Hélène Legrais tells you about the construction of the oldest cinema still in operation in France… You obviously know which one we're going to talk about! Discover the fascinating history of the Grand Cinema Castillet in Perpignan.
The Grand Cinema Castillet, the oldest cinema still operating in France, has a rich and captivating history. It all begins south of the Pyrenees, in Barcelona, where Joan Font, seduced by the cinematography of the Lumière brothers, decides to embark on the adventure. After opening a venue in Barcelona, he dreamed of expanding to France.
Between 1904 and 1906, the fortifications of Perpignan were demolished, freeing up vast areas of land. Joan Font chose to set up near the fortified gate, at the end of the Promenade des Plananes, in what became the city's leisure district. He bought a building from François Sacase and had the facade restored by Eugène Montès in an Art Nouveau style.
The Grand Cinema Castillet opened its doors on November 7, 1911 with a room of more than 1,000 seats and a screen measuring 2 by 3 meters. Joan Font added a roller skating rink for bad weather days. Today, cinema continues to seduce the Catalan public, testifying to more than a century of passion for the seventh art.
Ready to discover this historic gem? The Grand Cinema Castillet awaits you!
France
