Bistrot Bertha

Association: Bistrot Bertha

Supported Project: Bertha Mobile in Indre-et-Loire

The Bistrot Bertha Association works to create joyful and welcoming spaces within facilities for the elderly. By transforming institutional spaces, either temporarily or permanently, into genuine open bistros, the association takes concrete action to combat social isolation among seniors, promote the integration of facilities within their local communities, and rebuild social connections between residents, their families, staff, and neighbors.

Our Foundation is pleased to support the "Bertha Mobile in Indre-et-Loire" project.

The Project's Benefits

Building on the success of several Bistrot Bertha locations throughout France and numerous pop-up bistros, the Bertha Mobile project will offer a new type of mobile community hub, designed to directly reach seniors in their local communities.

Starting in 2026, Bertha Mobile will operate in the Indre-et-Loire region in partnership with six nursing homes (EHPADs), visiting each facility four times a year, for a total of 24 pop-up bistros throughout the year. Each time, the team will temporarily transform the living space into a warm and welcoming area, inspired by the atmosphere of a traditional bistro: convivial tables, music, informal conversations, and festive events open to all.

Residents, seniors living at home, families, friends, and local residents will be invited to come together for these convivial gatherings, designed as genuine moments of connection, not just simple entertainment.

A project fostering social connection

Bertha Mobile aims to break the routine of daily institutional life and allow residents to enjoy an experience akin to an outing… without leaving their own home. The project will also foster greater openness among nursing homes (EHPADs) to their local communities by creating regular, unifying events across the region.

For partner facilities, these quarterly gatherings will become key events throughout the year, providing an opportunity to experiment with what a permanent community hub within the nursing home could eventually look like.

Expected Impacts

● To combat isolation and strengthen the sense of belonging among seniors.

● To offer seniors opportunities for social interaction that go beyond traditional activities.

● To promote intergenerational and family connections by opening the facilities to relatives and local residents.

● To shift staff perspectives on living spaces within nursing homes and encourage the development of sustainable community hub projects.

● To test an innovative and replicable model for preventing isolation on a departmental scale.