Nothing feels more like summer than watching a movie 'à la belle étoile' (under the stars). Here's everything you need to know about finding an open-air cinema near you.

Every year, hundreds of towns, villages, châteaux and parks transform into open-air cinemas, offering everything from Hollywood blockbusters to French classics and kid-friendly films.

Here's how to find screenings near you and what to expect.

Where are open-air cinemas held?

Outdoor screenings (cinéma en plein air) take place all over France from June until the end of August, and in some cases even into September.

The locations are different every time and can pop up in a variety of places like public parks or gardens, village squares, beaches, castle courtyards, rooftops, or historic monuments. 

Some events are organised by municipalities, while others are run by local cinemas, cultural associations or film festivals.

How do you find screenings near you?

There is no single national programme listing every outdoor cinema in France, but there are several easy ways to find out if one is happening near you.

You can check your mairie - the local town hall is often the best source of information, along with l'office de tourisme (tourism office). Staff can usually tell you about screenings taking place in neighbouring villages as well as in your own town. And they both usually have printed brochures available for free with all the information you need.

Most municipalities publish their summer events programme online, with outdoor cinema usually listed under headings such as: cinéma en plein air (open-air cinemas), animations estivales (summer animations), programme culturel (cultural program).

You can also search online for: cinéma en plein air + your town or cinéma en plein air + your département. The results will bring up local events. 

Do you need to book?

It depends on the event. There are generally three types of screening:

Free with no reservation - this is the most common format, particularly in smaller towns. People simply arrive with a blanket or folding chair and find a place on the grass. For popular screenings, however, arriving at least 30 to 60 minutes early is recommended.

Free but reservation required - some municipalities ask visitors to reserve a place online because of capacity limits. Although there is no charge, places can still run out quickly. 

Paid screenings - certain festivals and premium venues charge admission, usually between €5 and €15. These often include recent films, live entertainment before the screening or particularly scenic locations such as castle courtyards or rooftops.

What should you bring?

Depending on the venue, you can pack some food and drinks (when permitted), a blanket, folding chairs or camping chairs (if seating is not provided). Some venues will have chairs or cushions in place already. 

Some events may also have food trucks, bars or refreshment stands on site.

Check whether dogs are allowed, many events only allow guide dogs.

What happens if it rains?

In the case of rainfall, organisers will usually postpone the screening to another evening, or move it indoors to another location (which beats the whole outdoor-cinema purpose unfortunately) or simply cancel it. 

Make sure to check the organiser's website or social media on the day of the event if poor weather is forecast.

Are films shown in English?

Most screenings show films in the same version that was released in French cinemas, which means Hollywood movies are often dubbed into French (VF).

But some screenings use the original version with French subtitles (VOSTFR), and French films are, naturally, shown in French. 

Paris - in the capital a summer-long programme of screenings is open at La Vilette, with a mixture of French and English language films (the English films are screened in English with subtitles or VOST). This year the theme is 'into the forest'.

The films are free and you can take your own picnic and drinks, although there is also a bar and snack truck. Deck chairs/lawn chairs (les transats) can be hired for €6 each. 

Films are also screened in the courtyard of the Louvre, and at other city venues.

READ ALSO: 7 cool free things to do in Paris this summer