French Institute Ciné Lumière

I was ripped off to the tune of £150 after paying cash to the French Institute for French classes they refused to provide me. Beware for there are some un-​trustworthy business people at the French institute who are clever at spotting naïve British tourists who go to France for holidays, and then take them for a ride by conning them out of substantial sums of money. My judgement is that the French institute cine lumiere is expensive, and then they waste your money by not giving you what you have paid for. Stay away !

Since the refurbishment the cinema experience has gone down substantially, not helped by a ticket price hike to £10. The toilets in the basement need complete redecoration and there is a no eating or drinking policy watching films. Add to offhand desk staff and an often self indulgent interviewer for the platform events, the management does not seem to care.

As part of the French Institute, this cinema shows the latest french films and french classics too. For a cinema, the place is really nice– modern, clean and welcoming– and the small viewing theatres make it seem more intimate. Definitley worth coming to if you like french cinema, and being located in South Kensington, there are plenty of nearby french cafes and restaurants to plan a french night out.