Tour
3,4 km
1h30
23 audios
Text version
In France, most people know Chambéry as it is THE Gateway to the Mountains. Yet, little is known about this small Savoyard city, beyond being the entry point to renowned alpine ski resorts. Did you know that it used to be the capital of the “States of Savoy” and only joined France in 1860? That its strategic position as a city at the crossroads of the French Alps, Italy, and Switzerland has sealed its destiny since the Gallo-Roman era! Could you have imagined that King Francis I walked from Lyon to Chambéry on a pilgrimage to see the famous relic of the Holy Shroud? Did you know that the famous writers Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Lamartine swore by this city that inspired them both? Or that a Savoyard adventurer made a fortune in the Indies and greatly contributed to the wealth of his city? Discreet as it may be, Chambéry is nevertheless the historical capital of Savoy, and as with any capital, it can boast first-rate cultural and historical heritage. So, let’s embark on a quest for elephants through the cobbled streets of this city that has an Italian vibe and where the mountain is in the heart of everyone. Yes, you heard that right, we are looking for elephants….
You have now arrived in the area of the old covered market, known as the “Halles”. All this space was renovated in the 2000s, literally offering a new district to the city. Originally, the Benedictine convent and the chapel of the Black Penitents stood here. Read more
You cannot leave Savoie without knowing the legend of the “Dent du Chat”. What is called The Tooth of the Cat is that tooth-shaped mountain overlooking the Bourget Lake. It is a lovely hike at the end of which you can enjoy an exceptional view over the lake and the valley. Read more
You are passing by the small chapel of the Vaugelas High School located just behind. This chapel is the only remains of the Visitation convent founded in 1610 by Saint Francis de Sales. Its beautiful Baroque facade has been listed as a historical monument since 1950. Read more
Here you are in the square of the courthouse. On one side, you can see the Palace of Fine Arts, and on the other, the large palace inspired by Sardinian neoclassicism. In 1848, the government of the Kingdom of Sardinia, ruling the area decided to build a courthouse in Chambéry. Read more
You are standing in front of the Fountain of the Elephants. The locals love to call it the famous four with no bum. If you say it in French, les quatre sans culs, you will hear the 400 without a bum. While the elephants are a reference to Hannibal's legendary crossing of the Alps, the monument is in Read more
Allow me to introduce you to the Sasson! This bronze statue was erected for the centenary of the first attachment of Savoy to France during the revolutionary period. It is the work of the sculptor Alexandre Falguière. At that time, it was simply called "The Centenary Monument. Read more
You are now at the intersection of Italy street and the Faubourg Montmélian. These two streets used to be just one, which was the main corridor that travelers from Italy had to take to enter Chambéry. Faubourg means suburb, which by definition is outside the city walls. Read more
Now you are walking through the Mont-Blanc Passage. Before the 19th century, you would have had your feet in the water! This street was, in fact, a canal of the Albanne River, which supplied water to the inns of the suburb. Most travelers arrived on horseback, and this is where water was drawn to quench Read more
You have arrived at the Charles Dullin Theater, named after the actor and director born in the village of Yenne, in Savoy. It is considered to have one of the most beautiful Italian-style auditora of the region. One of its masterpieces is undoubtedly the magnificent stage curtain painted by Luigi Vacca Read more
You are now standing at the heart of the Carré Curial, located at the back of the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Media Library. It has been named in honor of the famous Franco-Swiss philosopher, poet, and musician, who settled in Chambéry with Madame de Warens. He referred to this time as 'The short happiness of Read more
You are on the street of the Golden cross, “la Croix d’Or” in French. This historical street of the old Chambéry area used to be the one through which Italian travelers would arrive. It gets its name from a beautiful and large golden cross that overlooked the fountain that used to be there. Read more
On your right, you have the entrance to the Hôtel de Cordon. The city boasts many private mansions, and this is the only one open to public. In french, private mansions carry the name Hotel, in reference to the fact that despite being very large it is usually the home to just one family. Read more
