This project, supported by the Fondation des Hôpitaux to enhance the daily lives of the elderly, also receives assistance from the association Bistrot Bertha. The ambition of Bar Parallèle is to integrate urban life into the hospital environment and promote interactions among diverse communities: residents of the facility, healthcare professionals, local inhabitants, and students from nearby campuses.
Born from the observation that there was no convivial space for patients within the 217-bed long-term care unit, the bistro was established in a section of the hospital's former cafeteria. This area, featuring a terrace, has been transformed to offer a warm atmosphere. The goal is to place patients 'at the heart of the village' and open the institution to its local surroundings, as explained by Chloé Leblond, deputy director, Maëlle Barbier, catering manager, and Anne Portier, president of the association managing the bistro.
Several partners contributed to the realization of this initiative, including the social action center of the city of Paris, the mayor's office of the 15th arrondissement, and the associations Service Civique Solidarité Seniors and Bistrot Bertha.
Since its opening on September 23, Bar Parallèle not only offers drinks and snacks but also plans to organize monthly events and cultural and social activities. A meeting for patients' relatives and families is scheduled for October 8, 2026, to present new offerings in nutrition, cultural and social life, and non-pharmacological therapeutic projects, such as the snoezelen space, music therapy, and animal-assisted therapy.
Operating on an associative model, the bistro is run by member volunteers. Consumption requires membership in the association, which can be done on-site. All generated revenue is reinvested into the associative project, thereby contributing to the fight against patient isolation by supporting outings and activities.
