Ten Years After November 13, 2015: Personal Testimonies and Lasting Impact of the Paris Attacks

On the night of November 13, 2015, coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris resulted in 132 deaths and widespread trauma. A decade later, the memory remains vivid among French citizens, shaped by personal accounts of volunteers, witnesses, and evolving societal perspectives. Around 200,000 civil security volunteers, many ordinary citizens like postal workers and students, played a critical role that night, tending to victims at locations including the Bataclan and Stade de France. Volunteers such as Didier recalled the urgency and emotional toll of confronting physical and psychological wounds, underscoring the deep sense of solidarity that emerged amid chaos. Journalist Daniel Psenny captured raw, unique footage of the Bataclan attack from his apartment, documenting cries for help and the night’s harrowing reality.

An IFOP survey reveals that two-thirds of French people and nearly 80% of Parisians distinctly remember where they were during the attacks, which shattered the nation’s sense of security by targeting diverse victims on an ordinary evening. Initial shock and anger united the country, boosting President François Hollande’s approval ratings temporarily. However, by 2025, political fragmentation has grown and public opinion now largely attributes terrorism to wider societal tensions rather than isolated extremism. Despite this, many volunteers have continued their civil service, shaped profoundly by their experiences ten years ago.

These testimonies and reflections highlight not only the tragedy’s immediate human cost but its enduring imprint on France’s collective memory and social fabric over the last decade.