You are now on the charming Cathedral Square. This enclosed square provides a sense of intimacy in front of the Saint Francis de Sales Cathedral. It was once a Franciscan chapel, which explains the simplicity of its facade. The order of the Franciscans is devoted to a simple and humble life. Read more
You have just ventured into one of the alleys of Chambéry. Although they may not be visible, about fifteen of these alleys radiate from Saint-Léger Square. The one you're on leads to the “Cour de l'Horloge”, literally the court of the clock. This courtyard, tucked away from view Read more
You arrive at the long Saint-Léger Square, so lengthy that it could be mistaken for a street. This is where the heart of the city was born when the Albanne River still flowed right through the middle. Similar to Annecy, Chambéry had numerous canals due to the river's branches. Read more
If you have ever visited the neighborhood of Vieux-Lyon, you are certainly familiar with the traboules system, those secret passages allowing you to cross building courtyards to reach two parallel streets. But do note that the term 'traboules' is exclusive to the city of Lyon. Read more
You now have, much like the Maistre brothers on their pedestal, a bird's-eye view of Arcades Street with the Elephants fountain in the background. The men depicted in the statue are two brothers born in Chambéry in the 18th century. Joseph Maistre is a politician, philosopher, magistrate, and writer. Read more
Here you are, where it all began, at the crossroads that, since antiquity, allowed control over the ancient Roman road connecting Vienne to Italy and then to the cities of Lyon, Grenoble, Annecy, or Geneva. All these roads converge through Chambéry before crossing Alpine passes. Read more
Here you can see the back of the Saint-Chapelle, which is one of the castle’s highlights. To see it from the front or to visit it, you will need to take a paid guided tour. The castle is currently not open to the public as it is the premise of the prefecture of Savoie. Read more
You are now walking along the lower street of the Castle. It is the oldest street in Chambéry and was the only one leading to the castle in the 14th century. Just imagine the number of high-ranked people who have passed through here before you! An iconic figure to the old town, it is now mainly known Read more
This pensive figure leaning on the fountain is Lorelai, a newcomer to the Saint-Leger Boulevard. In fact, in 2017 there was an open-air exhibition of works by the Italian artist Livio Benedetti, who died in 2013. The bond between the statue and the surroundings was so striking, that the city decided to Read more
With the castle behind you and the Elephants in your line of sight, you have before you the beautiful Boigne Avenue. It is more simply known as the "Arcades." The creation of this grand and beautiful street took place between 1820 and 1830 to modernize the town, which had not yet emerged from its Read more
You have arrived on the charming square of the town hall. The hall was built in 1863. Let's put ourselves in context. If you were living here at that time, it would be just three years since your region belonged to France and no longer to a free province of the future Italy. Read more
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An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
23 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Explore Chambéry and its mountains at your own pace with an electric mountain bike rental.
If you want to continue your historical exploration of Chambéry, here are some other points of interest to discover.
Built on the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Mercury in the 6th century, it is the oldest church in Chambéry. Its crypt, classified as a historical monument, is interesting as it is one of the oldest witnesses to Christianity in Savoy. The adjoining cemetery is the oldest burial place
For enthusiasts of Eiffel-type metal structures, Chambéry’s railway roundhouse is one of a kind. Considering the Allied bombings targeting Chambéry’s train station, it’s quite extraordinary that the roundhouse survived. Accessible by guided tour only (booking required).
After 8 years of renovation and archaeological excavations, the Savoisien Museum in Chambéry has reopened to the public. Visitors can explore a wide range of artifacts spanning from antiquity to modern times, offering insights into the lives of the region’s inhabitants throughout the centuries. With its interactive displays, films, and hands-on models, the museum provides an engaging experience suitable for the entire family.
Chambéry is most and foremost a city meant to be experienced along with its mountains so don’t miss out and go explore them!
You can start with the largest natural lake in France, Lake Bourget, and its mysterious Abbey of Hautecombe. Above the lake stands the legendary Dent du Chat, which offers an exceptional panorama of the surroundings. Explore it from its viewpoint or, for the more adventurous, via its vertiginous, yet easy via ferrata.
