A local fantastic French bakery of 20 years had to suddenly close and owners need help until they find a new space.
Auckland
Since 2000 — more than 20 years! — Tania and Christophe have welcomed us into Au Bon Coin in Beach Haven with their amazing coffee, fresh lunches, and unforgettable French pâtisseries. Their café wasn’t just a place to eat, it was part of the heartbeat of our community.
Over the years, they collected glowing reviews on TripAdvisor and were even nominated for Best Café by the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
But then, without warning, everything changed. Because of building extension the lease was terminated, and the café was forced to close — almost overnight.
In Tania and Christophe’s own words:
“We did not see it coming. We are devastated and struggling, and are actively looking to get back on our feet. The support from the community has been overwhelming — we are so grateful. We love Beach Haven so much.”
In just weeks, they lost their livelihood and are now facing the tough task of starting again.
To help, the French Emergency Association Aotearoa is setting up a Givealittle fundraiser, with a goal of $5,000 to cover daily expenses — a simple way for us, as a community, to give back to the couple who gave us so much.
Every contribution, big or small, will lift some of the pressure and give them breathing room to plan their next chapter.
👉 This is a one-off fundraiser — our chance to show Tania and Christophe that Beach Haven stands with them. Let’s rally together and give them the support they truly deserve.
French Emergency Assistance of Aotearoa / New Zealand (Société d’Entraide de Nouvelle Zélande) is a charitable trust. Its purpose is to provide one off assistance to French nationals who are in a situation of some emergency distress.
Your koha will help them with daily expenses until they find the right location to re-start their business and share their gift of baking French delights for our community to enjoy again! Merci!
Le Bon Coin - Chris & Tania update 9 November 2025
A message from Tania & Chris ,
Dear Community,
As we reflect on the unexpected and emotional closing of our business, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support this community has shown us—not only in recent weeks, but over the past 20 years.
Your generous donations to the French Emergency Assistance Fund have provided much-needed relief during a time of great uncertainty for us. But beyond the financial help, it is the kindness, encouragement, and solidarity that have touched us most deeply. It’s a powerful reminder that while businesses may close, the bonds built over decades endure.
For more than two decades, our little shop was more than just a business—it was a gathering place, a labour of love, and a part of the fabric of this community. We are profoundly thankful to each and every one of you who walked through our doors, supported us through challenges, and believed in what we were building.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing by us. Your support has carried us through this difficult transition and reminded us that we were never alone.
With deep gratitude,
Christophe & Tania
Au Bon Coin
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