A Free Open-Air Cinema in the Heart of Lyon
Forget about air-conditioned multiplexes and reclining seats: this summer, the most beautiful ceiling in the world will be above your heads. From the summer of the Place de l’Abbaye d’Ainay, in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, the Cinema Under the Stars Festival returns for its 24th edition, which promises to be truly magical. For four evenings in July, nearly 800 spectators per session will come and sit facing the giant screen to enjoy free outdoor screenings in an extremely friendly atmosphere.
And the concept still works just as well: iconic films, improvised deckchairs on the Lyon pavements, a summer vibe that feels more Mediterranean than Breton and that rare sensation of sharing a suspended moment with hundreds of strangers. Yes, a bit like at the cinema… but with stars as a bonus.
Cult Films from Ghibli, Jim Carrey, and Palme d’Or
This year’s lineup clearly falls under the heavyweight category. The festival will offer four essential films of the 7th art: The Truman Show, Captain Fantastic, Pom Poko from the Ghibli studios, and Parasite, a powerful South Korean slap, awarded the Palme d’Or and the Oscar for Best Film. This means the level is far from the “Sunday night movie while scrolling on your phone.”
Here, each screening is designed as a collective experience around major contemporary themes: consumer society, freedom, family, capitalism, and our dependence on the market value of things. Yes, it may sound serious put like that, but rest assured, there will also be raccoons transforming and Jim Carrey talking about hidden cameras. The films will be shown in their original version with subtitles and will be preceded by a short film, the programming of which will be revealed soon.
A Lyon Festival led by passionate volunteers
Behind this now-cult gathering in Lyon is the Quartier Libre association, composed entirely of volunteers. All year long, they work to offer a free, popular, and accessible cultural event to everyone. To accompany the screenings, a refreshment stand will be set up on-site to allow spectators to snack and toast between two iconic scenes. The festival also receives support from the Museum of Cinema and Miniature, the Lumière cinemas, and the 3IS School.
In summary: four free evenings, masterpieces of world cinema, and an emblematic square of Lyon under a starry sky as a backdrop. Honestly, it’s hard to find a better cultural plan in the capital of Gaul.
Place d’Ainay – Lyon 2nd
From July 15 to 18, 2026 starting at 8 pm (films begin at 10 pm)
