tourist map of chambery france

Map of Chambery — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Chambery, France for travelers! Check out Chambery’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Chambery? See our Chambery Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Chambery. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Chambery map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Chambery by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 16 attractions in Chambery

Cathédrale saint-françois-de-sales, les charmettes - maison de jean-jacques rousseau.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

La Fontaine des Éléphants

Château des ducs de savoie, galerie eurêka, musée savoisien, hôtel de cordon, office de tourisme de chambéry, médiathèque jean-jacques rousseau, église saint-pierre de lémenc, chamnord mall, museum d'histoire naturelle de savoie à chambéry, pl. saint-léger, foire de savoie, rotonde ferroviaire, top 10 restaurants in chambery, le grand joseph, le gulliver, le corsaire beer & rooftop bar, les plaisirs gourmands, les gourmands disent, restaurant carré des sens, bistrot du verger, le patio restaurant sushi japonais, la forge des halles, bistrot brick house, transportation in chambery, nearby airports, lyon-saint exupéry airport, geneva airport, highways and major roads.

Attractions

Popular road trips from Chambery

What's the weather like in chambery.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Chambery for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Chambery in January
• Weather in Chambery in February
• Weather in Chambery in March
• Weather in Chambery in April
• Weather in Chambery in May
• Weather in Chambery in June
• Weather in Chambery in July
• Weather in Chambery in August
• Weather in Chambery in September
• Weather in Chambery in October
• Weather in Chambery in November
• Weather in Chambery in December

All road trips from Chambery

• Chambery to Paris drive
• Chambery to London drive
• Chambery to Milan drive
• Chambery to Turin drive
• Chambery to Amsterdam drive
• Chambery to Berlin drive
• Chambery to Lyon drive
• Chambery to Nice drive
• Chambery to Zurich drive
• Chambery to Chamonix drive
• Chambery to Birmingham drive
• Chambery to Cardiff drive
• Chambery to Bristol drive
• Chambery to Bournemouth drive
• Chambery to Norwich drive
• Chambery to Tignes drive
• Chambery to Southampton drive
• Chambery to Newquay drive
• Chambery to Exeter drive
• Chambery to Morzine drive
• Chambery to Calais drive
• Chambery to Val Thorens drive
• Chambery to Luton drive
• Chambery to Avoriaz drive
• Chambery to Leeds drive
• Chambery to Les Menuires drive
• Chambery to Courchevel drive
• Chambery to Les Gets drive
• Chambery to Les Arcs drive
• Chambery to Bourg Saint Maurice drive

Explore nearby places

• Saint-Alban-Leysse
• Saint-Baldoph
• La Motte Servolex
• Challes-les-Eaux
• Saint-Jean-d'Arvey
• Saint-Jeoire-Prieure
• Aiguebelette-le-Lac
• Viviers-du-Lac
• Les Deserts
• Les Marches
• Le Bourget-du-Lac
• Drumettaz-Clarafond
• Saint-Alban-de-Montbel
• Chapareillan
• Entremont-le-Vieux
• Aix-les-Bains
• Aillon-le-Jeune

All related maps of Chambery

• Map of Barberaz
• Map of La Ravoire
• Map of Saint-Alban-Leysse
• Map of Saint-Baldoph
• Map of La Motte Servolex
• Map of Challes-les-Eaux
• Map of Saint-Jean-d'Arvey
• Map of Saint-Jeoire-Prieure
• Map of Apremont
• Map of Myans
• Map of Voglans
• Map of Chignin
• Map of Aiguebelette-le-Lac
• Map of Mery
• Map of Viviers-du-Lac
• Map of Les Deserts
• Map of Les Marches
• Map of Le Bourget-du-Lac
• Map of Nances
• Map of La Feclaz
• Map of Drumettaz-Clarafond
• Map of Saint-Alban-de-Montbel
• Map of Francin
• Map of Tresserve
• Map of Montmelian
• Map of Chapareillan
• Map of Entremont-le-Vieux
• Map of Mouxy
• Map of Aix-les-Bains
• Map of Aillon-le-Jeune

Chambery throughout the year

• Chambery in January
• Chambery in February
• Chambery in March
• Chambery in April
• Chambery in May
• Chambery in June
• Chambery in July
• Chambery in August
• Chambery in September
• Chambery in October
• Chambery in November
• Chambery in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Chambery?

Get inspired for your trip to Chambery with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Chambery Itinerary
• 2-Day Chambery Itinerary
• 3-Day Chambery Itinerary
• 4-Day Chambery Itinerary
• 5-Day Chambery Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Chambéry (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Chambéry (France)

Couched in a valley between mountain ranges in the Prealps, Chambéry is a historic city that was once the capital of its own sovereign state.

The old centre is a confusion of alleys and dim passageways, ruled by the Château from which the Dukes of Savoy commanded a large tranche of central Europe.

The architecture, art and food all tell you that Chambéry was as much Italian as French, as the city was only annexed by France in 1871. Plan ahead, because you’ll be torn between the charming old town, the peaks of the Chartreuse and Bauges natural parks, and the huge and majestic Lac du Bourget, all minutes away.

Lets explore the best things to do in Chambéry :

1. Old Town

A functioning university town and not just an outdoor museum, the compact core of Chambéry is most people’s idea of the perfect old town.

It’s not very large, but you could wander for hours without feeling like you’ve quite seen it all.

That’s to do with the vaulted passageways, similar to the Traboules in Lyon: These lead into secret courtyards and out onto parallel streets and alleys no broader than arm’s width.

Things take a turn for the grander on Rue Croix d’Or, the now pedestrianised street draped with the Savoy colours where the nobility once lived, and wherever you are you’ll never be more than seconds from a cafe, crêperie or glacier.

2. Place Saint-Léger

Despite its name, Place Saint-Léger is more of a long street than a city square, and is Chambéry’s main pedestrian thoroughfare.

Along its length the street opens out to large areas with restaurant and cafe seating, then tapering to just a few metres across, and is paved all along with pink granite.

The buildings, a big jumble of styles and eras, are painted in all kinds of pastel colours.

As you go you might be tempted to duck down one of the vaulted passageways that branch off the street, which are known as allées.

There are three lovely old townhouses to look out for here: Hôtel Dieulefis, Hôtel de Montjoie and Hôtel du Bourget, dating between the 1500s and 1700s.

3. Fontaine des Éléphants

On many postcards and possibly Chambéry’s main identifier, the Fontaine des Éléphants dates to 1838 and is listed as a French historical monument.

On the fountain’s plinth are four elephants, one on each side, with only the head and front legs protruding.

This has given the fountain the affectionate nickname, ” les quatre sans culs” (the four without butts). Atop the 17-metre column is the statue of Benoît de Boigne, the man who the fountain commemorates.

He was a general who earned his reputation in India (hence the elephants) and returned with a fortune that he lavished on Chambéry through public works and welfare.

4. Chambéry Cathedral

Although quite small the city’s cathedral still has much to recommend it.

Most noticeable is the interior which has some 6,000 square metres of extravagant Italian trompe l’oeil painting, the largest ensemble in Europe and composed in stages in the 1800s.

Before becoming a cathedral this structure had been a church attached to a Franciscan monastery and for a time in the 1400s it was home to the Shroud  of Turin.

That treasure has of course moved on, but the treasure room now holds a Byzantine ivory altarpiece painting dating to the 1100s and a polychrome nativity scene from the 1400s.

5. Musée des Beaux-Arts

The fine arts museum is further proof that Chambéry hasn’t always been French, as nearly all of the works hanging here are Italian.

These date to between the 1300s and 1700s, and start with the Primitives.

The 14th-century altarpiece depicting the Trinity by the Sienese artist Bartolo di Fredi is sublime, and from there you can trace the evolution into the Renaissance, Mannerism and the Baroque, from the Neapolitan, Venetian, Florentine and Bolognese schools.

Also have a peek at what’s on when you’re here as there’s a lot of exhibition space reserved for temporary shows.

6. Les Charmettes

As a young man the polymath Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived in this pretty country house in a wooded hollow on the edge of Chambéry.

He stayed here from 1736 to 1742 with his mentor and mistress Madame de Warrens, and later in life he described his time in Les Charmettes in idyllic terms.

