Nestled in the French Alps, this small city charms with its historic old town, lively market square, and museums. Nearby mountains invite skiing and hiking adventures.
Chambéry, nestled at the foot of the French Alps, is a town rich in history and surrounded by mountains. As you walk its medieval streets, you'll encounter the Elephants Fountain, the Château de Chambéry, and the Chambéry Cathedral. This former capital of Savoie is an ideal base for exploring the French Alpine region, with its historical sites, nearby ski resorts, and local cuisine.
Discovering Chambéry's Old Town
As you explore Chambéry's old town, you'll find yourself surrounded by centuries of history. The narrow, winding streets are flanked by tall, painted buildings and small shops, creating an active atmosphere. At the center stands the iconic Fontaine des Éléphants, an unusual fountain constructed in 1838 to commemorate Benoît de Boigne's accomplishments in India. This distinctive monument has become a symbol of Chambéry and serves as a popular gathering spot for residents and visitors.
Exploring the Château de Chambéry
The Château de Chambéry, formerly the seat of the Dukes of Savoy, now functions as the administrative center for the Savoie department. You can join a guided tour of the castle to learn about its extensive history and observe its architectural features. The Sainte-Chapelle within the castle complex previously held the renowned Shroud of Turin, adding another layer of historical significance to your tour.
Savoring Local Flavors
Chambéry is known for its regional specialties and wine production. You can try the local fondue savoyarde, a cheese fondue that's particularly satisfying on cool mountain evenings. The town is also known for its vermouth, with the Dolin and Routin brands produced locally. Visit a wine bar to taste some of the Vins de Savoie, or sample the herbal liqueur Chartreuse, which originates from the nearby Chartreuse Mountains.
Activities in and Around Chambéry
The town's location makes it easy to reach various activities. In winter, you can drive to nearby ski resorts within an hour for skiing and snowboarding. During spring and summer, you'll find hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. For water-based activities, take a 15-kilometer trip to Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, where you can swim, sail, or relax on the shore.
Getting to and Around Chambéry
Chambéry has good transport connections to major cities in France and neighboring countries. The town has its own airport, Chambéry Airport, which sees increased traffic during the winter season. For year-round access, you can fly into Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport, about 100 kilometers away, and take a train or bus to Chambéry. The town's train station, Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux, has direct TGV connections to Paris, with a journey time of about 3 hours.
Cultural and Educational Sites
Chambéry has several interesting cultural sites. The Musée des Beaux-Arts contains a collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, while the Musée Savoisien presents exhibits on the region's history and traditions. You can attend performances by the Orchestre des Pays de Savoie, which regularly plays in town. For a literary connection, you can visit Les Charmettes, the former residence of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, located 2 kilometers from the town center.
