Eden-Theatre, the world's oldest cinema still in operation

Built in 1889 by the impresario Alfred Seguin, the Eden first hosted theatre, music hall and sporting demonstrations. The friendship between Antoine Lumiere and Raoul Gallaud, the venue's owner, brought the earliest projections there. On 21 March 1899, two hundred and fifty residents of La Ciotat attended the first paying film screening at the Eden, which today earns the hall its standing as the world's oldest cinema still in operation.

Closed in 1995 on safety grounds, the building, listed as a historic monument, was restored and returned to service. It is run by the association Les Lumieres de l'Eden on behalf of the town of La Ciotat. A visit takes in the auditorium and screenings of films on the history of the Eden, the Lumiere family and the birth of cinema. The operator provides for group visits and private hire of the hall.