Ever since Rousseau became an icon of the Enlightenment and Romantic movements people have come to Les Charmettes to understand why it was so dear to Rousseau.

The house is decorated as it was in the 1730s, including some of Rousseau’s possessions, and there’s an 18th-century style garden laid with herbs, medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables in the grounds.

7. Château des Ducs de Savoie

Holding sway over Chambéry’s old town, this dominating building was where the Lords of Chambéry and then the Dukes of Savoy called the shots for hundreds of years.

It’s exciting to know that you’re looking at the stronghold for a whole sovereign state before Savoy was annexed to France.

The building is an architectural medley, with fragments that are almost 1,000 years old.

It has been transformed many times in the course of the centuries, though it still has an administrative function to this day.

For this reason access is limited, but regular tours are organised in summer to show you around the towers and ceremonial chambers, as well as the Sainte-Chapelle that contained the shroud in the 16th century.

8. Rue Basse du Château

Dubbed the oldest street in Chambéry, Rue Basse du Château is a crevice-like alley in the pedestrianised centre.

Like most old medieval arteries it’s incredible narrow and intersects with more of Chambéry’s passageways.

Above your head there’s one remaining wooden walkway traversing the street.

There were many more in the past, but these were dismantled because they pose a fire hazard and block the light.

As you can tell, light is a precious commodity: The stone stalls in front of several shops are known as “banches” and were a means of doing business in daylight instead of the shadowy interiors.

9. Rotonde Ferroviaire

The finest piece of industrial heritage in the city is this colossal circular cast iron behemoth built between 1906 and 1910. The rotunda has a diameter of more than 100 metres and was constructed to house up to 72 locomotives when they weren’t in use.

It took some damage in the war, but was restored and is still a part of the railway infrastructure and a permanent home for many retired locomotives.

For this reason you can only get an inside look when there’s a guided tour but you can consult Chambéry tourist office to make sure you don’t miss out on what is a one-of-a-kind building.

10. Hôtel de Cordon

If you’ve booked a guided tour of the city with the tourist board it will most likely start at this 15th-century “Hôtel Particulier” on Rue Saint-Real.

Talks about the city’s history are given here, and inside there’s an interpretation centre for Chambéry’s architecture and heritage, with a small exhibition of models and paintings that outline the changing appearance of the city since medieval times.

If you’re an urbanist or into architecture, the displays also deal with heritage, design and town planning on a broader level, not limited to Chambéry.

11. Église Saint-Pierre de Lémenc

The oldest church in Chambéry goes back as far as 1,500 years, and was built over the remains of  a Roman temple  dedicated to Mercury.

The exterior is much newer, and was updated in the 16th and 18th centuries.

But the clues to the church’s antiquity lie in the 9th century crypt, which is recognised as a French historical monument and is a bit of a mystery to archaeologists who are undecided whether it was a reliquary or baptistery.

12. Lac du Bourget

Less than 10 kilometres to the north is the largest freshwater lake in France.

The scene is fabulous too, as the water is in a natural crucible of mountain peaks, rendering some parts of the western shoreline accessible only by boats on the water.

If you’re a casual visitor you could hire a pedalo for a couple of hours of affordable and relaxing summer fun.

But all manner of watersports are on offer on the lake, or you can take on one of the peaks beside the water like the Dent du Chat which at 1,400 metres has views that stretch as far as Mont Blanc.

13. Aix-les-Bains

On the east shore of the Lac du Bourget is a resort that was frequented by the world’s royalty and aristocracy from the mid-19th century up to the Second World War.

The architecture here will leave you in no doubt of Aix-les-Bains favour with the upper crust, as the town is still festooned with palatial hotels in the Art Nouveau style.

The elite came for the spring waters which still attract visitors today, but were first tapped by the Romans who left some compelling ruins behind.

The sensational lakeside esplanade is picnic central in summer, and also the venue for the Musilac festival, which packs in the biggest rock and pop names every July.

14. Mont Granier

Rising to the south of Chambéry are the Chartreuse Mountains, a range in the French Prealps that sits within a natural park.

You’re within a simple but spectacular drive of Mont Granier, easily the most famous natural site in the range.

That’s due to the titanic cliff on its north face, which soars to more than 900 metres.

This hulking wall of rock was actually the upshot of a disastrous landslide that sheered thousands of tons of limestone from the mountain in 1248 and wiped out several villages down the valley at the cost of 1,000 lives.

Come for hikes or hook up with an adventure sports company for a more intrepid day of caving or rock climbing.

15. Cuisine

In Chambéry there’s quite a rich food culture, thanks to the opulent Court of Savoy, but also in a rustic region where peasants used their ingenuity to make the most of what they had.

The Italian influence from Turin is clear in the pasta like ravioli and crozets, small square pasta pieces made with buckwheat flour.

The diot is a local sausage that comes cured or can be cooked in stews, or eaten with nothing more fancy than boiled potatoes and Dijon mustard.

Beaufort cheese is almost exactly like Gruyère, except for the name.

And second only to cheese production is wine, with mostly whites made from chardonnay, chasselas  and the jacquère and altesse, which grow almost exclusively in Savoy.

15 Best Things to Do in Chambéry (France):

• Place Saint-Léger
• Fontaine des Éléphants
• Chambéry Cathedral
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Les Charmettes
• Château des Ducs de Savoie
• Rue Basse du Château
• Rotonde Ferroviaire
• Hôtel de Cordon
• Église Saint-Pierre de Lémenc
• Lac du Bourget
• Aix-les-Bains
• Mont Granier

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Savoie

Historical capital of the Savoie , Chambéry is a City of Art and History boasting numerous treasures. The old town is admirably restored and a great place to stroll around, with mysterious lanes and many covered passages, mansions, trompe-l'oeil facades, charming internal courtyards, Saint-François-de-Sales cathedral, a castle – the former residence of the Dukes of the Savoie – pedestrian streets and the famous Elephants fountain.

The visit continues with the Savoie museum, exhibiting archaeological and ethnographical collections, and the Fine art museum home to a large number of Italian paintings. The Saint-Léger square, very lively, is a place not to be missed in the town for a stroll or to relax on a café terrace. The city also offers a large number of cultural events, with the Espace André Malraux cultural centre located in the Curial district, and the Charles Dullin theatre.

For lovers of water sports, Chambéry benefits from the proximity of two natural lakes: the big Bourget lake and the Aiguebelette lake, with an emerald colour.

