The Paris Cinema Festival is not held in Cannes; a good reception here does not equal an Oscar nomination and the beach is far, far away. For what the Paris Cinema Festival lacks in glitz, glamour and after-hours parties it makes up for in originality, public inclusion and a laid-back vibe. While Cannes is still the premier French film celebration, the Paris Cinema festival is a “for the people, by the people” version of its southern counterpart. New York Habitat has apartment accommodations across Paris still available for the city-wide celebration of film.

Theater in Paris
Theater in Paris
Early July is a wonderful time to visit Paris–the weather is warm, sidewalk cafes are bustling and Parisians are all abuzz before heading out of town for the August holiday. The Paris Cinema Festival is held from July 1st to July 13th, the day before the raucous Bastille Day. Cinemas across the city will be showcasing new films for only €5. Movie buffs can buy a pass for €25 that will grant them free access to all of the participating cinemas for the length of the festival. Events range from informal showings to industry conferences, short-film competitions and appearances by established Hollywood stars (Robin Wright Penn is one of this year’s guests). The favorite portions of the festival for most Parisians are the free open-air events. On opening night of the festival an enormous screen will be erected in the 7th arrondissement at the Trocadéro fountains, facing the illuminated Eiffel Tower, the 2006 film Paris, je t’aime will be shown to a huge audience. Visitors are suggested to get there early, pack a picnic dinner, bottle of wine and a comfy blanket and enjoy the show!

Paris Cinema takes place all over the city, visitors will always be within a short walk of the closest neighborhood theater. However the Montparnasse district is filled with theaters big and small, real movie buffs are suggested to shack up here. This 1-bedroom apartment rental in Montparnasse-Porte de Versailles (PA-3581) has an open layout, warm decor and is listed at a very reasonable price. This 1-bedroom accommodation in Alesia, Montparnasse-Porte de Versailles (PA-2851) is a stunner. This apartment features a loft-style layout on two floors, and two-story windows looking out onto a private garden. Oh, and before we forget the apartment sports hardwood floors and is located on a cobblestoned street.

A complete schedule of Paris Cinema events can be found at Paris Cinema fesitaval’s Website.