Antropia
Like the One Tree shop only supersized
From discount supermarket to community hub
Antropia is a citizen-led cooperative born in response to the social and environmental pressures of tourism and extractive growth in the Tarentaise valley. Frustrated by waste and the hollowing out of local life, founders Elsa and Aurélie transformed a disused discount store in Aime-la-Plagne into a vibrant community hub rooted in reuse, repair and collective action.
Structured as a SCIC (Collective Interest Cooperative Society), Antropia brings together residents, associations and social enterprises. What began as a vision has become a thriving space that includes second-hand retail, workshops, food, cultural events and maker spaces – diverting tonnes from landfill while rebuilding social connection.
More than a place, Antropia represents a shift in power: citizens creating practical alternatives. It shows what’s possible when communities take responsibility for meeting their own needs, together.
Gallery
Antropia has to be seen to be believed. The best thing you can do is pay a visit.
Vibrant bar, cafe complete with table football.
Regular events in the outdoor space
The driving forces
At the heart of Antropia are Elsa and Aurélie, two women driven not by abstract theory, but by lived frustration and deep care for their valley. Witnessing the waste generated by seasonal tourism and the way local life was being squeezed by property speculation and extractive growth, they chose action over resignation. Their motivation was simple but radical: create a space where resources are valued, people are connected, and the local community has agency again. What sets them apart is their blend of pragmatism and imagination, not just critiquing the system, but physically building an alternative with their neighbours.
And that’s exactly why we couldn’t not get involved. One Tree at a Time is now a partner association within Antropia, where we run a space dedicated to patched ski gear and repaired outdoor garments, a visible expression of what’s possible when communities choose reuse over replacement.
What else can we tell you?
Check out the other projects that we are involved with and who helps One Tree do what we do.