Additional information Chambéry

• An exceptional setting:
• Ideally placed, is Chambéry city gate 3 parks: Vanoise National Park and Regional Parks Bauges and Chartreuse . The city inaugurated in 2006 a House of Parks and Mountain. The Chambéry environment also offers many possibilities with water lakes Bourget Aiguebelette...
• Chambéry enjoys privileged access means that make her one of the engines of urban alpine corridor.
• Airports: Lyon St Exupéry at 50 minutes - Geneva airport 1 hour - Airport Chambéry / Savoy in 10 minutes.
• Motorways: Lyon, Geneva 1 hour - Annecy , Albertville 30 minutes - 45 minutes Grenoble .
• Train: Paris Gare de Lyon at 2:50 - direct TGV - In winter, nearly 2 million skiers pass through the station Chambéry.
• A City of Art and History:
• The charm of the old center.
• Ancient Capital of the Dukes of Savoy, Chambéry has many museums and historic buildings: Chateau Sainte Chapelle, mansions from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century... A maze of alleys is an excuse to travel through time. Discover the Charles Dullin theater, a replica of La Scala!
• Following the Dukes: Chambéry has retained its identity historic capital of Savoie . It still has beautiful remains as the ancient castle of the Dukes and Counts of Savoy, which housed the Holy Shroud.
• Chambéry chimes: The 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 17:30, Chambery and tourists hear the most beautiful music performed by one of the largest carillons in the world. It consists of 70 bronze bells, the heaviest weighs nearly five tons! The result sounds unique, exceptional musicality and an absolute accuracy.
• The preserved collections:
• The Museum of Fine Arts.
• The Savoyard museum.
• The Museum of Charmettes.
• Rousseau, always present: Having lived nearly ten years Chambéry, home of Jean-Jacques to Charmettes is now transformed into a museum. The garden was created in the spirit of the eighteenth, recalling the philosopher's passion for botany.
• City of Architecture: In the modern district, architecture reveals bold, with achievements such as the Espace Malraux (designed by Mario Botta), the Library Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the Congress Centre Roundabout, City of Arts...
• An innovative city: Chambéry meets with happiness modernity and authenticity, relaxation and intense economic activities.
• Economic City: Chambéry has strong economic resources:
• The dynamic sectors (materials, food, live businesses)
• Technolac, a technology center at the tip
• The University of Savoie, the Business School, the School of Engineering...
• City of relaxation: Many recreational opportunities are also offered for the welfare of the inhabitants: cinema, cultural and sporting areas.
• Sports City: Jackson Richardson, world champion in 2001, chose the Chambéry handball club to continue his national career.
• Chambéry has received numerous awards over the years including:
• Road Safety, 2005.
• 1st photovoltaic plant.
• First City for public reading in 2001.
• 1st Prize 1998 Golden Bike.
• Gold Trophy Integrating People with Disabilities in 1997.
• 1st National Award 1995 Night Illuminations.
• The gourmet specialties: Chambéry has a multitude of specialties, which can call a real menu.
• An aperitif to start. The tradition of liqueurs and syrups is rooted in gastronomy Chambéry. The best known are the Génépi , Vermouth of Chambéry and Chambéryzette.
• Pasta to continue. Chambéry is still very attached to its tradition milling, especially with the Crozet, these little squares of dough.
• Some cheeses will. Many cheeses are made near Chambéry: the Farou, the Dovecote.
• Sweets for the grand finale. Chambéry is a city where people eat a lot of chocolate. It's probably for this reason that there is so relaxed... Chocolates Chocolate, Almond chambériennes... The pastries are many delicious: the Chambery, Savoie cake, the Chimney Sweep Savoyard, Saint -Génix...
• To quench her thirst... This meal can be washed down with wines of Savoy. The Savoy 22 together AOC wines and 4.
• Dishes enjoyed with an Opinel. Created in 1890 by a Maurienne, Joseph Opinel, this knife has entered the dictionary in 1989, and displayed in several museums worldwide.

