A handful of residents or secondary residents of Notre-Dame-du-Hamel (Eure) reopened associatively the only business in the village, closed in 2022. There are ten of them who support this initiative. In fact, every weekend, on Saturdays and Sundays, they recreate the animation and social ties in the heart of this town in the Charentonne valley of less than 200 inhabitants. Taking turns, and following a schedule agreed upon by everyone, they go behind the counter or serve in the dining room. Thus, two people were mobilized during opening hours.
“We cannot live without coffee,” explained Philippe Denis, president of the Notre Bar du Hamel association, confirming the reopening. “It is very important to restore life in our village.» Declared in September 2025, the association officially opened, in mid-October 2025, the doors of the bar now named L’Étape 33.
It has become a stopover for cycling tourists
This brand name does not depend on chance. “When the old bars, cafes and grocery stores were still operating, people who took department road 33 were happy to stop at our place,” recalls Philippe Wateau, mayor of Notre-Dame-du-Hamel and an active member of the Notre Bar du Hamel association. “And then this route is now on the new tourist cycle route. Our coffee is once again a mandatory stop.”
Board members and association members are counting on travelers who are fans of soft mobility to increase the number of local customers. At least for now. Attendance increased from weekend to weekend. People come to chat, read, share moments of conviviality, and even a variety of board games are available, whether they revolve around alcoholic beverages (to be consumed in moderation) or not.
Projects to strengthen activities
“When the bar closed three years ago, after liquidation, we bought the IV license and all the bar equipment,” recalls Philippe Wateau. “The municipality already owns the wall. » Once the decision to reopen was made and the association’s articles of association were established, the members rolled up their sleeves. “We did everything ourselves, or almost,” emphasized Philippe Wateau and Philippe Denis. “We drew from the association’s own funds and the municipality financed the improvement of electrical standards. »
The results are convincing. It’s not surprising that people like to meet in this cool, unique place. The municipal government and members of the Notre Bar du Hamel association are enjoying this first step.
Another renovation project downtown, which would likely strengthen cafe activity, has actually moved beyond the study stage. Renovation of housing intended for rentals and development of public space that could accommodate a terrace around the community bar awaits funding. The cumulative bill amounted to more than one million euros.
