Who says you can’t rewrite the script at 88? Legendary filmmaker Claude Lelouch just proved that age is just a number, swapping the relentless Parisian buzz for fresh sea air—and launching a heartfelt new venture where cinema, cuisine, and conversation come together under one cozy roof.
A Bold Departure: From Paris to the Seaside
In a moment marked by deliberate, well-considered choices, Claude Lelouch has made public both a personal and professional turning point. Moving away from the agitated rhythm of the French capital, he has chosen a gentler setting to nurture both his well-being and creative impulses. This isn’t so much a break as an elegant continuation: Lelouch’s enduring relationship with cinema and conviviality is set to flourish in a new context, bolstered by a promise of encounters, screenings, and imaginative work.
For his 88th birthday, Lelouch inaugurated a cine-bistro in a Normandy coastal resort—a unique mix where gourmet bites and reel-to-reel delights meet. The event gathered friends, family, and the simply curious, all eager to explore a space designed for sharing films and conversations at point-blank range with the big screen.
The Venture Unveiled: A Dream Realized
Announcing the project on Instagram, Lelouch described it as “a unique place I have dreamed of for a long time,” officially opening its doors on Sunday, November 2. This cinema is anything but conventional: intimate programming, rare films, and a living room feel. The spirit here is simple—direct engagement and a welcoming atmosphere where cinephiles can return regularly for shared discoveries.
Jean Dujardin and Elsa Zylberstein, acting as patrons of the venue, lent celebrity cheer to the launch—just the boost every grand opening needs. During the inauguration, Lelouch chose not to showcase a polished gem, but rather the first eight minutes—the “draft,” as he put it—of his upcoming feature film. His gesture? An open invitation to experience works-in-progress, test emotions, and exchange ideas before the final cut. The audience got a sneak peek, and a taste of the creative journey ahead.
As Lelouch told the cameras, “We haven’t found anything better for dreaming.” This space, he insists, should remain a vital link—a place where classics converse with discoveries, all in an environment attentive to listening and the riches of extended time. The venue’s ambition is both democratic and demanding: welcoming yet challenging, for those willing to watch carefully and respond honestly.
Behind the Scenes: Making the Magic
Director Alexis Chermant provided the technical backstage tour: a room for about thirty, state-of-the-art swivel chairs, and both screen and sound on the cutting edge. The dream? “To feel like you’re in your own living room”—with technical standards of today’s best cinemas. The small capacity aims for heightened attention and genuine exchanges after each screening.
The schedule opens with a focus on Lelouch’s own celebrated films: an evening dedicated to Itinéraire d’un enfant gâté is followed by L’aventure c’est l’aventure. Looking ahead, “premieres” are already under consideration, where guest directors will present favorite films or preview future projects—nudging debates and encouraging feedback from the audience.
The building’s story goes back to an old discovery: once an abandoned property that Lelouch noticed, it was purchased after a competitive process involving the town hall and about ten candidates. Over time, it has been expanded and renovated, now able to host viewers in comfort. In a side note every sound editor would envy, Lelouch plans to use the space as his own quiet studio—perfect for editing and sound mixing, away from city clamor.
- The auditorium accommodates about 30 spectators
- Equipped with modern chairs and the latest audio-visual technology
- A seasoned team of four ensures everything runs smoothly
- Designed as both a community hub and a professional workspace
Reviving Classics, Welcoming the Future
With residence now close to his new venue, Lelouch finds stability: just two days per week in Paris, the rest spent at the water’s edge—an arrangement he considers far better for his health. The location doubles as an office, fully soundproofed and equipped for precise refinements and sonic tweaks, far from urban distractions.
The vision for the screen is crystal clear: host restored classics and “films of tomorrow.” With about 130 years of cinema history and roughly 1,300 films in the canon, there’s no shortage of masterpieces to revisit. Plans include monthly meetings with actors or directors, to share favorites and exchange professional insights.
This project seamlessly connects three threads: strong local roots, discreet professional use, and a lively programme. Regular screenings, discussions, and episodic guest appearances promise a vibrant season ahead, as the editing workshop settles in for the long haul. For Lelouch, the bet is as thoughtful as it is ambitious: blending passing on knowledge, working, and just breathing, all in a setting meant to last without ever being set in stone.
If you’re searching for inspiration at any age, Lelouch’s latest chapter may just be proof that it’s never too late to build your dream—preferably somewhere with good food, great films, and a generous helping of fresh sea air.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