Things to see and do

• Castle of the Dukes of Savoie :
• Former residence of the Earls and Dukes of Savoy, the castle is a collection of buildings built from the Middle Ages to the present day which today houses the Prefecture and the General Council.
• The main sites accessible in the company of a guide-lecturer are: Tower Cash (XIV c.), The lower rooms (XIV c.), The half-round tower (XIV-XIX c.) And the Sainte Chapelle (fifteenth s., XVII century. and XIX c.) (Gothic arches painted in trompe l'oeil windows of the fifteenth century) which housed from 1502 to 1578 the Holy Shroud in Turin today. See also, the 37 bells of the old carillon installed in 1937 the Castle Court of Honor in 2007.
• The largest carillon:
• Built in 1993 and installed in the Tower Yolande flanking the apse of the Sainte Chapelle of the Château des Ducs de Savoie, the Grand Carillon is the work of the Paccard Foundry Sevriez (Haute-Savoie). With 70 bells, is the largest in France and is part of the inner circle of the largest carillons in the world 8. Homogeneity of timbre due to its construction by a single factor and in a limited period of time (a year and a half) gives it a personality and a unique rich sound world.
• Concerts 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 17.30.
• Theatre Charles Dullin : From 1824 theater built thanks to General Boigne, but very damaged by fire in 1864, remains above all a great stage curtain painted by Luigi Vacca and representing "The Descent of Orpheus in the Underworld." Rebuilt in 1866 by architects Pellegrini and Revel on the model of theaters "Italian" (we nicknamed "Little Scala"), the current theater houses a large room horseshoe with four sets of galleries superimposed and a small room called "concerts". It bears the name of Charles Dullin famous playwright original Savoy (1885-1949).
• The ancient city: Nestled at the foot of the Ducal Castle, the ancient center offers a dense urban fabric and original strongly influenced by the presence of water. This set is characterized by a maze of alleys, hotels individuals of Piedmontese inspiration, trompe l'oeil... This homogeneous built, protected through a conservation area, was able to open outskirts to contemporary creation.
• The Rue de Boigne: The rectilinear axis, surrounded by porticos in Turin, was pierced through the generosity of General Boigne. Real gap in the urban fabric inherited from the Middle Ages, the artery connects the column Boigne the castle of the Dukes of Savoy.
• Place Saint-Léger: primitive Heart of the city, the Place Saint-Léger is again a place of entertainment as a result of its development (late 70s). Behind its colorful facades, while a maze of alleys allows circulating current hotels, giving the city its peculiar physiognomy.
• The Rue Basse du Chateau: This street inherited from medieval times retains one of the last aerial walkways of the city.
• The Golden Cross Street: For centuries, travelers from Italy entered the city through this street. artisanal and aristocratic district until the nineteenth century, many stories are still visible: to notice the wrought iron gates of the hotel Castagnery (No. 18) and the facade of the hotel of the Marches and Bellegarde (No. 19).
• Place de Ville Hotel: the location of the Antonine convent was built in 1860, the City Hall, the symbol of the annexation to France. Part of the square was rebuilt after the 1944 bombing that destroyed 1 / 5th of the city.
• Metropolitan Cathedral St. Francis de Sales :
• The church built in the fifteenth century by the Franciscans became a cathedral in 1779, during the creation of the bishopric of Chambéry.
• It houses the largest collection of paintings in trompe l'oeil in Europe.
• His treasure retains ivory diptych of the twelfth century Byzantine inspiration.
• Its romantic organ directed by Augustin Zeiger (1847) was historical monument in 1988. A complete reconstruction of the instrument becomes unusable was performed by Atelier Pascal Quoirin in 2001. It is among the finest and most important organs of the Rhône-Alpes region, with 50 speaking registers on 3 manuals and pedal.
• Open: Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 11:45 and from 15h to 18h. Sunday from 10 am to 12:15 pm and 2:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.. Place Métropole - Tel. : +33 4 79 33 25 00.
• Guided tours throughout the year as part of the ancient city visits.
• Treasury open on Saturday from 15h to 17h from 15 May to 15 September.
• Auditions organ in July and August at 17:30, preceded by a guided tour at 17h (free).
• The Notre Dame:
• From the vast Jesuit convent, remains only Notre Dame built in the seventeenth century in baroque style.
• Rue Saint Antoine.
• Tel. : +33 4 79 68 96 50.
• Open: Tuesday to Friday from 15h to 18h and Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 and from 15h to 18h30.
• The Church of Lémenc:
• Hill Lémenc is the primary occupation of the town site. The church has a crypt, religious relic among the oldest and most beautiful of Savoy. The pre-Romanesque rotunda of the crypt is extended by a portion of the fifteenth century in which was placed an entombment.
• Address: Boulevard Lemenc.
• Opening: Saturday from 17h to 18h and Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30.
• Tours for groups by reservation at +33 4 79 33 42 47 or +33 4 79 70 15 94.
• The contemporary city:
• Place Courthouse: This vast mineral-site Italian fitted in 2002 by Jean-Jacques Morisseau, together on the same level traffic lanes and pedestrian areas. It is bordered on three sides by impressive buildings: the Clermont Hotel Mont Saint Jean (or Customs) built in the late eighteenth century. by architect Lapret, the courthouse built according to Pierre-Louis Besson plans from 1850 and the Museum of Fine Arts located in the former granary stilted in 1887 by Francis Pelaz. Once in the middle of the square, the statue of Antoine Favre, President of the Senate of Savoy, and his allegories (1865) were relocated Museum side.
• The City of Arts (Aurelio Galfetti and Yann Keromnes - 2002): Built as an innovative process it uses for the first time in France a self-cleaning concrete and has a very studied acoustics. Composed of two volumes connected by a basement that preserves the view of the park and the mountains, the City of Arts houses the RRC (Regional Conservatory) of Chambéry - Pays de Savoie but also the Municipal School of Art, JSEPA (Association for the Promotion of Education and Contemporary Music in Savoy) and numerous musical associations, an auditorium, a concert hall and an exhibition area. Jardin du Verney - Tel. : +33 4 79 60 23 70.
• The district Curial: Old Barracks Infantry of the Napoleonic era built on the model of the Invalides and consists of a large courtyard surrounded by porticos. The rehabilitation of district military (square Curial and cavalry riding) was accompanied by contemporary constructions becoming one of the cultural centers of the city.
• L'Espace Malraux (Mario Botta - 1987): Allowing to host the biggest European shows of theater, music and dance, the Espace Malraux is an essential part of the cultural landscape of the Rhone-Alpes region. The building has a large room of 950 seats in the image of ancient theaters, a scene of 450 m² and a rehearsal room. An "arthouse" cinema, a show ring and two exhibition rooms with special emphasis to the image, meeting facilities, contribute to make this place a place for meetings, exchanges and confrontations full of life and energy. Such. +33 4 79 85 55 43.
• The library Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Aurelio Galfetti -1992): It makes available to the public all the classic documentary materials (books, magazines...) or the cutting edge of technology (records, CDs, CD-ROMs, DVD...) and a multimedia workshop and service for the visually impaired. It also has an important heritage background (illuminated manuscripts). Carre Curial - Tel. +33 4 79 60 04 04. Open: Tuesday and Friday from 12h to 19h; Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 18pm.
• The House of Parks and Mountain.
• The Convention Centre The Armoury (Morisseau Jean-Jacques - 1992): From the former cavalry riding school dating from the Sardinian era (1845), the architect chose to retain the original façade he put highlighted by a huge glass structure. Light and transparency are thus combined to provide warmth and charm, enhanced by the presence of 4 palms of Alicante. A unique and exceptional for all events. conference room with 400 seats. Meeting rooms (room 1 700 m²). 331 Rue de la République - Tel. : +33 4 79 33 30 30 - Email: [email protected]
• Le Phare (Jean-Loup Patriache - 2008): Fairs and exhibitions, business conventions, sports, concerts, shows... New multifunctional equipment capable of hosting large-scale economic events, sports competitions of national or international, renowned artists of shows...
• The statues, parks and gardens:
• The Fountain of the Elephants: Erected in 1838 by sculptor Sappey to pay tribute to General de Boigne (1751-1830) who, having acquired fame and fortune in India, was the great benefactor of Chambéry, his hometown. He made particular piercing Boigne street lined with porticoes to Turin. The four elephants recall the military campaigns of General Indian whose statue dominates the monument.
• The Statue of Brothers Maistre: Produced in 1899 by sculptor Dubois in memory of Joseph and Xavier de Maistre, philosopher and writer, born in Chambéry.
• The Sasson: This monument by sculptor Falguière commemorates an initial attachment of Savoy to France, which took place at the time of the Revolution in 1792. The term "Sasson" Savoyard dialect mean "fat woman".
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Work of Mars-Vallet (1910) located at Clos Savoiroux (bd Lémenc), it represents the solitary walker down to the city.
• The Black Penitents: Built in 1865 to serve as a fixed station to the Black Penitents, a confraternity of lay people who had particular duties to accompany death row inmates and ensure their burial, this monument was renovated in 2007 Recluse suburb. The cross of the Black Penitents is installed since 1861 at the top of Nivolet; it is illuminated at night and serves landmark to Chambery.
• The Round Bush Park and Castle Boigne: landscaped park laid out in 1810 by the General Boigne. Alpine Rose Garden welcoming 6 000 plants representing 83 varieties... Castle early nineteenth century.
• The park Verney: The oldest green area of ​​the city, given to Chambery by Amadeus VI, Count Green, in 1381. Many varieties of trees, plants and floral arrangements create a mosaic of colors.
• The enclosed Savoiroux: Very rich in varieties of trees and shrubs, this park has a beautiful cedar of Lebanon, imposing blue cedars of the Atlas and a magnificent copper beech.
• The garden of the Museum of Natural History: Former garden of the castle, it has a touch and scent garden for the visually impaired, and several remarkable trees: a Corsican pine, a cedar of Lebanon, a Davidia (or tree with pockets money) studded with white bracts when it blooms in June.
• The Calamine Park and Trail Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Climb through the park, very steep, the top of which you can admire Chambéry. A marked trail takes you to the House of Jean-Jacques Rousseau to Charmettes and you can go down through the park Buisson Rond.
• The trompe l'oeil: Technique highly developed Chambéry that are found in churches (Holy Chapel, Cathedral...) on the facades of houses and mansions in the climbs stairs... The Chambéry historical and contemporary Chambéry meet through this technique that the city continues (Maison des Associations...).
• Museum of Fine Arts: Primitives of Savoy (late Middle Ages). Very important collection of Italian paintings from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century (Bartolo di Fredi, Uccello, Guercino) evoking the schools of Siena, Florence, Naples, Bologna, Venice. The French school is also shown around the neoclassical (Xavier de Maistre, Langlois, Peytavin).
• Free access except temporary exhibitions.
• Address: Place du Palais de Justice.
• Tel. : +33 4 79 33 75 03.
• Open every day except Tuesdays and holidays from 10am to 12pm and 14pm to 18pm.
• Free the first Sunday of the month.
• Guided tours.
• The Savoyard museum:
• Housed in the former Franciscan monastery, it presents the Savoy through its archeology, history, ethnography and art.
• Do not miss the murals Cruet (late thirteenth century). Temporary exhibitions.
• Address: Square Lannoy de Bissy.
• Tel. : +33 4 79 33 44 48.
• Les Charmettes, House of Jean-Jacques Rousseau:
• Located in the heart of a preserved valley, the country house where Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived with Madame de Warrens is an important place of literary pilgrimage. Today it is a museum with a garden, built in the spirit of the eighteenth century., Recalls the passion of the philosopher for botany.
• Temporary exhibitions.
• Free admission.
• Address: 890 chemin des Charmettes.
• Tel. : +33 4 79 33 39 44.
• Open every day except Tuesdays and holidays, from October 1 to March 31 from 10h to 12h and 14h to 16h30; 1 April to 30 September from 10am to 12pm and 14pm to 18pm.
• The Museum of Natural History: now closed.
• Surrounded by a botanical garden with remarkable trees, it exhibits interesting specimens in the field mineralogical, zoological, geological and entomological.
• Address: 208 avenue de Lyon.
• Information to the +33 4 79 62 18 68.

Leisure activities

Places of interest, events and festivities.

Main events:

• Carnival in February.
• Days of the vehicle used in March.
• World Tour at the Manege: late March and early April.
• Home Show and Garden - Eco-Energy in April.
• Jumble Spring in April.
• Open Chess Spring: May.
• First Novel Festival: May.
• The Night of museums in May.
• Cirq'ule Festival: in June.
• Market of the Continents: in June.
• Music Festival: June 21
• Fair and Solar Building: late June.
• The Summer of the Castle: June-July-August.
• City Summer: July-August.
• Musical Festivals of Savoy in July and August.
• World Folklore Festival in July.
• International Chess Festival in August.
• Chamber Music Encounters of Bel Air in September.
• Fair Savoy in September.
• Heritage Days, in September.
• Jumble Fall: late September.
• Motor Show: in October.
• International Festival of Comics: in October.
• Comedy Festival: October.
• Real Estate Show: in October.
• The Autumnal's First Novel: in November.
• Living Taste and Terroirs: end of November.
• Christmas market: in December.
• From 4 to 6 october 2024
• 331 rue de la République, Centre de Congrès Le Manège
• 2nd oldest and 3rd most important Comics Festival in France, it has become over the years an major event in the world of comics, recognized for its friendliness with authors and its audience. - The 2023 Guest of Honor is Miss Prickly.

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Between lakes and mountains... Chambéry, ideal base to explore the Alps . Its privileged location promises every day a new field discoveries and adventures in the heart of mountains renowned for their beauty and natural threshold of three parks (Regional Parks Bauges and Chartreuse and the National Park Vanoise), close to the largest ski areas in the Alps, near the largest natural lake in France, Lake Bourget, and an emerald jewel, Lake Aiguebellette and many more lakes smaller but equally charming, such as St. Andrew Lake or Lake of Thuile. Alpine crossroads of Europe, also offers Chambéry Italy and Switzerland a few kilometers of highway for a getaway beyond borders. Chambéry, door 3 3 lakes and parks.

