Ten years after the Paris attacks, survivors continue to grapple with the lasting trauma as France commemorates the tragic events that resulted in the deaths of over 130 individuals and injuries to more than 400 others. The nation is set to honor the victims on November 13, marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks carried out by nine gunmen and suicide bombers associated with the Islamic State group.
Arthur Denouveaux, a 39-year-old survivor and president of the victims' association Life for Paris, expressed the emotional weight that this anniversary carries for survivors. "The 10th anniversary is here and emotions and tension are everywhere for us survivors," Denouveaux stated. He emphasized the focus on grief and remembrance of those who lost their lives, sharing the struggles of transitioning back to normalcy after such a traumatic experience.
The attacks unfolded on the night of November 13, 2015, as assailants struck various locations across Paris within minutes. Their targets included the Stade de France stadium, bustling cafes, and ultimately the Bataclan concert hall, where a chilling 90 people were murdered when gunmen entered and opened fire indiscriminately. Among the victims were two survivors who later took their own lives as a direct consequence of the trauma they endured.
Denouveaux was present at the Bataclan during the concert by the Eagles of Death Metal and vividly recalls the chaos of that horrific night, having crawled over bodies in his desperate escape. "I remember crawling on top of bodies," he recounted, sharing the haunting images that remain etched in his memory. After the attack, he assisted the bewildered members of the band in finding transportation away from the scene.
As a father to three young daughters, Denouveaux reported that it took him a year of intense emotional work and treatments to handle the acute phases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Luckily, since 2017, he has not experienced panic attacks but remains vigilant about his mental health, recognizing that healing from PTSD is not a straightforward journey.
On November 13, 2025, a memorial garden will be inaugurated near Paris City Hall, created with the contributions of survivors and the families of the victims. French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will attend the ceremony, which aims to honor those who perished and support their loved ones. The design of the garden includes engraving the names of the victims on steles, signifying remembrance while also fostering a sense of beauty and serenity.
In the spirit of remembrance, Macron is also scheduled to lay wreaths at the sites of the attacks, and citizens are invited to participate by leaving candles and flowers at key locations, such as Republic Plaza and the Eiffel Tower, which will light up in the colors of the French flag.
The attacks have left indelible marks on France's collective consciousness and sparked nationwide trauma. Denouveaux conveyed the challenges survivors face in establishing new paths in life post-attack, remarking, "When you survive a terrorist attack, you become disconnected from the rest of the world." He outlined the various phases of mourning that survivors must endure, emphasizing the profound impact of their experiences on their identities and relationships with others.
The 2021-2022 trial of Salah Abdeslam, the lone surviving member of the attackers, and the subsequent convictions of other accomplices serve to reinforce the pursuit of justice and accountability in the aftermath of such devastating violence. For Denouveaux, sharing his story remains imperative to ensure that the memory of those lost is not forgotten and that meaningful support prevails for the affected families and survivors.
