Lumexplore — Festival of Scientific and Environmental Exploration Film
International festival of exploration, science, and environment film at the Eden-Théâtre in La Ciotat
About Lumexplore
Scientific exploration on the big screen
Lumexplore is a unique festival dedicated entirely to scientific and environmental exploration film. Every year in September, for five days, the Eden-Théâtre in La Ciotat — the world's oldest cinema still in operation — transforms into a hub for discovery and adventure. The festival showcases documentary films focused on recent scientific expeditions and research, covering fields as diverse as oceanography, geography, the environment, archaeology, speleology, space exploration, and the history of our planet.
The Société des Explorateurs Français behind the festival
Lumexplore was created in 2016 by the association Les Lumières de l'Exploration, in partnership with the Société des Explorateurs Français. The festival was born from a desire to introduce the general public to the scientific and technological innovations driven by contemporary expeditions, fostering knowledge sharing and raising awareness of environmental issues. The IRIS Foundation and the City of La Ciotat are among the festival's main partners.
Screenings, conferences, and meetings
Each edition's program includes film screenings in competition and out of competition, conferences led by scientists and explorers, exhibitions, and free workshops. Festival-goers can also visit exploration vessels (by reservation) and meet the crews. The films awarded at the festival are subsequently presented in prestigious venues in Paris, extending the event's reach.
Lumexplore Junior: the explorers of tomorrow
The festival places a special emphasis on youth with the Lumexplore Junior program, a documentary film competition for middle and high school students (grades 6 to 12). Supported by IFREMER, this program encourages young people to engage with science, exploration, and filmmaking, nurturing the explorers and storytellers of the future.
The Eden-Théâtre, a place of memory and discovery
The choice of the Eden-Théâtre as the festival venue is significant. This historic cinema, where the Lumière brothers held their first screenings in 1895, embodies the link between world exploration and image capture. Lumexplore continues this tradition by projecting images of contemporary expeditions on the same screen, creating a bridge between cinema pioneers and today's explorers.
Lumexplore — edition 2026
11th edition of Lumexplore, the National Festival of Science and Environment Exploration Film, from September 9 to 13, 2026 at the Eden-Theatre in La Ciotat. The main theme of this edition is dedicated to rare animals and flora, with renowned guests such as astronaut Jean-Francois Clervoy, diver and biologist Laurent Ballesta, astrophysicist Jean-Pierre Luminet, and director Antoine de Maximy.
The 11th edition of Lumexplore in 2026
The Lumexplore festival returns for its 11th edition from September 9 to 13, 2026 at the Eden-Theatre in La Ciotat, the oldest cinema in the world still in operation. For five days, the festival continues its mission of disseminating scientific knowledge through documentary exploration cinema, with competitive and non-competitive film screenings, conferences, photo exhibitions, and free workshops.
The 2026 Main Theme: Rare Animals and Flora
For this edition, the main theme chosen is rare animals and flora, with renowned national and international speakers. Exploration in all environments (oceanography, geography, glaciology, archaeology, speleology, astronomy) nevertheless remains in the spotlight.
Exceptional Guests
Among the announced guests are astronaut Jean-Francois Clervoy, diver, photographer and naturalist biologist Laurent Ballesta, internationally renowned astrophysicist Jean-Pierre Luminet, writer and senior reporter Olivier Weber, circumnavigator Yvan Griboval (member of the Societe des Explorateurs Francais) as well as author-director Antoine de Maximy.
The Science & Environment Village and Lumexplore Junior
In parallel with the screenings, the Science & Environment Village will be set up on the Place du Berceau du Cinema with about twenty exhibitors and partner associations, coordinated by the Observatoire de l'environnement de La Ciotat. The Lumexplore Junior competition, coordinated by IFREMER Mediterranee, continues to encourage middle and high school students to produce their own documentary films. The complete program will be unveiled in summer 2026 on the official website.
Highlights Lumexplore 2026
- 11th edition of the exploration film festival, from September 9 to 13, 2026
- 2026 Main Theme: Rare animals and flora
- Renowned guests: Jean-Francois Clervoy, Laurent Ballesta, Jean-Pierre Luminet, Antoine de Maximy
- Science & Environment Village and Lumexplore Junior competition (IFREMER)
- Free screenings, conferences, exhibitions, and workshops at the Eden-Theatre in La Ciotat
Prices Lumexplore 2026
Practical information — Lumexplore
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place at the Eden-Théâtre, 25 boulevard Georges Clemenceau, 13600 La Ciotat.
- By car: A50 motorway, exit La Ciotat. Parking available in the city center.
- By train: La Ciotat SNCF station (TER from Marseille).
Opening Hours
- Screenings and events over five days in September.
- Exhibitions and workshops open to the public during the day.
Prices
- Exhibitions and workshops: Free
- Boat tours: Free upon reservation
- Screenings: 3 euros per film, 12 euros per day, 35 euros for a 5-day pass
Contact
- Association Les Lumières de l'Exploration
- Website: lumexplore.fr
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Where does it take place — Lumexplore
Eden-Théâtre
25 Boulevard Georges Clemenceau, 13600 La Ciotat