One service which reaches people in village communities is mobile cinema - with convertible ciné-trucks.
The initiative pictured here operates across the Centre-Val de Loire region, and brings traditional travelling entertainment into the modern era.
It travels to communes ranging from 800 to 7,000 residents in five of the region’s six departments and is subsidised by councils.
The lorries contain 100 seats and a big screen, as well as a heater.
Cinémobile manager Emilie Parey said: “It is unique in France. We have three trucks and eight truck managers. They have to be versatile because they do everything – drive the lorry, open the cinema, host the movie, sell tickets, and show the film.
“People are really happy to have this cinema as it is also a collective experience, allowing people to get together and create social bonds.
“In some villages, there are no cafes or meeting places, so it also helps to give back a dynamic. People come with their families, neighbours or friends.”
The programme changes monthly and there are three sessions a day, once a month. Tickets are €6.40/€4.50 for students, seniors, unemployed and big families.
Mrs Parey said: “We want to attract as many people as we can especially the young.”
The cinema is classified Art et Essai – promoting independent movies – but sometimes offers a general choice of movies and some independent and artistic films.
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