Cinéma Bellevaux in Lausanne: neighbourhood art-house with Ciné-Junior

A neighbourhood cinema with real character

Up in the heights of Lausanne, in the Bellevaux district, this association-run cinema has championed a different kind of film since 1959: films outside the mainstream circuit, documentaries, French-Swiss productions and international films in subtitled original version. Run by the Belécran association, it cultivates a friendly atmosphere and a programme that “often goes beyond the bounds of cinema”, with seasons and events. A committed, warm-hearted venue, away from the big complexes.

What your children will discover

The family date to know is “Ciné-Junior”: a selection of short and feature films for children, sorted by age group (from toddlers to teenagers), offered during the school-holiday periods. On the programme: animated films, Ghibli studio classics, stop-motion, often in French. Enough to introduce children to quality cinema, carefully chosen.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You push open the door of a human-scale auditorium, cross paths with volunteers, and enjoy a sharp yet accessible programme. Bellevaux uses an original pricing model: pay-what-you-want. The atmosphere is both that of a neighbourhood cinema and an association venue, where you return as much for the films as for the mood.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 3-4 years for Ciné-Junior, depending on the age groups offered
• Duration: allow 1 to 2 hours depending on the film
• Price: pay-what-you-want (CHF 10, 15 or 20, your choice); cards and passes available
• When for children: Ciné-Junior during the school holidays
• Transport: buses 3, 8 and 18, Rouvraie or Vieux-Moulin stops
• Note: annual closure in summer (check the dates on the website)
• Best season: all year round

Tips from parents

• Aim for the school holidays for the Ciné-Junior programme, sorted by age.
• Pay-what-you-want (CHF 10/15/20) lets you choose according to your budget.
• From the station, bus 3 goes straight up to the district (about 10 min).
• Check the language of the film: many screenings are in subtitled original version.
• In summer, check the dates: the cinema closes for a few weeks.

Useful information

• Address: Route Aloys-Fauquez 4, 1018 Lausanne
• Official website: cinemabellevaux.ch
• Opening hours: according to the programme (check the website)
• Getting there: buses 3, 8, 18 (Rouvraie or Vieux-Moulin stops); from the station, bus 3

Why we recommend it

Because Bellevaux is the neighbourhood cinema just the way we like it: association-run, warm, demanding, with a real date for children during the holidays. The pay-what-you-want model and the spirit of the place make it an outing that is as enjoyable as it is affordable.

In a nutshell

An association-run art-house cinema since 1959, in the heights of Lausanne, with a Ciné-Junior programme by age during the holidays. Warm and pay-what-you-want.