Rolle Open Air Ciné: free cinema under the stars by the lake

Free cinema under the stars, by Lake Geneva

Every summer, the magnificent lawn of the Château de Rolle turns into an open-air cinema. The Rolle Open Air Ciné is the spirit of the holidays: you spread out a blanket or rent a deckchair, settle facing the lake, and watch a film on the big screen at nightfall. Organised by the RollEvents association, the event is entirely free and aims to offer a cultural and festive moment to the whole region. A simple, joyful summer outing, perfect for a family evening.

What your children will discover

The programme blends recent films and great classics, with lovely family choices. For children, it is often a first: watching a film outdoors, on a huge LED screen, in the setting of a castle by the water. The easy-going atmosphere, the lawn where you can settle freely and the mildness of summer evenings make every screening a little adventure.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You arrive at the end of the day, picnic or enjoy the food on site, and choose your spot on the lawn. Benches, tables and deckchairs to rent let you settle in comfortably. When night falls, the film starts on the giant screen. It is friendly and relaxed: you will come across families as well as groups of friends who have come to enjoy the cool of the evening by the lake.

Before you go

• Recommended age: as a family from 4–5 years, depending on the film showing
• When: every summer; in 2026, from 16 July to 16 August
• Time: screenings start in the evening, at nightfall (around 8.45 pm)
• Price: free admission; deckchair (CHF 6) or chair (CHF 5) rental optional
• On site: food, benches and tables
• Transport: Rolle CFF station (Geneva–Lausanne line), then a few minutes’ walk
• What to bring: a warm layer, a blanket and what you need to settle the youngest (late screenings)
• Best season: summer only

Tips from parents

• Films start late: plan an afternoon nap for the little ones, or choose the shorter screenings.
• Bring a warm blanket and cushions; even in summer, evenings by the lake cool down.
• Arrive early to grab a good spot on the lawn.
• Remember insect repellent, you are right by the water.
• Check the programme and the weather on the website before setting off: screenings take place outdoors.

Useful information

• Address: Pelouse du Château de Rolle, Place du Château, 1180 Rolle
• Official website: rolle-openair.ch
• Opening hours: evening screenings, from 16 July to 16 August 2026
• Getting there: Rolle CFF station (Geneva–Lausanne line), castle a few minutes’ walk away; car parks in the centre

Why we recommend it

Because a free cinema screening, by the lake, in the setting of a castle, is exactly the kind of summer memory that children keep for a long time. There is no booking, no ticket, and you go as you please: a blanket under your arm and the urge to spend a lovely family evening.

In a nutshell

Rolle’s free open-air cinema, on the castle lawn facing Lake Geneva, every summer. A simple, friendly and magical evening outing for the whole family.