Paris Café Reopens Three Weeks After Terror Attack

On November 13, 2015, a night that changed Paris forever, gunmen targeted multiple locations across the city. Among the first hit was A la Bonne Bière, a beloved café in the bustling 10th arrondissement. That evening, a shooter opened fire on patrons seated on the terrace, killing five and leaving the neighborhood—and the world—in shock. Three weeks later, on December 4, one site is taking its first step back toward normal: the very same café.

The answer is clear: A la Bonne Bière reopened on December 4, becoming the first of the November 13 attack sites to resume business. Its reopening came just 21 days after the deadly shooting that claimed five lives on its terrace.

A la Bonne Bière: The First to Reopen

A la Bonne Bière sits in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, a district known for its nightlife and vibrant street life. On the night of November 13, it was transformed into a crime scene when a gunman fired on customers enjoying the evening air at the outdoor terrace. The attack left five dead. For three weeks, the café remained closed as investigators worked and the city mourned. Then, on December 4, the doors reopened—not with fanfare, but with quiet determination and a full house of locals.

What Reopening Looked Like

When the café reopened, floral tributes and messages of support still adorned the exterior, and the large banner reading “Je suis en terrasse” (“I am on the terrace”) hung prominently above the entrance. Though some flowers and notes had yet to be removed, the outdoor seating area buzzed with life once again. Patrons returned not just to drink coffee, but to reclaim a space that had been violated. The chalkboard menu, usually reserved for daily specials, carried a heartfelt message instead: a tribute to the victims and thanks to the firefighters, police, and those who came to mourn or show solidarity. The final line read, “It’s time for us to come together and move forward, so we don’t forget.”

Community Response and Future Plans

Locals turned out in force on reopening day. One neighbor acknowledged the difficulty of forgetting what happened, but emphasized, “The living really should look ahead.” Another customer simply said, “I’m glad the café is open again. We have to live like before.” Other attack sites remain closed, but recovery efforts are underway. Le Petit Cambodge, another restaurant hit that night, has announced plans to reopen. The Bataclan theatre, where 90 lost their lives, faces a longer road to recovery and isn’t expected to reopen until late 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions

What café in Paris reopened first after the November 13 attacks?

A la Bonne Bière, located in the 10th arrondissement, was the first attack site to reopen, doing so on December 4—just three weeks after the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks that killed five people on its terrace.

How many people died at A la Bonne Bière during the Paris attacks?

Five people were killed when a gunman opened fire on the terrace of A la Bonne Bière on the evening of November 13, 2015.

What message did A la Bonne Bière display after reopening?

The café displayed a chalkboard message thanking firefighters, police, and supporters, and included the line: “It’s time for us to come together and move forward, so we don’t forget.” A large banner reading “Je suis en terrasse” also hung above the door.

Which other Paris attack sites have reopened or plan to?

As of December 4, 2015, only A la Bonne Bière had reopened. Le Petit Cambodge plans to reopen, while the Bataclan theatre, where 90 people died, is not expected to reopen until late 2016 due to extensive damage and recovery needs.

Why is the reopening of A la Bonne Bière significant?

The reopening symbolizes resilience and a return to everyday life. Locals came to show support, and the café’s decision to reopen just three weeks later reflects the community’s determination not to let terror dictate their lives.

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