Chambéry, France, is a charming Alpine town with a population of around 50,000. It is situated in the southeast of France and is part of the Savoie Mont Blanc region. Chambéry pleasantly surprised me in all the right ways. It had everything I look for in a weekend break: great local food and wine, rich history, friendly people, and accessibility—not to mention its proximity to the airport and ski resorts.
Le Musée de Charmettes – Chambéry France
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 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 outdoor activities are your thing, head to the nearby Lake du Bourget, France’s largest natural Lake, for some hiking, swimming or biking. During winter, you can access several top French Ski resorts within an hour of town.
Things to do in Chambéry
Chambéry, France, is worth visiting, especially if you appreciate its 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, France:
The perfect poached egg – Chambéry
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 (Count Benoît de Boigne), an important figure who helped shape Chambéry’s history. His statue is at the very top of the fountain.
Tip
- It gets hectic, so if you want to take great photos, go here early in the morning or late afternoon.
The Elephant Fountain – One of the top things to see in Chambéry, France
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) is a semi-circular tower with a grand staircase and various other areas.
The gardens and the Cour d’Honneur (courtyard) are free to visit. However, a guided tour of the Holy Chapel and other castle areas requires an entrance fee. The exhibition rooms are open for free from Tuesday to Sunday.
Make sure to wear comfortable, lightweight shoes that are suitable for walking around Chambéry.
Château des Ducs de Savoie 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.
Walking around the Old Town – – Chambéry France
Visit Hôtel de Cordon
Hotel de Cordon is a 15th-century “Hôtel Particulier” (historic private mansion) on Rue Saint-Real. It has now been transformed into a Museum showcasing Chambery’s history and the Savoie region. On its upper floor, there are interactive displays on local culture, heritage, design, and town planning. Some interesting models and paintings reflect the city’s changing appearance since medieval times.
I started my walking tour from here with Chambery Tourism, and it was a great introduction to the city. However, double-check when you book your walking tour to see 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.
Location: 71 Rue Saint-Réal, 73000 Chambéry, France
Le Musée des Charmettes
One of the top historical attractions in Chambéry is Le Musée de Charmettes, the home of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a famous French philosopher. This charming little house, with a surrounding 18th-century garden, is situated on the edge of Chambery City. You can see some of Rousseau’s possessions inside the house, including a stunning handmade palanquin by Madame de Warens.
Even though it is just outside town, around 2 km 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.
Top Tips
- 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 it is best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Le Musée de Charmettes Additional Information
- Location – 890 Chemin des Charmettes, 73000 Chambéry, France
- Open – Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm.
- Closed – Mondays and Bank holidays.
- Entry is Free
The Gardens Le Musée de Charmettes – Chambéry France
Le Musée des Beaux Arts
If you like art, a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts should be at the top of your to-do list in Chambéy, France. It is located in the town centre, across the road from the tourism office, and is easy to get to. If you don’t want to walk, you can catch the tram, which is only a few minutes away.
The art museum houses many Italian artworks from the 1300s to the 1700s, as well as works that help us understand the history of art in the Savoy region. In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée des Beaux-Arts also holds temporary exhibitions. Musée des Beaux-Arts is free on the first Sunday of the month.
If you need a break, there is a great coffee shop inside the museum, and it is worth stopping by before or after your visit.
Musée des Beaux-Arts Additional Information
- Open – Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm.
- Closed – Mondays and Bank holidays.
- Open – Until 8 pm 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
Inside the Musée des Beaux-Arts – Chambéry France
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 make the Old Town a great place for wandering around.
Every corner you turn offers a delightful surprise. Strolling through the Old Town and checking out the shops was so pleasant. You can even take a guided tour of the historical buildings and sites of the Old Town, dans le centre Historique de Chambery.
Top Tip
If you love cheese, you must visit La Fromagerie, one of the best local cheese shops in Chambéry, and try some cheeses.
Go to 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? You can hike one of the peaks beside the lake, like the Dent du Chat, which offers views of Mont Blanc.
Top Tip
You can visit Aix-les-Bains at the same time as Lake du Bourget, located on the lake.
Photo Provided by Chambery Tourism – Lac Bourget © Chambery – G Garofolin
Eat 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. Some of the recipes even date back hundreds of years.
Some 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. Here are a couple of recommendations of places to try Chambery French cuisine;
⇒ If you are interested in visiting the Savoy wine region and tasting unique wines, then look at the Savoyard Private Wine-Tasting Tour
Eating at Château de Candie – Chambery cuisine
La Forge Des Halles -Central Chambér
If you want to eat in central Chambéry, visit La Forge Des Halles. It is a restaurant and a shop selling products produced and created by locals. Walking into the shop feels like entering someone’s home, especially because the owner is super friendly and chats with you like she has known you for years.
