The premises was already operating as an inn between 1930 and 1940.
The village fountain located in front of the inn
Chez Nous run by Ms Arnaud
This former inn became a hotel-bar-restaurant in 1977
Today it is L'Eau Vive.
L’Eau Vive has always been central to the life of the small village of Saint Nicolas la Chapelle. Formerly known as “Chez Nous”, the inn, run by Ms Arnaud at the time, brought together rooms for rent, a grocery shop, table d’hôte and bakery under the same roof, and followed the rhythm of the weekend dances.
At the initiative of Rimbod, extensive works were undertaken to turn the inn into a hotel-bar-restaurant in 1977, where people from all over the region would come and meet up.
Since the 2000s, L’Eau Vive has been offering all-inclusive stays led by a qualified team of mountain guides. It is now regarded as a major specialist in hiking in Val d’Arly.
The evolution of the place has followed the sweet melody of the Eau Vive Fountain [Living Water Fountain] which continues to flow to this day and, despite some harsh winters, has never frozen.
Jérôme and Sophie are committed to respecting and continuing the Eau Vive tradition.
Host
Host
Sophie has some twenty years of experience in operational marketing and communications, notably at Aigle, a French outdoor specialist.
As a cameraman/director of photography, Jérôme spent 20 years travelling the world making documentaries and major reports such as Thalassa and Faut Pas Rêver for French and foreign television channels. He has also covered all of the world’s sailing races. One of his best memories was being a crew member/cameraman on The Race alongside Loïck Peyron.
With both of them being sport, adventure (trail, cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing…) and mountain enthusiasts, in 2017 they decided to change careers and their lives and settle in the heart of the Alps to revive L’Eau Vive.
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Head chef at L’Eau Vive since 2013
Understated and passionate, he offers traditional, homemade, authentic and seasonal dishes made from raw and primarily local ingredients.
Mountain guide
The youngest member of the team, Alban keeps hikes interesting by inviting you to discover the mountains of Aravis and Beaufortain as well as Mont Blanc.
Mountain guide
Christophe is a native of St-Nicolas la Chapelle. He could chat all day about “his” Val d’Arly. He will surprise you with wonderful meditation breaks, surrounded by nature in front of Mont Blanc.
Mountain guide
Véronique has the most beautiful smile in Val d’Arly. An expert in nettle cake made from freshly picked nettles, she can’t wait to share the well-hidden secrets of Val d’Arly with you.
Mountain guide
François is full of energy and has an infinite knowledge of the history and mountain culture of Val d’Arly. Walk, listen, and leave with a collection of his anecdotes.
Une nouvelle histoire est en route.
Marie et Alexis, nouveaux propriétaires seront
très heureux de vous accueillir une fois les travaux terminés.
A bientôt... Arvi !