Ambre & Cyril, the Lovers of Arolla

She came from Alsace, he from Marseille. About a decade ago, Ambre and Cyril fell in love with Arolla and its valley — enough to settle there for good. Their son Marius was born here. Today, they are among the faces that give the village its character.

A story that climbs

Before finding their place, they learned the trade in several of the region’s establishments. Then they took over the Camping d’Arolla — the highest in Europe — before running the Pension du Lac Bleu, which they turned into a meeting place for locals, seasonal workers and passing travellers. Next came La Chotte: a small mountain bar they raised to the rank of an essential stop, at 2,166 metres.

The spirit of La Chotte

At La Chotte, you share a plate facing the glaciers, put the world to rights in the sun, and always leave a little changed. A high-altitude cabin rather than a restaurant, the place owes much to Ambre and Cyril’s energy: a frank, fuss-free welcome, in the image of Arolla. On Ambre’s forearm, a tattooed word says it all: “Arolla”.

Their Arolla

When you ask what inspires them here, the answer comes at once: “The magic, the passion, the general well-being… Arolla is simply a timeless place, full of good energy.” And their advice to anyone climbing up to see them takes only a few words.

Take your time, and breathe!

Ambre & Cyril

In a world that moves too fast, that may be the finest lesson of Arolla — and they are its best ambassadors. One more reason, on the way up to La Chotte, to push the door open and take the time to say hello.