10 Of Bordeaux's Top Cinemas

Getting rainy weather while on holiday is never fun, but luckily we have a backup plan. Bordeaux is rich in culture, with a lot of museums, galleries, theatres and cinemas. Whether you’re in the mood for a blockbuster or an independent movie, Bordeaux movie theatres feature all kinds of genres, and we’ve rounded up the best cinemas to catch a screening.

1. Mégarama Bordeaux

Cinema, Movie Theater

Located in the former Gare d’Orléans train station, the Mégarama Bordeaux is the city’s biggest cinema. With 17 movie rooms, here you can enjoy the latest rom-coms or blockbusters in 3D in a very spacious environment, also accessible for disabled people. If you’re renting a car, you can park in the secured parking lot for up to three hours for free.

2. Méga CGR Le Français

Cinema, Movie Theater

The Méga CGR Le Français is only a few steps away from the splendid Cours de l’intendance and you will certainly be amazed by the building’s incredible architecture. This magnificent place used to be a theatre and the luxurious décor will make you wonder if you’re in a cinema or a museum. Although most films shown are in French, this cinema’s grandeur and beautiful interior make the visit worthwhile.

3. Utopia Saint Siméon

Cinema, Movie Theater

The Utopia Saint Siméon is famous for its excellent and eclectic selection of films. Come and discover (or rediscover) some of the most acclaimed movies and directors from independent, Nouvelle Vague and other genres, but also very talented but unknown directors from all over the world. The Utopia is located in the centre of Bordeaux and the ticket rates vary from €4 to €7.5.

Attend a film festival

If you’re visiting Bordeaux this fall, you’re in luck! One of the best things about this city is that there are constantly excellent cultural events happening around town. Attend the Festival du Film Indépendant de Bordeaux (FIFIB), from October 18-25, which celebrates independent movies, and meet different actors taking part in this fantastic project. If independent cinema isn’t your thing, there’s Les Nuits Magiques festival, running from November 29 to December 10, that features a worldwide selection of animated films. If you’re looking for something more original, you could also check out Cinopsy’s, which looks at how psychology and psychotherapy are portrayed in movies.

FIFIB, Utopia St Siméon and L’Auditorium de Bordeaux, 8-13 cours Georges Clemenceau, Bordeaux, France, +33 5 57 78 41 19

Les Nuits Magiques Festival , 151 Boulevard Albert 1er, Bègles, France, +33 9 51 99 04 80

Cinopsy’s, UGC Ciné Cité, 13-15 Rue Georges Bonnac, Bordeaux, France, +33 1 46 37 28 24

4. Gaumont Talence Universités Bordeaux

Cinema, Movie Theater

You won’t miss a single blockbuster at the Gaumont Talence Universités Bordeaux movie theatre. This place is known for showing most of the big international productions and you can reach it very easily by tram. Because it is very popular, it can get very crowded, especially at night or when a very anticipated movie comes out. We recommend coming early in order to secure your seat, or during work hours if you’re more of a last-minute type of planner.

5. Le Ciné Théâtre Girondin

Building, Theatre

You won’t watch a single movie in Le Ciné Théâtre Girondin, but you should make a halt and admire this architectural masterpiece. Built in 1919, in the aftermath of World War I, you will be enchanted by the meticulous work done on the mosaics of the stunning façade and the exceptional stained glasswork. After the cinema was closed it was transformed into a market, then turned into a residential building.

6. Bonus feature: A Bout de Souffle

Movie Theater

A Bout de Souffle original release poster

Back in the day, posters were used to tease our imagination about an upcoming movie. If today they have been replaced by trailers that give away most of the plot, some people still believe film posters help people connect with the movie. While in Bordeaux, pay a visit to A Bout de Souffle, a brilliant shop (and hommage to Godard’s cult movie), and choose from a large selection of posters, from some of the most iconic films, but also new ones.