A spectacular traffic accident occurred on December 17, 2023, at the close of the day in Saint-Ouen, Seine-Saint-Denis, when a RATP bus crashed through the window of the newly opened Bouillon du Coq restaurant, owned by renowned chef Thierry Marx. Fortunately, the incident resulted only in two minor injuries, classified as "relative emergencies," according to reports from local fire services, with no need to transport those injured to the hospital.
Witnesses at the scene reported the bus driver swerved the wheel sharply to avoid a scooter, which had cut her off — materializing as a sudden fishtail maneuver. The dramatic scene captured the attention of local residents, who gathered to photograph the aftermath. By the morning of December 18, the bus had been removed, but metal fencing had been installed around the damaged restaurant facade.
Thierry Marx opened the Bouillon du Coq just last July, promising affordable yet high-quality cuisine with meals priced below 20 euros. The restaurant quickly gained favor among both residents and local businesses, not only for its charm but also for its strategic location near the new line 14 metro stop, which has helped attract regular patrons.
Despite the chaos on the day of the crash, the atmosphere around the restaurant appeared relatively stable. A manager from Bouillon du Coq reassured customers saying, "More fear than harm," alleviating worries about major repercussions from the incident. Nonetheless, the facade will require extensive repairs, and for now, staff are on edge over how soon they can resume normal operations.
The timing of the accident is particularly concerning, occurring just weeks before the Christmas and New Year holidays. The restaurant was set to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special menu priced at €68, and there are questions swirling about whether the damages from the bus collision will jeopardize these celebrations. While repairs to the restaurant's exterior are inevitable, the uncertainty about the timeline has cast doubt on how the incident will affect upcoming festivities.
Le Bouillon du Coq, which succeeded the iconic Coq de la Maison-Blanche, closed since 2018, had quickly become integrated as part of the community’s culinary experience. It offers affordable options by Thierry Marx and is now central to local dining culture. The accident not only forced the restaurant to contend with physical repair needs but also raised questions about its ability to reclaim its position during such peak festive times.
Observers note the collision serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of urban driving, especially at busy intersections where pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular traffic intermingle. The road where the incident occurred is known for its heavy traffic, and local residents have expressed their concern over safety measures.
For the time being, the new metal fencing around the restaurant is just one of the visible signs of the incident's impact. Local discussions are already underway about long-term solutions to prevent such accidents from happening again. Residents have called for improved traffic management and signage to protect those frequenting busy establishments like Bouillon du Coq and other nearby shops.
The desolation felt after the incident has sparked community resilience, with patrons expressing their commitment to support the restaurant once repairs commence. Local businesses are eager to return to normalcy as the festive season approaches, and they are awaiting news on when the Bouillon du Coq will be back to serving its beloved dishes.
For the team at Bouillon du Coq, including chef Thierry Marx, the hope remains strong to bounce back swiftly. The restaurant’s significance to the local area cannot be understated, making the collective will of the community to rally behind it during this challenging period all the more important. With timely repairs and community support, patrons are optimistic about experiencing what the popular venue has to offer once it opens its doors again.