• Lake Bourget:
• At the gates of Chambéry, paradise ducks, birds, fishermen and vacationers, Lake Bourget glacial is the largest natural lake in France. 18 km long, it stretches languidly, oscillating between sea and inland mountain lake.
• Its western shore, uninhabited, inaccessible by land was called wild side: the wide it looks like an island, with its coves and anchorages.
• Its ecosystem has been preserved: the north end of the lake, reedbeds are home to ducks, coots, grebes, moorhens, herons and even a few cormorants.
• In its mountain setting, Lamartine and romantics made it a mecca of French poetry.
• Du Bourget-du-Lac in the Chautagne, through the Savières Canal which connects to the Rhone, Abbey Hautecombe Chambotte, Aix-les-Bains and Revard, around the lake offers many views and sights.
• All water sports are king. Swimming, diving, sailing, are part of everyday in water that reached was 25 °.
• Accessible by bike from Chambéry Green Avenue (10 km).
• Line of beaches: bus from Chambéry to the beaches during the summer.
• Lake Aiguebelette :
• Lake Aiguebelette, small pearl emerald, welcomes you in a natural setting conducive to healing, relaxation and practice sports and outdoor leisure activities.
• 3rd natural lake in France by its size of 545 hectares, is located in the heart of the Avant-Pays Savoyard and the door of the Chartreuse Natural Park.
• Its banks and its pretty slick water triangular decorated with two small islands south remained very wild and authentic. Lake Aiguebelette indeed has a remarkable ecosystem and natural areas classified and protected 70 hectares of reedbeds, meadows, wetlands and aquatic beds afforestation and ensure ecological diversity and quality of the lake water.
• Very popular with fishermen, the lake is bordered by typical sheds and garages in boats, unique heritage in Europe.
• To preserve the purity, serenity and beauty of its waters, various protective measures are implemented and thermal power boats are prohibited.
• The remarkable smoothness of the lake up to 28 ° making it an oasis of relaxation for all ages: its banks, no less than 7 beaches managed, maintained and monitored in the summer are open to swimmers and offer many recreation.
• Lake Saint André:
• Charming Havre, Lake Saint Andre is nestled at the foot of the huge north face of Mont Granier (among the highest cliffs of France - 900 m) and in the heart of the broader Savoyard wine sector whose sunny hillsides give wines the endearing specificity: Abymes, Apremont , Mondeuse Chignin-Bergeron.
• True paradise for fauna and flora, this lake will delight lovers of fishing and walkers will offer a peaceful place for relaxation.
• Accessible by bike from Chambéry Green Avenue (15 km).
• The Regional Natural Park of the Bauges just get the Geopark label:
• Overlooking Chambéry and Lake Bourget, the Bauges has been termed "Regional Park" in 1995. Since then it has maintained its agricultural activities while affirming its vocation for tourism.
• It covers 81,000 ha and 58 municipalities.
• You will discover an unspoilt island, which has tamed the time and escape the crowds. With multiple hamlets, he invites hikers to stroll to discover, at the bend of a road, a barn, a bread oven, a chapel, an oratory or a flower basin...
• On foot, on horseback, with a donkey, cycling, paragliding, skiing or snowshoeing, the Bauges is a land of discovery for walkers of all levels.
• The mountains are home to flora and fauna remarkable and varied, including the National Hunting Reserve and Wildlife Bauges that protects chamois, mountain sheep, marmots, grouse...
• The range of local products (cheese, wine) will delight the palate of gourmets and gourmands. The Bauges Tome and goat cheese "Chevrotin" both awarded the label "Appellation of Origin" combine the excellent wines AOC "Vins de Savoie " in the Combe de Savoie.
• The Bauges is also two stations: The Aillons-Le Margeriaz combination of a resort village and a pleasant stage of snow. Savoie Grand Revard, first Nordic site in France, which has a multi-activity area with three gateways: Féclaz, Revard and St. Francis de Sales .
• Discover the magic of a mountain lake a few kilometers from Chambéry: Lake La Thuile , only natural lake Bauges (874 m).
• The Regional Natural Park of Chartreuse:
• After being (in 1084) the home of Carthusian fathers, the emerald of the Alps, as oft define Stendhal, became a Regional Park in 1995.
• Stretching over 69,000 ha and 52 municipalities between the departments of Isère and Savoie, plains, hills and highlands make it an exceptional territory just a few kilometers from Chambéry.
• Traditionally land of welcome, Chartreuse offers typical and authentic villages in the midst of an omnipresent and majestic nature in everyone and in every season.
• Massif ideal for sports or discovery walks and all the pleasures of snow (snowshoeing, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, sledding...).
• Flora and wildlife are largely represented in this green unspoilt nature and spectacular (bighorn sheep, marmot, snow vole, golden eagles...).
• Also try this territory by tasting its products and strolling from studio to studio, exhibitions in museums, discovery of local crafts that has perpetuated over the years.
• Do not miss the Cirque de Saint-Même, circus spectacular, magical place, the paradise of the Chartreuse.
• The National Park of the Vanoise
• Between glaciers and mountain lakes, a wonder Standing accessed from Chambéry.
• The Vanoise National Park is the oldest national park in France. With its 107 highest altitude lakes at over 3000 m and its twenty glaciers, the Vanoise National Park is a paradise for hikers high level, but it is their not, however, reserved. In its lower parts, walkers of all fitness levels can enjoy the edelweiss, gentians, rhododendrons, or one of the 1 200 other plant varieties listed in the park.
• The fauna is also particularly well developed: there are no fewer than 2,000 ibex and chamois in 5000 the park. But you can also discover smaller mammals such as stoats, weasels or of course the famous groundhogs whose screams will reveal its presence. Vanoise is a choice hunting ground for raptors like golden eagles.
• For more info: Contact the House Parks and Mountain to Chambéry 04 79 60 04. 46

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Related articles Chambéry

Chambery tourism and travel guide

Visit Chambery: highlights and tourist information

France This Way comment: Chambery is a very lively university town which is very pleasant to visit and explore

Chambery is situated in the Savoie department and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region.

Important note

This page features a summary of highlights that you might like to explore near Chambery. For detailed visitor information see the Chambery travel guide .

Tourist classifications for Chambery include "secteur sauvegarde" and "town of art and history" .

Below you can see some of the places that we have visited and reviewed and can recommend when you are sightseeing close to Chambery in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes.

Popular places to visit nearby include Belley at 29 km and Les-7-Laux at 30 km.

Chambery, France: places to visit and attractions

Note that all distances below are 'direct' and real driving distances will be greater!

Aix-les-Bains

Albertville

Menthon Saint Bernard

Veyrier du Lac

Lake Annecy

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Savoie

Arrange a visit to Chambery

Book hotels, car hire and flights.

• Book a visit

Hotels in Chambery

Booking.com: best prices

See Chambery hotels

Reserve excursions

Map of places to visit near chambery, markets in and near chambery.

Market days in Chambery: weekly market: Tuesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday;

• Chambery: market Tuesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday (0km)
• Challes-les-Eaux: market Tuesday & Friday (6km)
• Novalaise: market Wednesday & Sunday (12km)
• Aix-les-Bains: market Wednesday & Saturday all day (14km)
• Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny: market Wednesday (18km)
• La Rochette: market Wednesday (19km)
• Le Pont-de-Beauvoisin: market Monday (20km)
• Lescheraines: market Tuesday - seasonal market only (21km)
• Le Chatelard: market Friday - seasonal market only (21km)
• Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers: market Wednesday (23km)

More information about Chambery, Rhone-Alpes

Tourist attractions near chambery, france.

What to do at Chambery? Some places with official tourist classifications and other places of interest to visit nearby that should provide inspiration if you are visiting Chambery.

