Right on the edge of the lake, facing the mountains of Tignes, Lo Terrachu cultivates the art of simple hospitality. In summer, the terrace is always busy: bikers passing through, regulars who've come to take a breath of fresh air away from the valley and holidaymakers looking for a friendly break all gather here for a no-fuss lunch, a musical aperitif or an impromptu barbecue evening.
The restaurant, one of the oldest buildings in the resort, is run by an atypical duo. "Originally, I wasn't a cook at all". says Thibaut Pomarat, who is now the restaurant's sous-chef.
- READ OUR DOSSIER - "Tignes, the sports resort par excellence".
A former snowpark builder and snow clearance machine driver, he joined Lo Terrachu almost by chance: an extra meal at the home of a friend, a former professional skier turned restaurateur.
"One thing led to another and I learnt on the job, and now I've been in the kitchen for several years. The daily menu changes almost daily, with grilled meats, generous salads and fresh mussels delivered every other day.
A fresh and lively menu
"We work a lot with meat, but we also do simple summer dishes. At lunchtime, we're around 25 euros, but in winter, when we go down to La Queue du CochonOur other address is more semi-gastro, around 35-40 euros.
Lo Terrachu is only alive in summer, from mid-June to early September, but the place is vibrant. "We host barge concerts on Mondays and Thursdays, which creates a real dynamic". explains Thibaut.
"The atmosphere is family-friendly and festive, with musicians and a terrace overlooking the water. The natural setting, the coolness of the lake and the road to the Iseran pass also attract many long-time motorcyclists.
Just like Tignes herself, Lo Terrachu is a story of friendship, sport, simple but well-prepared food and a visceral attachment to the mountains. "We're from Tignes, we're staying". says Thibaut, with a smile on his face and an apron around his waist.
Find out more :
- Price: 25 euros
- Open from late June to early September
- Address: 579, avenue du Lac, 73320 Tignes
- Contact: 04 79 00 09 56