Free Open-Air Cinema Returns to Nice with Four Unforgettable Summer Film Nights

 

Summer evenings in Nice are once again set to come alive under the stars as the Cinémathèque de Nice brings back its much-loved Cinéma En Plein Air programme. This annual tradition transforms the Port of Nice into an open-air movie theatre, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy classic cinema in one of the city’s most picturesque settings.

Taking place on four Wednesday evenings between 22 July and 26 August 2026, each free screening begins at 9:30 pm, offering audiences the opportunity to experience iconic films in the warm Mediterranean night air. Although this year’s programme features fewer screenings than previous editions, the carefully selected line-up showcases timeless classics and acclaimed international cinema that promise to appeal to a wide range of film lovers.

Nearly Fifty Years of Celebrating Cinema

Established in 1976 by Odile Chapel with the support of legendary film preservation pioneer Henri Langlois, the Cinémathèque de Nice has become one of the city’s most respected cultural institutions. Its inauguration, attended by actor and filmmaker Dennis Hopper, marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to preserving and sharing the art of cinema.

Originally affiliated with the Cinémathèque Française, the organisation became a municipal institution in 1991 and has been under the direction of Maryam Rousta-Giroud since 2021. Today it presents almost 400 films annually, welcomes approximately 50,000 visitors, and regularly hosts directors, actors, critics, and historians for special presentations and discussions celebrating the history of film.

2026 Open-Air Screening Programme

Wednesday, 22 July

To Catch a Thief (La Main au Collet)

The season opens with Alfred Hitchcock’s glamorous Riviera classic starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Filmed in Nice and at the famous Victorine Studios, the film remains one of the most recognisable cinematic tributes to the French Riviera. This special screening also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

Wednesday, 29 July

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Les Hommes préfèrent les Blondes)

Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell headline this sparkling musical comedy filled with romance, comedy, unforgettable musical numbers, and luxurious ocean-liner glamour. Their journey to France creates a whirlwind of mistaken identities, wealthy admirers, and light-hearted adventure that has delighted audiences for generations.

Wednesday, 19 August

Persepolis

Based on the internationally acclaimed graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, this award-winning animated film tells the deeply personal story of a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution before being sent to Vienna to begin a new life. Winner of the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and the César Award for Best First Feature, Persepolis is both moving and thought-provoking.

This screening will be presented in French without subtitles.

Wednesday, 26 August

L’Homme de Rio

The series concludes with an exhilarating French adventure starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Françoise Dorléac. When an archaeological treasure is stolen and his fiancée is kidnapped, an ordinary soldier is drawn into an extraordinary chase that stretches from Paris to the Amazon rainforest. Packed with humour, action, and breathtaking locations, L’Homme de Rio remains one of France’s most entertaining adventure films.

Whether you’re discovering these classics for the first time or revisiting old favourites, the Cinémathèque de Nice’s open-air cinema offers one of the city’s most enjoyable summer experiences. With free admission, a spectacular waterfront setting, and an outstanding selection of films, it is the perfect way to spend a warm evening on the French Riviera.

LOCATION DETAILS

Cinémathèque de Nice – Cinéma en plein air
Esplanade de la Douane
Port Lympia in Nice.