• Aquarium du Lac du Bourget (14km)

Recommended detour towns (fr: plus beau détour)

• Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (47km)

Regional Natural Parcs

• Massif des Bauges (21km)
• Chartreuse (22km)

Remarkable gardens

• Les jardins du Prieuré (10km)
• Parc du château du Touvet (23km)
• Jardin du musée Hébert (42km)

Sites of natural beauty

• Mont Granier (11km)
• Lac d'Annecy (38km)
• Roc de Chere (38km)
• Gorges du Fier (38km)
• Mont Veyrier (42km)
• Mont Jalla (43km)
• Col de la Croix-de-Fer (44km)

Amusement park / theme park

• Walibi Rhone Alpes (29km)

Towns of Art and history

• Albertville (39km)
• Annecy (40km)
• Grenoble (45km)

Villages in bloom 4* (fr: ville fleurie)

• Nances (10km)
• Aix-les-Bains (14km)
• Morestel (37km)
• Saint-Gervais (53km)

Geography and distances

Chambery is in the east of France - it is the prefecture (capital) of the Savoie department (general information: Chambery is 454 kilometres from Paris).

Geographical Information

Commune: Chambery

Canton: Chambéry

Arrondissement: Chambéry

Department: Savoie

Region: Rhone-Alpes

New region: Auvergne Rhône-Alpes

Postcode: 73000

Distance to Chambery

from Chambery (prefecture): 1 km

from Paris: 454 km

from Calais: 670 km

from Nice: 233 km

from Bordeaux: 515 km

from Strasbourg: 363 km

Getting here

For driving distances to Chambery from anywhere in France see driving distances and route planner .

We have 19 other places listed as being close (less than kilometres from ): Apremont , Barberaz , Barby , Bassens , Challes-les-Eaux , Cognin , Jacob-Bellecombette , La Motte-Servolex , La Ravoire , Montagnole , Myans , Saint-Alban-Leysse , Saint-Baldoph , Saint-Cassin , Saint-Jean-d'Arvey , Saint-Jeoire-Prieure , Sonnaz , Verel-Pragondran and Vimines .

This page in French: Visiter Chambery

French Places

We can help you visit any town, village or region of France...

Popular & Useful

① Ideas & inspiration ② Maps of France ③ Explore by region ④ Route planner ⑤ Places (by dept.)

France This Way copyright 2006 - 2024

• Cookies & privacy
• Index of places

• Work with Us
• Sierra Leone
• Philippines
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Paragliding
• Healthy Heart
• Food & Drinks

Europe , France , History

Best things to do in chambéry france (plus top tips).

Chambéry France is a charming Alpine town with a population of around 50,000. It is situated in the southeast of France and is a part of the Savoie Mont Blanc region and definitely a place that pleasantly surprised me in all the right ways.

It had everything that I look for in a weekend break, great local food and wine, rich history, friendly people and accessibility in getting there. Not to mention only a short distance from the airport. 

You can visit the medieval Castle of the Dukes of Savoy in the old town and take in the historical exhibits. Then take a short walk over to the 1838 Elephant Fountain that honours the 18th-century general Benoît de Boigne and the Chambéry Cathedral. Before indulging in one of the many local restaurants for lunch with a local Savoie wine. 

If outdoors actives are your thing then head to the nearby Lake du Bourget, France’s largest natural Lake for some hiking, swimming or biking. During the winter season, you have access to several top French Ski resorts within an hour from town. 

Things to do Chambéry

Chambéry France is definitely worth visiting, especially if you appreciate history, fine food and Savoie wines. With so many interesting things to do, see and places to eat, I can understand why it is popular amongst travellers for a European weekend break away. 

To help you get the most out of your time in this charming beautiful Alpine town from historical sites to explore to where to eat and drink.  Let’s explore the best things to do in Chambéry :

Table of Contents

Start your morning at the Fontaine des Éléphants

Fountaine de Elephants is one of the most famous landmarks in Chambéry and not to be missed while in the town. It is a great starting point for your day of exploring this charming town. Built in 1838 at a height of 17.65 meters, the fountain has four elephants, one on each side which all lack their hindquarters (you can only see the two front legs and the head) 

It was constructed to pay tribute to General de Boigne (known as Count Benoît de Boigne) an important figure that helped shape Chambéry history, which if you look closely, is his statue on the very top of the fountain. 

• It gets hectic, so if you want to take great photos go here early in the morning or late afternoon. 

Marvel at the Château des Ducs de Savoie

A 5-10 minute walk just up from the Fontaine des Elephants is one of the most impressive buildings in Chambéry, Château des Ducs de Savoie. Built during the 11th to the 15th century, it is a great place to explore and learn about history, especially about the Savoie region and how it was annexed to France.

Once home to the counts and dukes of Savoy, the stately stronghold has housed the Préfecture and Conseil Général of the Savoie  département since 1860. You can visit a large part, like the La Sainte Chapelle Chateau de Chambery (Also known as the Holy Church), where the Turin Shroud was held between 1502 and 1578. The Tour Trésorerie (Tower), the semi-circular tower with a great staircase and various other areas. 

The gardens and Cour d’Honneur (courtyard) are open free-of-charge but if you are interested in visiting the Holy Chapel and other parts of the castle, you can choose a guided visit with the entrance fee.

Additional Information

• Location : Place du Château, 73000 Chambéry, France
• Opening hrs; 10.30 am – 6.00 pm every day except Mondays.
• Regular guided tours are available and held in different languages. I would advise checking beforehand.
• You can visit the exhibition rooms from Tuesday to Sunday for free.

The best Ski-In Ski-Out Places in France

No one wants to lug their ski’s or snowboard up a hill or through the snow back to their accommodation. [...]

Hôtel de Cordon

Situated on Rue Saint-Real Hotel de Cordon is a 15th-century “Hôtel Particulier” (historic private mansion). That has now been transformed into a speciality Museum that showcases the history of Chambery and the Savoie region.

On its upper floor, there are interactive displays on local culture, heritage, design and town planning. There are also really interesting models and paintings that reflect the changing appearance of the city since medieval times.

I started my walking tour with Chambery Tourism here and it was a great introduction to the city.

Location: 71 Rue Saint-Réal, 73000 Chambéry, France

• Double check when you book your walking tour if this is one of the sites you visit. As most walking tours visit here.

Make sure you have the   right camera   for walking around the Chambery.

Le Musée des Charmettes

One of the top historical attractions in Chambéry is Le Musée de Charmettes , the home that belonged to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who was a famous French philosopher. It is a charming, little house with a surrounding 18th-century garden that is situated on the edge of Chambery City. 

You can see some of Rousseau’s possessions inside the house including a stunning handmade palanquin used by Madame de Warens.

Even though it is just outside of town, around 2kms away, you still feel like you are in the middle of the forest. The mountains and the views of the mountains from the house are splendid and would make the trip up to Les Charmettes worthwhile.

• Location – 890 Chemin des Charmettes, 73000 Chambéry, France
• Open – Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm.
• Closed – Mondays and Bank holidays.
• For 1 euro, you can get an audio guide which is worth it (Available in several languages).
• There is a car park for only 5 or 6 cars, so best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Le Musée des Beaux Arts

If art is your thing then a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts  should be on the top of your to do list in Chambéy France. It is situated near the centre of town across the road from the tourism office and super easy to get to. If you don’t want to walk then you can catch the tram which is only a few minutes walk away.  

The art museum houses a large collection of Italian artworks from between the 1300s and 1700s. As well as works that help us to understand the history of art in the Savoy region. Other than the permanent collection the Musée des Beaux-Arts also holds temporary exhibitions.

• Open – Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 6pm.
• Open –   Until 8pm the first Thursday of the month.
• During temporary exhibitions –  5,50 € Per Person or 2,50 € Concession
• Without temporary exhibition – 3 € Per Person or 1,50 € Concession
• Free for all the first Sunday of the month.
• If you need a break, there is a great coffee shop when you enter the museum, definitely worth a stop before or after your visit. 

Stroll around the Old Town and visit the Local Shops

No one can resist the charm of a city’s Old Town and the one in Chambéry France is no different. A maze of colourful buildings with alleys scattered through and under buildings, local shops line the streets and colourful private mansions are what make the Old Town a great place for wandering around. 

Every corner you turn you find a delightful surprise, it was so pleasant strolling through the Old Town and checking out the shops. You can even do a guided tour, dans le centre Historique de Chambery taking all the historical buildings and sites of the Old Town. 

• If you love cheese then you have to visit La Fromagerie, one of the best local cheese shops in Chambéry and test some of the cheeses.

