For this year's Journées du Patrimoine, lovers of culture and discovery are in for a treat on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21. During this exceptional weekend, you'll have free access to hundreds of cultural sites all over France and Europe.
What's more, some of them are even closed to the public under normal circumstances! It's a great opportunity to take the whole family on a tour of the city! And there are not only museums and monuments to visit, but also walks to enjoy!
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: visits for film buffs in Paris and the Île-de-France region
During the 42nd Journées du Patrimoine, discover the world of cinema in Paris and the Île-de-France region on September 20 and 21, 2025. Go behind the scenes and discover our selection of cinemas and museums dedicated to the seventh art! [Read more]
The Journées du Patrimoine 2025 (Heritage Days 2025) are an opportunity to discover Paris in a whole new way, and to explore every nook and cranny on cultural, historical, unusual or romantic outings! Here's our best-of list of things to do in Paris over the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. [Read more]
Montreuil is an essential town in the history of cinema. Quite simply, it was the first town to be home to a film studio, that of Star Film, Georges Méliès' company. This director, originally a magician, was the first to use the cinematograph as a tool for telling fantasies, notably by inventing gimmicks.
Cinephiles beware: in the town of Montreuil, just a metro ride from Paris, you'll find a temple to the 7th art, with affordable screenings and a lively program. We take you to Le Méliès, Europe's largest public arthouse cinema. [Read more]
The whole city is full of secrets to discover in connection with the inventor of cinematic art, so to mark Heritage Days 2025, it's offering a stroll for cinephiles!
What if we told you that cinema was born in Montreuil? Well, it's partly true, since it was here that Georges Méliès, inventor of special effects and pioneer of fiction cinema, set up the world's very first film studio and made over 500 films.
You'll rediscover the city with him, from the "Le Méliès" cinema to the site of his now-defunct studios, while paying tribute to other Montreuil cinema figures such as Emile Reynaud, the inventor of cartoons, and the directors of Studios Pathé-Albatros. Last but not least, we'll see that Montreuil is still a filming ground for many of today's films: Le Premier Jour du reste de ta vie, Les Emotifs Anonymes, L'Effet aquatique, Lupin, etc.
This plunge into the origins of cinema will of course be illustrated by photos and excerpts on tablet thanks to Juliette Dubois, the guide who created the Ciné-Balade concept in 2011.
ON YOUR WAY
- The romantic story of Georges Méliès and his funny and magical films.
- A first stop at the Méliès, a superb cinema and the pride of Montreuil.
- The pleasure of strolling through the streets of Bas-Montreuil.
- The discovery of charming, remote film studios and locations.
How about a stroll on the theme of cinema?
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Montreuil
93100 Montreuil
93100 Montreuil
Prices
Free
Average duration
2 h
15 min
Booking
exploreparis.com
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: visits for film buffs in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: our selection of walks for an exciting weekend in Paris
Tip: Méliès in Montreuil, Europe's largest public arthouse cinema with €7 screenings
