Épinay-sur-Seine is often described as just another town in the northern suburbs of Paris. Yet this Seine-Saint-Denis town holds a special place in the history of French cinema. It was here that the Éclair company set up its studios at the beginning of the twentieth century, and here that generations of technicians, actors and directors made films that were watched all over the world. If you are staying in one of our NiaBnb apartments in Épinay-sur-Seine or Villetaneuse, you are only a few minutes away from this historic site. Here is what you need to know about the Éclair studios and how to explore this heritage during your stay.
How Éclair became one of the great houses of silent cinema
The Éclair company was founded in 1907, at a time when cinema was still a recent invention and almost everything remained to be created: filming techniques, sets, professions and even the very way of telling a story through images. In this emerging industry, two names already dominated French production, Pathé and Gaumont. Éclair quickly established itself as the third major player, to the point of ranking among the leading production companies in the world.
A home on the former estate of the Count of Lacépède
To shoot its films, Éclair moved to Épinay-sur-Seine, onto the former estate of the Count of Lacépède, a renowned naturalist of the late eighteenth century who continued the work of Buffon. The choice was no accident: the estate offered a large park, room to build sets and the natural light that was essential at a time when filming still relied heavily on sunshine. Its proximity to Paris also made it easy to bring in actors and technicians.
Adventure films that captured the public's imagination
In the years before the First World War, Éclair became known for popular series, including detective adventures and serials released in episodes that kept audiences coming back week after week. The company also developed its activities abroad, which helped spread its name far beyond France. At the very start of the century, Épinay-sur-Seine thus became one of the places where popular cinema was made.
Why the Épinay studios hosted major film productions
Over the decades, the studios evolved. Cinema moved to sound, the stages were modernised and the Épinay site continued to welcome French and international productions. Several films that are well known to the general public were partly shot there, making Épinay-sur-Seine a familiar address for many film crews.
Films that everyone knows
Among the productions associated with the Épinay studios are several titles that have become classics:
- Les Tontons flingueurs, a cult French comedy whose lines are still quoted today;
- Moonraker, one of the films in the James Bond series;
- Léon, the Luc Besson film that left its mark on the 1990s.
These examples show the variety of projects hosted in Épinay: a popular comedy, an international blockbuster and a highly successful auteur film. For more than a century, the Éclair name remained linked to the making of images, whether through filming, film processing or laboratory work.
The closure of the site and its purchase by the town
After more than a hundred years of activity, the studios closed in 2015. To prevent this emblematic site from disappearing, the town of Épinay-sur-Seine bought it in 2018. This purchase reflects the town's wish to preserve its film heritage and to give a future to a place that belongs to the history of French cinema as a whole.
How to explore this heritage during your stay
The former studios are not a museum open all year round. To find out about visits, temporary exhibitions or film-related events, we recommend checking the official website of the town of Épinay-sur-Seine and the heritage portal of the Seine-Saint-Denis department before you travel. The European Heritage Days, held every year in September, are often an opportunity to discover places that are usually closed to the public, so do look at the local programme.
Discovering more heritage in Seine-Saint-Denis
The history of the Éclair studios is part of an area rich in heritage. From Épinay-sur-Seine, you can easily combine your day with other visits nearby:
- the Basilica of Saint-Denis, burial place of the kings of France, just a few minutes away;
- the Stade de France, around 15 minutes by public transport;
- the banks of the Seine, pleasant for a walk at the end of the day.
Reaching Paris and its film landmarks
Film lovers will also find many places dedicated to cinema in Paris, such as the Cinémathèque française or the historic cinemas of the Latin Quarter. From our apartments, Paris is quickly accessible:
- RER C: serves Épinay-sur-Seine station with trains to Paris;
- Transilien line H: Gare du Nord in about 10 minutes;
- Tram T8: direct link to Saint-Denis and the Stade de France;
- Metro line 13: accessible from Saint-Denis to reach central Paris.
Our apartments in Épinay-sur-Seine and Villetaneuse
Staying in Épinay-sur-Seine lets you discover the town's history while enjoying quick access to Paris. NiaBnb offers several entire apartments, equipped for both short and longer stays.
Blumenthal, right by the T8 tram
The Blumenthal apartment sleeps up to 5 guests in 2 bedrooms, from 85 euros per night. It sits right next to the Blumenthal stop on tram line T8, three stops from Saint-Denis station. It suits couples, families and small groups of friends.
The Grand Appartement, for families and groups
The Grand Appartement can welcome up to 8 guests in 3 bedrooms, from 90 euros per night, with a parking space. The RER C and the T8 tram are both within walking distance. It is a practical option for a large family or a group wishing to share the same home.
Les Coteaux, in Villetaneuse
The Les Coteaux studio in Villetaneuse sleeps up to 4 guests from 65 euros per night. The T8 tram stops right outside the building and reaches the Stade de France in four stops.
Frequently asked questions about the Éclair studios in Épinay-sur-Seine
When were the Éclair studios founded?
The Éclair company was founded in 1907. It settled in Épinay-sur-Seine, on the former estate of the Count of Lacépède, and became one of the three great houses of French cinema alongside Pathé and Gaumont.
Which films were shot at the Épinay studios?
Many films were partly shot in Épinay-sur-Seine, including Les Tontons flingueurs, Moonraker and Léon. The site welcomed French and international productions for more than a century.
Can you visit the former Éclair studios?
The site is not permanently open to the public. Visits or events may be organised from time to time, particularly during the European Heritage Days. Check the website of the town of Épinay-sur-Seine for the current programme.
How long does it take to reach Paris from Épinay-sur-Seine?
Gare du Nord can be reached in about 10 minutes on Transilien line H, and the RER C also serves the town. The T8 tram takes you to Saint-Denis and the Stade de France in around 15 minutes.
Which NiaBnb apartment suits a cultural family trip?
For a family of 4 or 5, the Blumenthal apartment is a good choice thanks to its 2 bedrooms and its location right next to the tram. For a larger group, the Grand Appartement sleeps up to 8 guests and includes a parking space.
Book your stay at the heart of film history
Staying in Épinay-sur-Seine means spending your trip in a town where part of French cinema was born, while remaining just minutes from Paris. Browse all our homes and their availability on our apartments page and book directly at the best rate.
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