Chambéry Travel Guide

Join us as we take you on an amazing tour of Chambéry, including stunning natural attractions, culturally significant buildings and museums, and the best things to see, do and eat in the region.


Introduction to Chambéry

Chambéry is a charming city located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in south-eastern France. It is a hidden gem that is yet to be discovered by many tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience with fewer crowds. Chambéry is known for its picturesque architecture, mountainous landscapes, beautiful lakes, and rich history. The city is home to a vibrant culture, a pleasant climate, and friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Chambéry

Here are some of the must-see sites and attractions in Chambéry:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Château de Chambéry: A striking castle that has been home to Savoy Dukes for centuries and built-in a charming Gothic style. The romanesque San Giovanni Battista church on the site offers hours of delight.

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts: A beautiful 19th-century building that houses an art museum of national recognition.

  • Cathédrale Saint-François-de-Sales: A gorgeous church featuring neo-Gothic architecture and an array of colorful glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Chambéry: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lac du Bourget: A large blue lake located on the northern edge of Chambéry, which it shares with Aix-les-Bains. It offers various water activities such as swimming, sailing, fishing, and kayaking.

  • Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges: A stunning nature reserve features jaw-dropping views of rugged mountains, hiking trails, and fresh water lakes.

  • Les Marches: The town of Les Marches is the starting point for a beautiful walking trail to the Cirque de Saint-Même, which is a natural canyon featuring waterfalls, and indigenous wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chambéry

There are various biking and hiking trails around Chambéry that offer magnificent scenery of the Alps. These include:

  • Le Revard: A popular spot for alpine skiing in the winter and for hiking in the summer.

  • La Croix du Nivolet: A stunning biking route located on Mount Nivolet, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

  • Chartreuse: A picturesque limestone massif featuring hiking trailheads, waterfalls, and stunning panoramic views.

Best Things to Do in Chambéry: Activities and Tours

There are various thrilling activities to do in Chambéry from sightseeing to adventurous activities like paragliding. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Take a Segway Tour in Chambéry: Enjoy a magical sightseeing experience of the city on Segway, and discover the hidden treasures of Chambéry.

  • Explore the city on Foot: Take a leisurely walk around the old town, and explore the charming pedestrian streets, historic monuments, and beautiful gardens.

  • Admire the cityscape from the Aiguille Diamant: Head out to the Aiguille Diamant, which is a rock formation in the Bauges Massif, offering incredible views of the city and the French Alps.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chambéry

For those looking to explore Chambéry, here is a suggested seven-day itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Explore the city on foot exploring the attractive landmarks
2 Visit the Château de Chambéry
3 Go paragliding in the Bauges massif
4 Discover the Lac du Bourget
5 A hike in the Chartreuse Mountains
6 Try the local cuisine and local wine
7 Relax on Lake Bourget’s beaches

Food and Drink Scene of Chambéry

Chambéry is famous for its cuisine, top-quality wines, and local cheese offerings.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tartiflette: A type of gratin made with potatoes, lardons, Reblochon cheese, and onions. It is a Savoyard tradition and beloved in Chambéry.

  • Raclette: A classic French dish comprising cheese melted on a grill and served over potatoes with ham.

  • Crozet: A regional Savoyard pasta dish made from buckwheat that is served with melted cheese and potatoes.

Local Beverages

Chambéry is renowned for its drink, featuring local wines, and other traditional drinks.

  • Chartreuse: A herbal alcoholic drink produced by Chartreuse monks that can be tasted and tested in bars and markets in Chambéry.

  • Vin de Savoie: A white wine produced from grapes obtained from the Savoie vineyards. It is an excellent accompaniment to the local cuisine and found everywhere in Chambéry.

Where to Stay in Chambéry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Chambéry has various accommodation options from budget hotels to luxurious boutique hotels.

  • Ibis Styles Chambéry Centre Gare: A budget-friendly hotel located near the railway station, offers comfortable rooms and breakfast.

  • Mercure Chambéry Centre: A luxury hotel located in the heart of the city with incredible views of the old town.

  • Les Saint-Pères: A chic guesthouse situated in a stunningly restored 18th-century mansion next to the beautiful countryside and vineyards.

What to Buy in Chambéry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Chambéry is also known for its shopping scene that boasts unique local products, souvenirs, and artisanal items.

  • Reblochon Cheese: A popular cheese made in Savoy that is creamy and delicious. It is worth bringing home as a souvenir.

  • Chartreuse Herbal Liquor: Another product that Chambéry is renowned for is the Chartreuse Herbal liquor produced from the French Alps organic fruits, and various spices.

Local Culture and Customs of Chambéry

Chambéry is steeped in history and tradition. The locals are proud of their heritage and speak in a distinct dialect. They are also passionate about sports and outdoor activities, with skiing and biking being particularly popular.

Best Time to Visit Chambéry

The best time to visit Chambéry is during summer when the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The town is packed with tourists during the festivities in winter and becomes suitable for skiing activities in the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chambéry

Do:

  • Do bring a comfortable pair of shoes as the city is perfect for walking tours.

  • Do try the local cuisine, the wine, and liquor if you have a chance.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be disrespectful of the local customs and traditions.

  • Don’t leave your valuables unattended.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chambéry

Chambéry is generally a safe place to visit. However, tourists must remain vigilant and take precautions against petty crime such as pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist destinations.

Health in Chambéry

Visitors from outside the European Union should have a valid International Health Certificate for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The medical infrastructure in Chambéry is excellent, with well-equipped hospitals and clinics.

Getting to Chambéry: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chambéry

Chambery Airport (CEY) is the nearest airport, approximately 7km outside the center city.

Bus Stations Near Chambéry

Chambéry bus station is a ten-minute walk from the city center and offers national and international bus services.

Other Options

The train station at Chambery-Challes-les-Eaux provides frequent train services to various areas in France, including Paris.

How to Get Around in Chambéry

Walking is a perfect way to get around the city, and bike rental facilities are available for cycling on the bike-friendly streets. Local buses are also an affordable way to explore nearby areas of interest.

Where to Go Next from Chambéry: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Chambéry offers many fantastic nearby sites worth visiting, including the following:

  • Annecy: A picturesque town located on the shore of France’s third-largest lake and renowned for its pastel-colored houses and canals.

  • Aix-les-Bains: A beautiful spa town known for thermal baths, casinos, and outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking, and cycling.

  • Albertville: A small town located halfway between Chambéry and Annecy and famous for being a starting place for winter sporting activities.

Conclusion

Chambéry is an underrated destination that has a lot to offer. It’s a fantastic holiday destination for tourists looking for scenic escapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. This guide should give you an overview of the must-see attractions, activities, and information on how to plan your visit. Plan your trip but be prepared to fall in love with this hidden gem!

The Place of the elephants in Chambéry old town The Place of the elephants in Chambéry old town Rotonde ferroviaire de Chambéry (railway roundhouse of Chambéry) Rotonde ferroviaire de Chambéry (railway roundhouse of Chambéry) Roofs of the historical centre of Chambéry Roofs of the historical centre of Chambéry Curtains showing a scene from the legend of Orpheus, in the théâtre Charles Dullin Curtains showing a scene from the legend of Orpheus, in the théâtre Charles Dullin