Le Ciné Roch, à Guémené-sur-Scorff
For a century, the Ciné Roch in Guémené-sur-Scorff has remained at the same address. The building was constructed in 1925 as part of a patronage to accommodate various activities, including film screenings, initially silent. The talking cinema arrived in the 1930s. Originally run by religious authorities, the cinema has been managed by an association since 1973. Today, it still operates in the same way, with a part-time employee and around fifty volunteers.
Le Bretagne, à La Guerche-de-Bretagne
Another “grand old” Breton cinema still in operation is Le Bretagne, located in La Guerche-de-Bretagne, Ille-et-Vilaine. It traces its origins back to the early 20th century, with the construction of the Grand Patronage building in 1912-1913. The building was used for various activities, but the first silent film screenings took place in 1929 after acquiring a projector by Abbé Dupas. The number of screenings increased rapidly, and the cinema was renamed Le Familial. Following a break during World War II, the cinema, still operated by an association, changed its name in 1967 to Le Bretagne. Regular renovations have transformed the space over the decades, but the cinema remains in the same location today as it did at its inception.
La Garenne, à Vannes
In 1925, Father Guillaume, a drawing teacher, established the La Garenne cinema in the Saint-François patronage hall in Vannes. This cinema is located in the heart of Vannes, a preserved area, and is part of the city’s history. It was acquired in 1975 by Soredic, which increased the number of screens. When Soredic opened the multiplex Cinéville Parc Lann on the outskirts in 2005, La Garenne refocused on “Art et Essai” programming.
Le Katorza, à Quimper
The cinema Les Arcades was renamed Le Katorza in 2019. This establishment, built in the late 1980s on the banks of the Odet in Quimper, has a history dating back to 1922 when the first cinema, the Odet Palace, was constructed at the same location. The Odet Palace was a modern venue that also functioned as a concert hall and space for hosting parties and banquets. Sound films arrived at the Odet Palace in 1931. The establishment screened its final film in 1986: “Three Men and a Cradle.” It was demolished the following year, and the cinema Les Arcades was built on the same plot.
Le cinéma Arletty, à Saint-Quay-Portrieux
In the early 20th century, cinemas were more than just cinemas in Brittany. In Saint-Quay-Portrieux, a seaside resort in Côtes-d’Armor, this was evident with the “cinéma dancing” inaugurated in 1932 in an art-deco-style building designed by architect Jean Fauny. The screening room could be transformed into a theater stage as needed, and another part of the building served as a ballroom. Renamed cinema Arletty a year later, the building was listed as a historical monument in 1995 before closing in 2005 due to safety standards. It reopened in 2011 after extensive renovations and is now classified as “Art et Essai” cinema operating as a public service delegate.