The menu is simple, homemade, and really good. Sometimes, when there is too much on the menu, I get confused and unsure what to have. You don’t have that problem here; it is about what seasonal vegetables are available and what can be made.
Top Tip
This is a great spot to stop for lunch or even take a break while exploring the city.
La Forge Des Halles Chambéry France
Chateau de Candie – Just out of Chambéry
Château de Candie is a great culinary experience if you have a car and love food. 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 looks stunning. When you combine great food and visit a historical chateau together, it will be the perfect setting for a great day.
The château features a gastronomic restaurant, L’Orangerie, featured in the 2017 Michelin Guide. I had an unforgettable, mouthwatering lunch there, complete with matching wine made on the premises. You can choose from 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
L’Orangerie Château de Candie – Chambéry France
Hotels in Chambery France
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 on Agoda for the Chambery area of France.
Hotel Le Cinq
We stayed at Hotel Le Cinq Chambery for two nights and had a lovely time. This 4-star boutique hotel is in the centre and within walking distance of most tourist attractions. It has a heated indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel also has good Wi-Fi in all areas and the rooms. Their service was great, too, and they were always happy to help whenever I needed something.
The main train station was 2 minute’s 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 completely renovated and restored.
This is considered the best hotel in France Chambery, France, not just for its history but also for its contemporary decor and architecture. I had a personal tour of the hotel, and it was beautiful. I loved every room’s quirkiness and individual details; none of them were the same. The hotel offers bicycle and car rental services upon request for guests.
The Indoor swimming pool Hotel Le Cinq – Chambéry
Getting to Chambéry France
It is located in the Savory Rhone-Alpes region and near both Switzerland and Italian borders. You have several options for getting to Chambéry without any hassles. Due to Chambery’s ideal location, near the Alps, it is a popular airport 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 just 10 kilometres from the city centre. Throughout the year, the only direct flight to Chambéry is from Paris. However, during the ski season, which runs from December to April, direct flights are also available from the UK to Chambéry, France.
Another option is to fly to one of several International airports near Chambéry. Making it very accessible all year around. These are Lyon, Geneva and Grenoble. It depends on where you are flying from and what flights are available. If you are flexible with airports and dates, check out flight options on Supermarket.
⇒ 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 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 (569 km).
Hiring a Car
Alternatively, I suggest hiring a car in Chambery or at airports. Then, you can use it to explore all the top sites and the Savoie wine region. You can also take day trips from Chambery to places like Aix-les-Bains, Annecy, or Geneva.
⇒ Check out Travel Supermarket for FREE, easy, fast comparison on car rental in Chambery.
Visiting the Vineyards- Chambéry France
Getting a train
You can catch a train (TGV services), which I took in Chambery for a weekend break between ski trips to Les Gets Ski Resort and Les Arc, France. The train is easy and inexpensive, and the station is in the town centre.
If you come from outside Europe, such as the UK, Belgium, or the Netherlands, you can take a train to Paris for roughly three hours. A change in Lyon can also be a good alternative. The TGV line service from Lyon-Turin will cut the journey from Chambéry, France, to Milan (Italy) to under three hours and Chambéry to Paris to 2½ hours. You must check with the station when this service will be opened.
Popular trips from Chambery, France
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, 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 km: Private Walking Tour of Annecy’s Historical Center
- Lyon – 110.6 km: Lyon Old Town Food Tour
- Geneva – 87.7 km: Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva
I recommend bringing a day backpack and a reusable water bottle to explore Chambéry, France’s top attractions.
Highlights of what to do in Chambéry, France
More Tips for Visiting 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, which provides unlimited travel all around Chambery.
- Have 24-hour access to the internet to look 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 explore. Not only will you have fun, but you’ll also keep fit.
⇒ 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.
Inside a Chamber church
Ski resort near Chambery, France
Check out these winter guides for the top ski resorts near Chambéry, France, around a 2-hour drive away.
- Morzine Ski Resort France – Winter Guide
- Arc 1600 – Winter Holiday Guide for Les Arcs Resort
- Sainte Foy Tarentaise Ski Resort Guide
Thank you for reading this article about Chambery, France. I hope it helped you decide what to do. It is truly a beautiful place to explore, especially during the weekend. Here are some other fun things you can book 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 in Chambéry or the surrounding area?
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Disclaimer: Even though I was a guest at the Chambéry Tourism office and the Savoie Mont Blanc. All views are based on my experience.
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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 🙂
Ryan
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.