Chambéry is located not far from the Three Valleys, where popular ski resorts such as Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens are situated. This place resembles a typical European medieval town. Its charm is felt from the first moments, with neat houses, picturesque French streets, cute signs – all reminiscent of a fairytale magical city, inhabited exclusively by princes and princesses. Let’s take a stroll through Chambéry today, admire its architecture, and learn more about this city.
Walking in Chambery.
The city center is like medieval Europe itself, with a romantic atmosphere prevalent everywhere, buildings of ancient architecture, semi-ruined and made of ancient materials. The historic center is often compared to neighboring Italy. And indeed, these ancient streets were intersected by the famous Tour de France bicycle races.
The town of Chambéry is very cozy and compact – the entire Old Town can easily be explored in two hours. In this very short time, you can learn what makes this cozy place in the Rhône-Alpes region famous, besides the races.
One of the most beautiful places in the city is considered to be the fountain with life-size elephants. It was built in honor of a count, the patron of the town, who found himself in India. Our General de Boigne served various kings and maharajas, distinguished himself everywhere. Before retiring, the count endowed the city with a theater, a hospital, a bunch of other buildings, and the people who loved him built the elephants in his honor.
Walking in Chambery you can come across an amazing balcony. The 14th-century balcony-bridge is the oldest in the city. All the others were destroyed because of the threat of rapid ignition in case of a fire. Now it belongs to one family, having apartments on both sides of the street.
It was in this city that the famous philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote his Declaration of the Rights of Man, and his house is also located here and can be visited.
In some courtyards of the city stand unusual houses called Particuliers, once serving as residences for the wealthy. Prosperous citizens invited guests to their homes, sometimes for the entire season. Such a Particulier had rooms for servants, a garage, and a storeroom.
The word Particulier means “private house”, and only later did it come to mean a hotel. These courtyards had the shape of wells, and the houses were in the form of squares. The facades of the windows are interesting, diverse, and somewhat mysterious.
French people love to paint on houses, why? If you look at the scale of millennia, not so long ago, an impressive part of the urban population was illiterate. Painted signs, pictures on houses are often found on dark streets in any European city. All this is intended for those who never received an education.
Throughout its history, Chambéry has been visited not only by the French but also by the Italians. By the way, the Turin Shroud was once kept here, but later, when Savoy joined Italy, the capital was moved to Turin, and the shroud was moved there too.
The pride of the city is the castle of the Dukes of Savoy, on the Montjay hill. Walking in Chambery, climb up, and you’ll have a breathtaking view.
Chambéry is truly a medieval city, rich in hidden courtyards, passages, alleys, reminiscent of distant and difficult days for Europe.
If you are looking for more whimsical and picturesque towns in the Rhône-Alpes, then my posts might interest you: What to see in Lyon, How to spend time in Grenoble, and Fairy-tale Flair of Annecy. Include these cities in your itinerary, and you will be rewarded with beautiful memories!
How to get to.
By Air: Chambery Airport (Chambéry Airport) serves as the primary gateway for those flying into the region. Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, the airport offers both domestic and international flights, particularly during the winter season when it becomes a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. From the airport, you can easily reach Chambery via taxi, shuttle bus, or rental car. Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights if you are traveling from another country.
By Train: Chambery is well-connected by train, with frequent services operating from major cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Geneva. The city’s train station, Gare de Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux, is centrally located, making it convenient for travelers arriving by rail. High-speed TGV trains provide efficient connections, allowing you to reach Chambery from Paris in just over three hours.
By Car: For those preferring the flexibility of a road trip, driving to town offers the opportunity to soak in the breathtaking scenery along the way. The city is easily accessible via the A41 motorway, connecting it to Lyon, Grenoble, and other neighboring cities. Whether you’re traveling from within France or crossing the border from Switzerland or Italy, Chambery’s well-maintained road network ensures a smooth journey. I highly recommend traveling by car, as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
The most interesting hotels – Walking in Chambery.
Hotel Le Clos du Lac: Tucked away amidst lush greenery and overlooking the serene Lake Bourget, Hotel Le Clos du Lac exudes tranquility and elegance. This charming boutique hotel features individually designed rooms adorned with antique furniture and modern amenities. Guests can unwind in the enchanting garden, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or indulge in gourmet cuisine at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, which showcases the finest regional ingredients.
Le Chateau de Candie: Perched atop a hill overlooking Chambery, Le Chateau de Candie is a magnificent 14th-century castle-turned-hotel that epitomizes luxury and grandeur. Each lavishly decorated room reflects the castle’s rich history, featuring ornate furnishings, plush bedding, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can immerse themselves in the opulent ambiance of the castle, stroll through the manicured gardens, or savor delectable French cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Best Western Alexander Park: Offering contemporary comfort amidst the stunning Alpine scenery, Best Western Alexander Park is a modern oasis for travelers seeking convenience and style. The hotel boasts spacious rooms with sleek design elements, state-of-the-art amenities, and panoramic windows that frame captivating views of the mountains. Guests can relax in the wellness center, unwind in the sauna or steam room, and enjoy delicious meals at the hotel’s restaurant, which specializes in fusion cuisine inspired by local flavors.
Les Suites de l’Hotel de Sautet: Housed within a meticulously restored 18th-century townhouse in the heart of Chambery’s historic district, Les Suites de l’Hotel de Sautet offers a unique blend of heritage and contemporary luxury. Each suite is exquisitely appointed with modern furnishings, elegant decor, and original architectural features, providing guests with a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. With its central location, guests can explore Chambery’s cultural treasures, boutique shops, and charming cafes just steps away from the hotel.
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