The Horloge square

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, is worth a visit, especially for its trompe-l’œil paintings, created in 1993 by the Miami group, a local collective who has also painted the side facade of the Charles Dullin Theater. If you have never heard of trompe-l’oeil, know that it is an artistic technique that creates an optical illusion, making everything depicted in the painting appear real and three-dimensional. It’s breathtaking. Here, on one side, you’ll observe characters in Renaissance costumes, topped with the courtyard’s clock and its automatons ready to strike. On the other side, a facade from the contemporary era, juxtaposing the past and the present. The art of trompe-l’œil particularly flourished in Savoy in the 19th century. During your visit of the area, make sure to keep your eyes wide open, as there is a good chance you’ll come across more than one!