Lac du Bourget (Lake Bourget)

If you have the time, head to the beautiful Lake du Bourget, France’s largest and deepest natural lake. It is located only 10 kilometres from Chambéry and you can get there easily by public transport or car

Lake du Bourget is a popular holiday destination, with many things to do. You can partake in numerous water sports like sailing, swimming or paddleboarding. If you love cycling you can hire a bike for a few hours and ride parts of the lake.

Looking for other things to do on Lake du Bourget? Then hike one of the peaks beside the lake like the Dent du Chat which has views of Mont Blanc. You can also do  paragliding where you get to take in 360° views overlooking the Riviera des Alps and Lac du Bourget. 

• You can visit Aix-les-Bains at the same time as Lake du Bourget, as it is located on the lake.

Chambéry cuisine

Undoubtedly Chambery has some delicious local cheeses and wine but the city also has an amazing food culture. Influenced by French and Italian, Chambery cuisine is worth trying. With even some of the recipes dating back hundreds of years.

Some of the cuisines to try while in Chambery are diots au vin blanc, which uses a local sausage called the diot. From the Italian influence try crozets, small square pasta pieces made with either wheat or buckwheat flour. You can have it as either a side dish or a main meal.

⇒  If you are interested in visiting the Savoy wine region and tasting unique wines, then look at Savoyard Private Wine-Tasting Tour

Here are a couple of recommendations of places to try Chambery cuisine;

La Forge Des Halles -Central Chambér

If you are looking for somewhere to eat in central Chambéry then pop into La Forge Des Halles. It is not just a restaurant but also a shop that sells products produced and created by locals. You really feel like you are walking into someone’s home, especially as the owner is super friendly and chats with you like she has known you for years.

The menu is simple, homemade and really good, I find that sometimes when there is too much on the menu I start to get confused and not sure what to have. You don’t have that problem here, it is what seasonal vegetables are available and what can be made. 

• This is a great spot if you want to stop for lunch or even a break in between your exploring of the city.

Chateau de Candie – Just out of Chambéry

If you have a car and love food then Château de Candie is a great option for culinary experiences. Château de Candie is a historic restored 14th-century chateau set in a 6 hectare, forest-lined estate overlooking the town of Chambéry.

The chateau offers both accommodation and a fine dining restaurant and on a warm day, you can have your lunch outside on the shaded terrace, which looked stunning. When you combine great food and visit a historical chateau together, it is going to be the perfect setting for a great day. 

The château features a gastronomic restaurant  L’Orangerie which was featured in the Michelin Guide 2017 and is where I had an unforgettable mouthwatering lunch complete with matching wine made on the premises. You can choose from a selection of three set menus, with inventive dishes expertly curated by the chefs or mix and match à la carte to create your journey of unique tastes and flavours.

Stay at Chateau de Candie

The best bit is that if you don’t want to leave this stunning place, you can stay at the Château de Candie . As the Chateau de Candie has guest rooms inspired by historical characters and an outdoor swimming pool if you feel like relaxing in the sun.

⇒   Love Chateau? How about reading more on – The Stunning Chateau de Chantilly, France

Hotels in Chambery

There is a great variety of accommodation and hotels available within Chambery and the Savoie region. You can choose from budget hotels, boutique hotels and even historical Chateaus.

⇒ Check the   current availability   of hotels in the Chambery area of France Chambery.

Want to spend an evening in a unique hotel on top of the French Pyrenees? 

An evening on Pic du Midi – French Pyrenees

An evening on Pic du Midi in the French Pyrenees not only made me feel like I was literally on top of the [...]

Hotel Le Cinq

We stayed at the   Hotel Le Cinq Chambery   for the two nights and had a really lovely time. The hotel was located in the centre and within walking distance to most of the tourist attractions. Hotel Le Cinq Chambery is a 4-star boutique hotel with a heated indoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. They also had good WiFi in all areas, as well as in the rooms. Their service was really great too and they were always happy to help whenever I needed something.

• The main train station was 2 minutes walk and it was super easy to get to and from the hotel and I was carrying my bags and skis.

Petit Hotel Confidential

Alternatively, the  Petit Hotel Confidentiel   is another great option for accommodation in Chambery. It is located in the old town and only 5 minutes walk away from Château des Ducs. Petit Hotel Confidentiel   is a stunning boutique hotel that has been completely renovated and restored

It is considered to be the best hotel in France Chambery. Not just for its history but for contemporary decor and architecture. I had a personal tour inside the hotel and it was beautiful. I loved the quirkiness and the individual details of every room, none of them were the same.  

• The hotel offers bicycle and car rental service upon request.

Getting to Chambéry

It is located in the Savory Rhone-Alpes region and near both Switzerland and Italian borders. You have several options in getting to Chambery, without any hassles. 

Due to Chambery’s ideal location, near the Alps, it is a popular airport used for getting to some of the best ski resorts in France. Some of these resorts are Saint-Foy, Arc 1600, Tignes and Vaujany .

Chambery Airport

Chambéry Airport (also known as Chambéry Aix-les-Bains Airport ) is only 10kms away from the city centre. However, Paris to Chambery is the only direct flight all year round there. During the ski season (December to April) though you can get direct flights from the UK to Chambéry.

Another option is to fly to one of several International airports nearby to Chambéry France. Making it very accessible all year around. These are Lyon, Geneva and Grenoble, it really depends on where you are flying from and what flights are available.

⇒ If you are flying from any UK airport to Chambery, instantly save on airport parking before you leave. 

Driving to Chambery

Driving to Chambéry is easily reached by motorway with most of the roads being highways with tolls and signs. London to Chambery is roughly around a 10-hour drive (1028 km). If you are driving from Paris to Chambery it should be about 5-6 hours drive (569 km).

Hiring a Car

Alternatively, I would suggest hiring a car in Chambery or at any of the airports. Then you can use it to get around all those top sites and the Savoie wine region. As well as use it for day trips from Chambery to places like Aix-les-Bains, Annecy or even Geneva. 

⇒   Check out Travel Supermarket for  FREE , easy   fast comparison on car rental in Chambery. 

Getting a train 

You can catch a train (TGV services) which is what I did as I was in Chambery for a weekend break between ski trips in Les Gets Ski Resort and Les Arc France. The train is super easy, not too expensive and the station is in the centre of town.

If you are coming internationally from Europe like the UK, Belgium, or Netherlands then all you need to do is get a train to Paris which is roughly a 3 hour journey. A change in Lyon can also be a good alternative.

⇒  Check out why these are The best Ski-In Ski-Out Places in France  

• The new TGV line service from Lyon-Turin TGV will cut the journey time from Chambéry to Milan (Italy) to under 3 hours and Chambéry to Paris to 2½ hours. You will need to check with the station when this will be opened. 

Popular trips from Chambery

Due to Chambery’s location in the Savoie region, you have endless options for visiting other cities and tours. One of the closest cities is Aix-les-Bain, which is only 20 minutes away. Here are some popular options for day trips from Chambery and tours you can do in each city.

• Annecy – 58.8 kms: Wine and Cheese Tasting Experience in Annecy  
• Lyon – 110.6 kms: Lyon Old Town Food Tour
• Grenoble – 58.2 kms:  Take a ride on the Grenoble-Bastille Cable Car
• Geneva – 87.7 kms:  Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva

More Tips for a trip to Chambery

• Tours; Why not take a private walking tour of Chambery and learn the history
• Public transport ; get a 24-hour or 7-day ticket providing unlimited travel all around Chambery.
• Have 24hr access to the internet for looking up things to do and maps with a 4G SIM Card.   
• For additional things to do, you can  visit the Chambery tourism office. There are two locations, one in the city centre, next to the Palais de Justice, and the other sales office in the Boulevard du Musée.
• There are almost 80 km of cycle routes throughout the Chambéry region , so hire a bike and go exploring. Not only will you have fun but you can keep fit too.
• The currency used in the Savoie Mont Blanc France area is the euro

Video Highlights of what to do in Chambéry

Discover Savoie Mont-Blanc France

Want to discover other areas within Savoie Mont-Blanc France in Summer ? Below are some great articles on options especially if you love the outdoors and the French Alps;

• Les Gets France – What do to in Summer
• Morzine France –   A summer guide, full of endless activities  
• Chatel France –   A village preserved in time

⇒  Make sure to have the correct travel insurance before exploring Savoie France. You can compare for   FREE   insurance and check what’s in the policy.

