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 bloody loads. 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!

18 of the Best Independent Cinemas in Paris

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 the Cinéma Studio 28 website here.

2. Cinéma du Panthéon

Address: 13 Rue Victor Cousin, 75005

The Cinéma 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 the Cinéma 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 Picturehouse mainly screens documentaries now.

Visit the Cinéma 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 favourite The 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, the Reflet Médicis became a three-screen cinema in the 1960s. The cinema mainly screens new world cinema releases.

Visit the Reflet 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 the La 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 the MK2 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 Cinéastes

Address: 7 Avenue de Clichy, 75017

This is a fabulous three-screen cinema. It screens classic, foreign, documentary and LGBT films.

Visit the Cinéma des Cinéastes website here.

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!

Read next:

The Ultimate Guide to Paris Filming Locations