Cinema buffs will be able to watch films at one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, this autumn – and tickets are completely free.

Since launching in 2013, the Cinema Paradiso film festival has been taking over the French capital’s most remarkable sights.

Off the back of a star-studded event at the Louvre, organisers have revealed the next location for its cinema festival will be held at the Eiffel Tower for the very first time.

From 24 to 27 September 2026, cinema screens will be set up in the Salle Gustave Eiffel, a huge events space on the first floor of the monument.

The free programme, organised by arthouse cinema network mk2, will screen a total of nine films throughout the four-day festival, although schedules will not be released until the start of September.

While the event has no charge, those who want to visit the pop-up cinema can only get tickets by entering a lottery that will also open in September.

Those who are selected in the draw will be able to choose a preferred session by filling out a registration form before tickets are sent via email.

The Eiffel Tower event follows the sixth edition of Cinema Paradiso, held in early June, during which world-class directors attended the Louvre to present some of their classics.

Wes Anderson was in attendance to introduce The Grand Budapest Hotel. Oscar-winning director Joachim Trier opened a screening of his 2021 hit, The Worst Person in the World.

The first Cinema Paradiso event was held more than a decade ago at Paris’ Grand Palais, combining film screenings, concerts, food and nightlife.

The festival was named Cinema Paradiso in reference to the 1988 film of the same name, in which a director recalls falling in love with film as a child.

Other editions of Cinema Paradiso have been held at La Seine Musicale performing arts centre, the Villa Carmignac art hub and the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit.

Read more: Once a year, silent film fans from around the world descend on this tiny Scottish town

Read More