Thank you for reading this article about Chambery France , I hope it helped you in deciding what to do. It is truly a beautiful place to explore especially for a weekend.

⇒ Here are some other fun things you can book in advance before heading to Chambery.

Have you been to Chambéry France or the Savoie area before? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments. Or do you know any other places to see while in Chambéry or the surrounding area?

Disclaimer:   Even though I was guest of the Chambéry Tourism office   and  Savoie Mont Blanc .   All views are my own and based on my own experience. 

“This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.”  For further details, you can view our   Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions   or contact me directly. 

You may also like

Summer Guide Top Things to Do Chatel France

What to do at Chateau de Chantilly France

5 Interesting Things To Do in Nantes France

Please feel free to share.

I am Mel B an indigenous Australian with dual citizenship. I am now a full-time travel blogger and content creator at MelBTravel. Writing about Adventure, Mountains, History, UK & Healthy Heart "Not letting a Defibrillator/Pacemaker & Sarcoidosis Limit Me"

37 thoughts on “ Best Things to do in Chambéry France (Plus Top Tips) ”

This is a great guide. The Chapel looks beautiful and the l’Orangerie restaurant looks like my kind of restaurant.

Thank you very much, I had a lovely guide with me who showed me around this stunning place

Mel what a lovely place! Those elephants powering through stone look tremendous. Some kind of illusion, really eye-popping. Looks like a good walking town too which is big for me.

Thanks for sharing 🙂

Thank you so much, Ryan, I always appreciate your support and kind words. I highly recommend going here especially if you love history and food.

I love France! Chambery looks beautiful, just the kind of place we love for a long weekend, enjoying the historical architecture, the local food markets, and all the great food and wine. Plus I adore elephants so now you’ve shown us the elephant fountain, I NEED to see it!!

I highly recommend Chambery it is such a lovely city to explore. You will definitely love it there if you like elephants. Let me know if you go, as I am always happy to help

Oh my god this makes me want to GOOO!! We’ve only been to Paris in France and I am itching to get to other destinations and see what is going on and this is a great introduction! Do you need to know a lot of French to get around or will you find people will speak English? Thank you for the recommendations!

Yes, most people speak very good English there and Italian and it is a super easy place to get around. The local restaurants and wine was definitely amazing. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

That poached egg looks absolutely divine! And I love that you got to experience a different side of France, less crowded than Paris but definitely still very charming!

I just loved the food there and they called that item the perfect egg which was pretty correct. You are right it is definitely not busy like Paris and very charming.

What a charming city, pretty city. I have to admit l had never heard of this place before but definitely keen to check it out when in France. That food looks amazing!!!

If you love food then you will love this place it is so lovely and nice. Definitely add it to your France list

I really need to get out to France again and explore more than just Paris! The food here looks amazing – that poached egg looks cooked to perfection. I’d love to see the elephant statue too since I love elephants! Any idea what the significance of the elephants is or what the connection of elephants to the person that statue is meant to commemorate?

Even though I do love Paris there is definitely is so much more when you do get outside there. Yes the elephants are to do with someone is used his money to give to the city and how he spent time in India.

What a cracking post and one so close to home. I live in Lindon and always on the look out for destination in France. This is perfect. Art food and culture. Thanks for sharing. Beautifully written with great visuals that compliment the post. A must visit I say.

Thank you very much, I appreciate your kind words. This is definitely a great spot for a couple of nights stay. I loved the food and the wine so much there

What a lovely place. The Fontaine des Éléphants, Le Musée des Charmettes and the local restaurant, the pictures of these places really mesmerized me. The weekend getaways like this every once in a while keeps heart pumping. Great pictures.

Thank you very much in regards to my pictures, it is a great place to take pictures off. Definitely add it to your list

I feel there’s so much of France to discover, I’ve only been to a couple of places, and each time I read an article I want to go to a new region. The colorful houses of Chambery reminded me of Italy. I’d like to take a walk in Rousseau’s garden!

I just love France it is a amazing place and somewhere I would love to live in the future.

This looks like a lovely town to just walk around and relax while slowly taking in the sights. That elephant fountain looks lovely and I loved the Chapel for its architecture. I could spend time absorbing the various corners of this place for there seems to be so much to see. Also, the museum will occupy a lot of my time too. Lovely read

This is a great city to wandering around in and get lost. Definitely add it to your list

Looks absolutely beautiful! As a European living in the U.S. I have started to miss these towns full of old historical buildings. France is definitely Europe as its best, and there is so much to see. Even this place which was not familiar to me before reading this.

Oh this place is just so pretty, you must add it to your list.

Oh my! I don’t know whether to start with the architecture, the history, or the food! You have described such a lovely backdrop for a long weekend stopover. France is always such a draw as a destination, but I love that you have shared this wonderful city-a place to visit that is a little more off the beaten path, and so beautiful in so many ways.

I hope that you get to go one day Carrie, as it is a beautiful place 🙂

Chambery looks like a perfect place for romantic gateway! I love that view from the top! I really need to visit more of France to discover such a gems like this one! I am such a cheese lover so I would definetly check out that La Fromagerie place you recommend! And the hotel looks great as well., love that pool!

Chambery is a beautiful little gem of a place, you must go there, especially if you love cheese

Chambery looks perfect weekend destination with many attractions. It has majestic buildings, collections of Art, colorful houses along narrow streets to wander around, beautiful hillsides. Rousseau’s possessions looks precious and well preserved.

Chambery looks like a place really worth visiting. I especially like the Elephant Fountain. You also really enticed me with your description of Chateau de Candie. We will definitely stay there if we go to visit Chambery.

Chambery was such a charming place to visit and definitely would head back in a heartbeat. I hope you get there one day

Great roundup here! So much to do in such a charming and beautiful destination. Great post, thanks for the tips!

I’m not a big fan of Paris. I really feel all the smaller towns of France are so much more beautiful than Paris. Quite amusing to see Elephant fountain in a country where there are no elephants! The old town looks incredibly beautiful. I’d easily set aside half a day to stroll here.

We’ Been to Savoie several times but never stopped in Chambery. Now reading this post of yours makes us want to go there eight away! Thanks for inspiring us to visit this lovely town!

I hope that you get over to Chambery it is such a great spot for a couple of days exploring.

Chambery looks amazing and oh so charming. I totally would like to visit the Fountain de Elephants first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists. I totally would love to visit the art museum and check out the collection of works. Would be such a wonderful way to learn about the history of the Savoy Region!

This place looks gorgeous! Such a beautiful landscape as well as the architecture. I would love to see the Château des Ducs de Savoie. I think it’s great when you get an area that offers incredible history & architecture but also a place to unwind and take in nature, like Lake Bourget which doesn’t sound far away at all. And I’m all for lots of cycle trails too! Gorgeous.

Comments are closed.

Must-see attractions in Chambéry

Ville Ancienne

Chambéry's medieval Old Town reveals its beauty gradually. Rush through its lanes and you risk missing hidden courtyards, murals and well-preserved 14th-…

Cathédrale St-François de Sales

All is not as it seems inside Chambéry's 15th-century Franciscan cathedral, decorated with 6000 sq metres of trompe l’œil painting. The largest such…

Château des Ducs de Savoie

Medieval walls, Gothic tracery, trompe l'oeil detailing…Chambéry's château has acquired a wealth of styles since its founding in the 11th century. Once…

Fontaine des Éléphants

With its four carved elephants, this 17.6m-high fountain looks like the model for an old Indian postage stamp. It was sculpted in 1838 in honour of…

Musée des Charmettes

Geneva-born philosopher, composer and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a key figure of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, lived the happiest years…

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Occupying a former corn exchange, Chambéry's grand fine-arts museum exhibits mostly 14th- to 18th-century Italian works. There's a particular emphasis on…

Musée Savoisien

Due for a grand reopening in 2020, this museum housed in a Franciscan monastery was closed to undergo a massive renovation when we passed through. When it…

Hôtel de Cordon

This former hôtel particulier (historic private mansion) has interactive displays on local culture on its upper floor. It's also the starting point for…

More destinations you need to see

Price unavailable