by Sarah Scaddan
During the summer months in Geneva, a handful of large outdoor cinema screens are erected on the shores of Lake Geneva and in our city’s lovely parks. Films start late, waiting for the sun to go down, and a wide range of films are screened in many languages. There are classics, new releases, theme nights and arthouse films to choose from. Cine du Lac is a more formal experience with tiered seating and a bar and restaurant. At other open air cinemas, you can bring your own chairs or picnic blankets, and get cosy under the stars. Here’s our round-up of what’s on offer:
The Deluxe Cinema – Ciné du Lac
Previously known as Salt Cinema, this theatre fascinates me every year as it looks like such a mission to erect. A team of divers are employed to secure the cinema which extends out into the lake, and the whole things takes weeks to erect, just for four weeks of fun. Seats are tiered and if it rains, raincoats are swiftly distributed. There is a bar and restaurant and if you book in advance, this is also a good position to watch the fabulous Fete de Genève fireworks. The toilets are also very civilised!
Dates: 17th July-20th August 2017.
Programme: There is a fantastic programme this year of recent films including La La Land, Lion, Manchester by the Sea, Captain Fantastic and Arrival. For children there is Despicable Me 3, and Cars 3. For the full programme click here.
Cost: 15chf per adult.
Location: Port-Noir, Genève (close to Genève Plage). Parking at Genève Plage.
Bring with you: Warm clothes or a blanket for when the sun goes down and don’t forget the mosquito repellent.
The Uber Relaxed Cinema – Ciné Transat
Situated in Parc de la Perle du Lac, this cinema experience is free of charge so it is best to get there early to get a good spot. There is a snack bar, public toilets and a limited amount of deck chairs to hire, but this is the place to bring your own blankets, make yourself comfy, enjoy a picnic and chilled wine from your cool box.
Dates: 13th July-20th August 2017.
Programme: Lots of old favourites including Muriel’s Wedding, the original Ghostbusters, Dr No, Die Hard and Dead Poets Society. For the full programme click here.
Cost: Free unless you choose to hire a deckchair.
Location: Parc de la Perle du Lac, close to the Botanical Gardens.
Bring with you: Something comfy to sit or lie on, food and drink, mosquito spray and something warm for late at night and a raincoat.
The Local Cinema – Plan-les-Ouates
Free of charge, four films are to be screened over the summer in the commune of Plan-les-Ouates; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Last Action Hero, Back to the Future 2 and Maverick. For dates and further information click here.
The Floating Cinema – Cine Gitana, Bellevue
For the fourth year running, the commune of Bellevue will be screening films on a floating screen at Port Gitana from the 24th-27th August 2017. To date the programme has not been announced, but visit their website for more details when they become available (click here).
If you know of any other outdoor cinema events being held in Geneva, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can add to this list, contact info@thingstodoingeneva.ch.
by Sarah Scaddan, Travel Planner at Inspire My Travel www.inspiremytravel.com.
