An open-air cinema in the heart of one of Île-de-France's largest military forts this summer.

If you're after an outdoor cinema, a quirky day out near Paris, a military fort to visit, or a summer activity in Val-d'Oise, Fort de Cormeilles-en-Parisis might well have a pleasant surprise in store for you this season. For one evening, this impressive 19th‑century relic sheds its military past and becomes a vast open-air cinema.

Perched on the heights of Cormeilles-en-Parisis, the Fort de Cormeilles impresses as much by its sheer size as by its history. Built between 1874 and 1877 as part of the defensive network drawn up by General Séré de Rivières after the Franco-Prussian War, it ranks among the largest military forts in Île-de-France. Its mission was straightforward: to shield Paris from a potential invasion coming from the northwest.

Today, the cannons are a relic, but the vast casemates, vaulted galleries and long, cobbled courtyards offer a spectacular backdrop that looks straight out of a historical film. Not by accident: the fort regularly hosts film and TV productions thanks to its remarkably well-preserved architecture.

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When heritage transforms into an open-air cinema under the stars

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the fortress will exceptionally throw open its gates for "Le Fort fait son cinéma sous les étoiles", a completely free event blending heritage, culture and conviviality. From 6 p.m., guided tours offer a fresh look at the site through the lens of cinema and the many productions filmed there. Visitors can also enjoy a guinguette atmosphere with music, food trucks, a DJ and even a photo booth dedicated to the seventh art.

Come nightfall, the show begins. Audiences will settle in the fort’s courtyard for an open-air screening of Chocolat, directed by Roschdy Zem with Omar Sy in the lead. The choice isn’t incidental: some scenes of the film were shot at the Fort de Cormeilles itself. A prime opportunity to rediscober one of the most impressive military works in Île-de-France… comfortably seated in front of a big screen.

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