiles should check into Hotel Paradiso, a film lover’s dream created by the indie cinema group Mk2. Each room features a private screening setup with laser projectors, 10-foot-wide screens, and top-tier sound systems, plus access to a library of 10,000 films. For an even grander experience, their cinema suites let you watch current theatrical releases.

At Hotel Dadou, unwind in their Nouvelle Vague-themed spa while watching short films by French New Wave directors in a private Roman bath. For stylish screenings, Le Royal Monceau and Hotel Nuage also offer private screening rooms.

### Where to Eat & Drink
In Paris, the film experience doesn’t end when the credits roll. Many theaters have cafés or restaurants perfect for post-screening discussions, like the Salon (designed by Catherine Deneuve) above the Panthéon du Cinéma, the leafy terrace at Le 28 in Montmartre, or the sunlit greenhouse at L’Entrepôt.

For industry hotspots where filmmakers and stars mingle, try the rooftop La Plume at Hôtel Madame Rêve, the discreet La Société in Saint-Germain, or the legendary Molitor club by the pool. Le Square Trousseau, a chic brasserie, is a favorite among insiders.

For glamour, Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées hosts the star-studded César Awards afterparty. More low-key spots include La Chope des Artistes, a classic bistro; Café Charlot, beloved by actors; and Le Mansart, a Pigalle hangout for natural wine lovers.

### Where to See a Film
Paris is packed with iconic cinemas, from the grand Le Grand Rex to intimate indie screens. Whether you’re catching a new release or a rare classic, the city’s theaters offer unforgettable experiences.Getty Images

Watching films in Paris isn’t just about new releases—cinephiles should explore the city’s many art house theaters, which regularly show classics, cult favorites, and vintage films alongside contemporary ones. Many independent theaters curate themed retrospectives, focusing on filmmakers, genres, film movements, eras, cultures, actors, or simply their own eclectic tastes. Most screenings are in the original language with French subtitles (look for “VOSTFR”), but for non-French speakers, groups like Lost in Frenchlation organize screenings with English subtitles.

Every film lover has their favorite spots, whether it’s the Art Deco gem Le Balzac, designed to resemble an ocean liner; Le Champo (also known as L’Espace Jacques-Tati), famous for its New Wave connections and star-studded ceiling; or Le Christine Cinema Club, owned by producer Ronald Chammah (Isabelle Huppert’s husband). Serious cinephiles also flock to the single-screen Max Linder for premieres and unique programming. The Latin Quarter’s independent theaters are legendary, and recently, the Jeu de Paume began screening arthouse classics in its auditorium.

For a more classic experience, visit Mk2 Bibliothèque, where loveseats make it ideal for date nights; the iconic Grand Rex, which offers behind-the-scenes tours and major premieres (they recently screened Oppenheimer in 70mm for the first time since 1989); or the luxurious Pathé Palace, designed by Renzo Piano, featuring reclining leather seats, a concierge, and an Art Deco bar by Jacques Grange.

### Beyond the Screen
If you’re not watching a film, there’s still plenty to do—dance the night away at David Lynch’s Silencio nightclub, tour Le Grand Rex, or browse JM Club in the 11th arrondissement, one of the last surviving video rental shops and a cult favorite where actors like Ben Stiller and Pedro Almodóvar pick and discuss films (think of it as Paris’s answer to the Criterion Closet). For vintage posters, check out Librarie Elba, Intemperol, Orsay, or Potemkine, a café-boutique near Canal Saint-Martin filled with DVDs, books, vinyl, and cinema memorabilia.

For a deeper dive into film history, join Ciné-Balade’s walking tours with Juliette Dubois, exploring locations from Amélie, Jean-Luc Godard’s New Wave haunts, or the streets of Midnight in Paris.

While Paris doesn’t yet have a dedicated film museum (though one is reportedly in the works), the Cinémathèque française offers an extensive look at cinema history through costumes, props, cameras, posters, and more. Housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building, it preserves the world’s largest archive of film artifacts, originally saved from destruction during WWII. The Cinémathèque also hosts exhibitions—currently, a Wes Anderson retrospective runs through the summer.

(Photo credits: Le Balzac, Stéphane Dabrowski, Juliette Jem)This collection features his work, including props, sets, models, costumes, and more. Meanwhile, at Paris’s Musée Carnavalet, an exhibition called Agnes Varda’s Paris: From Here to There explores the connection between the filmmaker and screenwriter and the city of Paris, especially through her photography. The show runs through August.