Another famous and easily accessible viewpoint is the Cross of the Nivolet! Standing at 1547 meters on the mountain of the same name. This immense cross has been part of the family since 1861 and is the endpoint of a short hike.
Close by in the Bauges mountain range, you can find the small family resort of La Féclaz. It is beautiful in both, summer and winter. Don’t miss the Belvédère du Revard with its three bridges above the void, inviting you to merge with the horizon. It’s also a great place for paragliding, a popular activity in the region. Seeing Savoy from a bird’s-eye view is a truly amazing sight and definitely worth your time. Between Chambéry and Annecy, you will find several flight schools.
Another must-see in the summertime is Aiguebelette, Europe’s purest lake. It invites you for a swim in its tropical-style water surrounded by mountains.
Finally, just above Chambéry, if you are fond of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, his house, Les Charmettes, is open for visits. This is where he spent his happy years with Madame de Warens and laid the foundation of his work.
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Located about twenty minutes by car from Chambéry, Lake Aiguebelette is an ideal destination to cool off. Whether you’re with family or friends, stand-up paddleboarding offers the perfect balance between sport and relaxation.
Soothed by the relaxing sound of the water, you will take a deep…
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Live like royalty in this enchanting estate. After a flawless welcome…
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Highlights
Impeccable service
Outdoor pool
Fabulous setting
Excellent cuisine
Things to Consider
Room temperatures can rise quickly in summer.
Location: Rue du Bois De Candie, 73000 Chambéry
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Do you know the legend of the Dent du Chat? This mythical peak overlooking a lake.
Eating in Chambéry is not a problem, but eating well in Chambéry is important, especially since their specialties are excellent.
To taste local products, it’s best to head to the historic city center. Place Monge offers a wide variety of restaurants in a pleasant setting. Set off to discover alpine flavors in one of the many terraces and restaurants in this area!
For more refined cuisine, Rue Bonivard will surprise your taste buds. Several chic and gastronomic restaurants will offer you a unique experience.
To make the most of your stay in Chambéry, a few neighborhoods stand out.
Of course, the city center of Chambéry is highly appreciated by both locals and tourists. Rue de Boigne and its surroundings offer charming hotels. It is the most famous street in Chambéry: it connects the Château des Ducs de Savoie to Place des Éléphants. It’s a popular area, so it’s best to book in advance.
For a bit more tranquility, the Bissy neighborhood is highly regarded. Several green spaces make the area peaceful. By staying in this area, you’ll still be close to the city center, as the neighborhood is well served by public transportation.
Savoie is known for its undeniable charm, much like Annecy in Haute-Savoie, famous worldwide for its stunning landscapes, lake, and historic center. But did you know that Chambéry is a must-visit city during a stay in Savoie?
Chambéry may be somewhat overshadowed by Annecy, but it remains a beautiful city. There are several sites to visit, such as the majestic Château des Ducs de Savoie. Chambéry boasts a rich cultural heritage, a pleasant quality of life, friendly Savoyards, and excellent food!
For these reasons, Chambéry is a city worth visiting.
In a weekend, you’ll have enough time to visit the most well-known places. The historic city center is easily explored on foot. A visit to the magnificent Château des Ducs de Savoie is a must. Founded in the 11th century, this fortress houses the Sainte-Chapelle, which once contained one of the most mysterious relics in the world, the Shroud of Turin, now kept in Turin. Be sure to book your ticket in advance.
Take a walk, stroll through the alleys of old Chambéry, and admire the arcades of Rue de Boigne. This is an inexpensive yet equally beautiful activity. Discover the chambérienne “traboules,” hidden passageways that allow you to wander through the narrow streets. You’ll come across picturesque inner courtyards that add extra charm to Chambéry. To explore Savoie’s heritage, you can visit the Musée Savoisien.
Would you like to treat yourself or make your loved ones happy by bringing back a souvenir from Chambéry? You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect item. Opt for simple things that will delight everyone, such as local specialties. The Savoie region is famous for its cheeses, such as Beaufort or Tomme de Savoie. A good Savoyard fondue never hurts anyone.
