When most people blow out 88 candles, they might dream of a peaceful seaside retirement, perhaps the odd stroll along the shore, or the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Claude Lelouch, however, is not most people. At 88, the legendary filmmaker has turned his back on the bustle of Paris and dived into a fresh creative adventure—one steeped in film, conviviality, and just a pinch of salt air.
A New Chapter by the Sea
For Claude Lelouch, this is the era of bold choices, officially marking a personal and professional turning point. No longer tethered to the French capital, he has sought the gentler climate of a Normandy coastal town and launched a business that feels like a natural extension of both his love for cinema and human connection. If you thought his artistic journey was on pause, think again—it’s gearing up in a whole new direction, faithful to his signature style.
On his 88th birthday, Lelouch opened a cine-bistro, blending the fragrance of the sea with the warmth of screen-lit faces. This wasn’t a closed-door event; Jean Dujardin and Elsa Zylberstein, patrons of the place, were there to lend their support, joined by friends and curious locals. The setting is designed as an inviting spot—a stage for both films and conversations, with seats as close to the screen as your heart could wish.
The Spirit of Intimacy and Innovation
On Instagram, Lelouch called it “a unique place I’ve dreamed of for a long time”, announcing its grand opening for Sunday, November 2. The aim? To offer a tightly curated program in an intimate setting: a place to rediscover essential works and stumble upon rare gems, all in a spirit that’s simple, direct, and with that living-room feel. Regular gatherings promise to unite cinephiles around shared passions.
At the opening, Lelouch didn’t just cut a ribbon. He unveiled the first eight minutes of his next feature film, cheekily describing it as “just a draft”. By doing so, he invited his audience in, sharing his creative process, gauging emotions, tossing around ideas before settling on the final cut. The sneak peek signaled a promise: audiences are invited to follow each step of the film’s creation journey.
“Nothing better has ever been found for dreaming,” Lelouch declared in front of the cameras, reinforcing his deep belief in the magic of cinema. The venue, above all, aims to foster connections—between classics and discoveries, between attentive listening and the luxury of unhurried conversation. It’s a gathering that embraces both popular and highbrow dimensions, where every seat could be the best in the house.
Behind the Scenes: Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge
Director Alexis Chermant described the room: around thirty seats, all swiveling, with a top-tier screen and sound system—and a crack team of four. The ambition? To create “the impression of being in your own living room”, but with twenty-first-century technical standards. The small capacity isn’t a bug, it’s a feature: ensuring real attention, keeping the door open for post-screening exchanges.
The programming launches, naturally, with Lelouch’s own films:
- An evening dedicated to « Itinéraire d’un enfant gâté »
- Followed by « L’aventure c’est l’aventure » the next night
There are grander plans afoot: future evenings will see guest directors coming in to present their favorite works, or upcoming projects, sparking debates and drawing feedback from attendees.
The venue’s story stretches back to an earlier discovery—a run-down building, spotted for sale, a trip to city hall, and about ten contenders. Over time, the site has been expanded and renovated to welcome film lovers in comfort. For Lelouch, it’s more than a theater. It’s also a convenient studio, a peaceful space for editing and mixing, far from the city’s daily grind. Now living nearby, Lelouch plans a more stable routine: only two days a week in Paris, the rest by the seaside, basking in a climate he believes kinder to health. The venue is his new office too: soundproof, well-equipped, ready for the painstaking work of audio adjustments—all in blissful calm.
Future-Proofing Cinema, One Screening at a Time
Lelouch’s vision for the screen is crystal clear: to project both restored classics and “films of tomorrow”. With around 130 years of cinema history and a precious handful of masterpieces each year, the programming aims to revisit a corpus of roughly 1,300 films. Plans for monthly gatherings with actors or directors are already being considered, making space for personal favorites and expert perspectives.
This intimately local, yet open-ended project rests on three pillars:
- Strong community roots
- Discreet, professional use
- A dynamic, ever-evolving program
Screenings, debates, guest appearances—all are set to punctuate the season, while the editing workshop settles in as a permanent fixture. For Claude Lelouch, it’s a winning bet: blending transmission, work, and creative breathing room, all within a framework designed to last, never to freeze.
In the end, Lelouch’s latest adventure may not just rejuvenate an 88-year-old’s creative pulse—but also give loyal and new audiences the perfect place to dream, argue, and fall in love with cinema all over again. If you’re passing by the Normandy shore, watch for the glow of the screen: it might just be the best place you’ve never seen a film.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
