At the heart of Tignesjust a stone's throw from the lake, La Croisse is much more than a simple café-snack: it's a veritable institution for seasonal workers, locals and a few tourists passing through in search of authenticity. For the last five years, Jean-Baptiste Sindou-Faurie and his partner David Rouxel have been at the helm of this relaxed establishment.
Originally from the Isère region of France, he first settled in Tignes to work as a ski instructor. The aim is to "discover skiing, then enjoy summer in the mountains".
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Season after season, he has become attached to the energy of the resort, to this life where "we enjoy it all the time, no matter what day of the week it is". and eventually settled there on a year-round basis.
From morning coffee to lively evenings
Originally, La Croisse was first and foremost a bakery and patisserie. The duo have preserved this heritage while broadening the offer: generous 400g homemade sandwiches, croque-monsieur, pizzas, lunch formulas at around 13 euros, pastries from the Tignes 1800 workshops, as well as a real counter where you can come for a coffee... or a beer at the end of the day.
"We've developed the bar side of things, sometimes with evening events, mainly attended by seasonal workers and locals. It can be very lively". smiles Jean-Baptiste.
The establishment opens every day at 7am, with continuous service until the end of the aperitif. In winter, some evenings go on until 2am, "but not every day, otherwise it would be a bit violent." In summer, the pace slows down, but La Croisse remains an essential meeting point.
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As well as on-site and takeaway service, La Croisse has been developing a catering business for three years. "We can find ourselves managing barbecues for 500 people, as we did recently for an event. We produce everything in our workshop upstairs, so we can adapt. explains Jean-Baptiste.
Stable business in the off-season
This versatility enables us to maintain a stable level of activity, even in the off-season. "We're lucky to have a loyal local clientele.
While winter attracts an international public - Americans, Brits, Europeans - in summer, the face of Tignes changes. "It's calmer and more relaxed. Less stress, fewer constraints. People come to cycle, to enjoy the mountains in a different way.
The bike park, which has been completely redesigned in recent years, now attracts downhill and enduro enthusiasts. "Four years ago, it was a rather messy single. Today, the slopes are really well done and it attracts whole groups. It's good for the resort.
Early morning coffees, hearty sandwiches, aperitifs on the terrace and festive evenings, La Croisse remains a lively place that reflects the spirit of Tignes: sporty, friendly and always ready to surprise.
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