In Tignes, when the snow fronts are full of freshly waxed skis and the streets vibrate to the rhythm of holidaymakers' arrivals, there are very few places that make it through the seasons without ever taking the curtain down. L'Escale Blanche is one of the exceptions.
Before it was a restaurant, l'Escale Blanche was a mountain hut on the outskirts of the village, long before the dam was built. Inside, an original wall is still a reminder of this pastoral past. Martial Debut took over the address in 2000, The idea was simple: never close again.
«By staying open all year round, we can build up a loyal team, keep the locals busy and keep the area alive even when tourists are fewer and farther between».» he explains. Today, fourteen employees make up this stable team, a luxury at altitude.
A cosy table after a day on the slopes
In winter, the’Escale Blanche is in full swing. At the end of the slopes, British skiers, French families and local regulars gather here to enjoy the 100 % home-made menu. Fondues, pierrades, Savoyard specialities and desserts prepared on site form the backbone of the menu.
«We only work with fresh produce, with a lot of local products, especially for the cheeses».» says Martial. In the evening, the average basket is around 45 euros, and almost 80 % of winter customers are foreign, mainly English.
A cosmopolitan but always relaxed atmosphere, where people come to eat as much as to extend their day on the slopes.
A changing resort, an adaptable address
Over a quarter of a century, Martial Debut has seen Tignes evolve. «The resort has become much more dynamic in the summer, but winter remains the beating heart. Today, people come here looking for more than just a skiing holiday: they come for the whole experience.»
Just a hundred metres from the’Escale Blanche, It opened two years ago. Julietta 23, A table dedicated entirely to Italian cuisine, from the products to the minute tiramisu.
Martial's loyalty to the mountains is also reflected in his personal life. Originally from the Paris suburbs, Martial chose Tignes as a new departure. «I wanted a different life.» Twenty-five years later, he still lives at an altitude of more than 2,100 metres, running a restaurant that has become a landmark for many visitors... and a veritable institution for the locals.