At the end of a meal, you can surprise your guests by serving a good digestif. Chambéry’s Génépi is renowned worldwide. This liqueur, made from a high-altitude plant, has a very pleasant sweet taste. Be careful not to overindulge, or you may have a (slight) headache the next day!
Would you like to discover Savoyard gastronomy? The best way to thank the Chambériens is to visit one of the markets where you’ll find several local producers. The covered market at Les Halles de Chambéry is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM. This covered market hosts 27 merchants with varied offerings.
The open-air market is set up in Chambéry twice a week. Place de Genève welcomes producers every Tuesday from 7:00 AM to noon. On Saturdays, head to Rue de Maistre and Rue Favre to find your vendors from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Finally, the Chambéry organic market welcomes you every Thursday afternoon from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Place du Palais de Justice. Local producers are waiting for you!
To get to Chambéry, you’ll have no trouble finding a mode of transport. Departing from Paris, especially from Gare de Lyon, several TGV trains head to Chambéry. The trains are direct, and you’ll be in Savoie in just 3 hours.
From Lyon, the largest nearby city to Chambéry, just 1 hour by TGV will get you to your destination, or 1.5 hours if you opt for a TER. If you’re coming from the south of France, such as Marseille or Montpellier, a transfer will be necessary to reach Chambéry.
With 56,697 inhabitants, Chambéry is a city with a human scale. Forget about all those metro and public transport hassles that make you feel like you’re wasting time exploring a city. Chambéry can be visited in a day. The historic center is walkable and contains most of the main places of interest.
However, if you want to explore the surroundings, such as the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park or the Massif des Bauges, a good weekend of two or even three days will be enough to fully explore Chambéry.
Savoie is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful departments in France. Its landscapes are postcard-worthy, with the Alps nearby, turquoise lakes perfect for resting and strolling, everything that France has to offer at its best!
Around Chambéry, explore Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France. The lake stretches for 18 kilometers! On the lake’s edge, in the town of Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille, you can visit the Abbey of Hautecombe, an impressive 12th-century building. A 15-minute drive will take you to this beautiful site.
Chambéry is situated between two breathtaking nature reserves: the Chartreuse Natural Park and the Massif des Bauges Regional Natural Park. Head out to explore the Pre-Alps, bring some Savoyard cheese and local specialties, and enjoy a lovely picnic with a remarkable view.
Finally, to discover more of the region, you can visit one of France’s most beautiful cities: Annecy. Just a 45-minute drive to discover Annecy and its famous lake, believe me, it’s worth it!
You’ve probably already tasted these little chocolates during the holiday season, especially at Christmas. But did you know that these delicious treats are French and more specifically from Savoie? Something to be proud of!
These small chocolate balls shaped like truffles were created in December 1895 in Chambéry by master chocolatier Louis Dufour. What’s surprising is that these sweets were created somewhat by accident. The late 19th century was marked by a shortage of raw materials, preventing Louis Dufour from making his usual holiday chocolates. He had the brilliant idea of mixing fresh cream, cocoa powder, and fresh cream. This mixture was then drowned in melted chocolate before being coated with a layer of cocoa powder. Not bad for an accident, right?
To find cheeses worthy of the name in Chambéry, several options are available to you. You can visit the covered market at Les Halles. Among the 27 merchants in the Halles, many offer high-quality local cheeses. Savoie is renowned for its cheeses. As it is a mountainous region, cheese is especially enjoyed in winter. What better than a good Savoyard fondue to warm up? It’s only natural that Chambéry has several cheese shops offering excellent local products, such as Beaufort. You’ll be able to receive advice on Savoyard wines that pair perfectly with the cheese you choose. Lastly, you can visit the various markets that decorate the streets of Chambéry. It’s a great place where you can chat with local producers and learn more about the cheese.
It’s hard to visit Chambéry without giving in to one of the many pastries in the city. To ensure you’re not disappointed, head to the historic city center of Chambéry. Near Place de Genève, you’ll find several bakeries that will delight your taste buds.
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