“Overpriced”, the new Pathé Palace cinema in Paris struggles to seduce with its tickets at 25 euros

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When presenting its new “Pathé Palace”, the French group directly announces the color. “We wanted to convey an image of ultra-luxury”. Nestled in a sumptuous building in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, between Boulevard des Capucins and Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin and a stone’s throw from the Opéra Garnier, this new cinema intends to offer “a high-end experience” to its spectators.

After five years of workthe building – which also houses the group’s head office – opened its doors to the public on July 10, 2024. Designed by the Italian architect, Renzo Piano, at the origin of the Center Pompidou or the Palais de Justice, the Pathé Palace presents himself with a luxurious, but very refined design.

What does the Pathé Palace offer?

As soon as you enter, the eye is directly drawn to this immense atrium and distant which runs through the building, in addition to a giant screen. To justify this luxury cinema status, several services are offered: concierge, cloakroom or possibility of reserving your sweets before the sessions and having them brought directly to your seat. A wine bar is also present on the first floor. With a wide choice of bottles, it allows you to take your glass with you during the session.

The Pathé Palace counts seven rooms on four floors for a total of 854 seatshalf of which is concentrated in the main room. For this one, the codes remain the same with the famous red seats. To find a difference with a classic session, you have to concentrate on the screen which benefits from cutting-edge technology in terms of sound and image.

The novelty is rather in the six other rooms, smaller and more intimate. They offer leather seats with reclining backrest and the possibility of heat his place. Another small specificity: the films are projected directly from the screen and therefore no longer need the famous projector, located in the small cabin at the top of the room.

Finally, a bar area, accessible without going to the cinema, allows visitors to eat and enjoy a drink on the remains of an old theater built in the 19th century. A space where it is not uncommon to come across certain personalities who appreciate the discretion of the place.

Spectators “disappointed” by the lack of performance

But access to all its services – apart from the bar – there is a certain cost: the ticket is 25 euros, 9.50 euros for under 14s. For Ciné Pass subscribers at 22.90 euros per month, the bill is even higher, because they must add 8 euros to attend a film at the Pathé Palace.

A price which dissuaded Ysée and her two friends. “ We saw the prices at the terminal and turned aroundit’s too expensive, believes the young woman. As a student, we want to pay less, so we prefer to go to another cinema.” For the group, the prices offered are not worth the trip. “At this price, you might as well go to a restaurant,” judges Ysée.

This Wednesday, October 16, for the release of Love Phew by Gilles Lelouche with François Civil and Adèle Exarchopoulos, around forty people were seated in the main room. Among the spectators, Léa and Florian had traveled from Val-de-Marne. At the end of the screening, they confided that they had “experienced a normal screening, as we are used to in our cinema in Thiais”.

But what especially “disappointed” the couple were the services offered. “We didn’t even have a cup holder to put our drinks in,” regrets Florian. “ We don’t understand why he doesn’t adjust the price depending on the rooms.“, Léa wonders.

For two, between places and catering, it can quickly rise to 60, 70 euros per day, which is expensive.

An idea shared by Zoé, a great cinema fan. “Paying 25 euros to be in the luxurious room, why not, but to be in an ordinary room, it’s overpriced,” judges the one who usually goes to the Grand Rex.

Pathé defends himself

Criticisms heard by Pathé, but no price readjustment is currently envisaged. “ The price is consistent with what we experience here. We offer a unique service with enhanced human service.”

On the other hand, a first signal was sent to the spectators. Since October 2, a new offer was launched by the group: a “Ciné Pass Gold” subscription at 39.90 euros per month. It allows you to have access to all the rooms of the group, but the most luxurious without the slightest additional cost.

A second should be sent in the coming months with the opening of a new cinema just opposite the Palace. The prices will be the same as in a classic cinema, but with “services close” to the luxurious building. The work is scheduled to be completed in spring 2025.

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