Let's discover Chambéry, an Alpine gem of colorful facades and cobblestone streets. An ideal mountain destination to spend the summer in the fresh air! A city in a natural setting - that's exactly what Chambéry is! More than that, it's also a call to discovery, an invitation to immerse yourself in a rich heritage, cradled by the majesty of the surrounding peaks. Have we whetted your appetite? Then let's set off together to discover the 11 must-do things to do in Chambéry.
1. Chambéry's old town and Place Saint-Léger
To set foot in Chambéry's historic center is to plunge into the heart of Piedmont-inspired architecture, rich in varied decorations. Here, trompe-l'œil and wrought-iron work shape a city like no other. Jealously preserved, this exceptional heritage offers an urban ensemble marked by water and narrow alleys linking courtyards and private mansions. Don't hesitate to book a guided tour to discover the city's best spots. These include the Rue de Boigne, linking the Elephant Fountain to the Château des Ducs de Savoie. But the real historic heart of the city is Place Saint-Léger, a lively center surrounded by colorful facades.
2. The Elephant Fountain, an unusual setting in Chambéry
As we've seen, your stroll through old Chambéry leads you to the Fontaine des Éléphants, an emblematic monument erected in 1838 as a tribute to General de Boigne, the city's notable benefactor. Designed by Pierre-Victor Sappey, the work comprises a fountain, a column and a large statue. You can't help but be amazed by this unusual fountain! Each elephant, bearing a combat tower decorated with bas-reliefs and inscriptions, evokes the General's military exploits in India and his contributions to Chambéry. If it's already astonishing by day, we recommend you return to see it by night. A play of lights brings it to life with originality!
You can also choose to discover Chambéry and the surrounding Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region by downloading this self-guided walking tour.
3. Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral, the Gothic style in the spotlight
Another must-see in Chambéry is the Cathédrale Saint-François-de-Sales, built in the 15th century by the Franciscans. Located in the heart of the historic center, close to Place Saint-Léger and Rue de la Croix-d'Or, you can visit the cathedral as you stroll through the district. The austere facade, typical of Franciscan modesty, doesn't immediately catch the eye. The interior, however, stands out in splendor with its rich trompe-l'œil paintings covering walls and vaults. Great art! You'll also be able to admire a beautiful organ dating from 1847, listed as a historic monument, and a replica of the Holy Shroud on display since 2010. All in all, a wonderful visit!
4. Château des Ducs de Savoie, the history of the region
An imposing grey mass stands out in the heart of Chambéry. What is it? The Château des Ducs de Savoie, of course! Here you are in the heart of a major historical site, illustrating the importance of the House of Savoy. Both fortress and princely palace, this treasure of the past bears witness to architectural evolution since the XIIIᵉ century. We invite you to admire the"Le château, la Savoie, dix siècles d'histoire" exhibition, located in the medieval wing. More than just an exhibition, you can immerse yourself in the castle's history through :
- models,
- ancient manuscripts,
- valuable objects.
Although the exhibition is open to the public, it complements the guided tour of the castle, which is necessary to explore the other parts of the complex.
5. The Musée Savoisien, a dive into Savoy heritage
The Musée Savoisien, housed in a renovated former 13thᵉ century Franciscan convent, reveals the history and culture of Savoy step by step. From its cloister, you'll enjoy an exceptional view of the region's heritage. The tour, lasting around 1 hour, takes you on a journey through centuries of history, through 7 themes.
As you explore, you'll admire a rich collection of over 2,000 objects, spanning a period from the Palaeolithic to the present day. After several years' renovation , it's a pure pleasure to rediscover this condensed history!
Good to know: admission to the Musée Savoisien is free.
6. Curiosities in the Eureka gallery
An unusual visit to Chambéry, the Galerie Eurêka is a Center for Scientific Culture. Its permanent exhibition is dedicated to the playful exploration of science and technology, through the prism of the mountains. Young and old alike can enjoy interactive experiences, stimulating their knowledge with models, games and quizzes. The gallery invites you to discover
- the formation of mountain ranges
- mountain life and natural phenomena,
- the technical and technological challenges of this environment.
In addition to the mountain area, you'll find temporary exhibitions on a variety of scientific subjects throughout the year. Find out more when you visit Savoie!
7. The Musée des Charmettes, discovering a great author
This amusing name hides a man: Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Les Charmettes is the home of this great man, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Classified as a historic monument in 1905, the house is charmingly nestled in a natural setting. Rousseau lived here with Mme de Warrens from 1736 to 1742, a crucial period in his intellectual development.
Experience a total immersion in the writer's era, through exhibitions and a French-style botanical garden. A romantic stroll, to be discovered all year round, including during the Heritage Days.
8. Chambéry's churches to visit
In addition to its famous cathedral, Chambéry also boasts a number of pretty churches. TheSaint-Pierre de Lémenc church, located on the ancient site of Lemencum, is famous for its crypt, one of the oldest and most remarkable religious remains in Savoie. Why not take a guided tour? You'll learn all about the history of this church, from the Gallo-Roman station to the Gothic priory church.
The Notre-Dame is a Baroque vestige of the Jesuit convent. It boasts a 17th-century marble and gilded wood altarpiece, as well as a fine 19th-century organ. A must-see, however, is the Virgin of the Rosary, a powerful testimony to the heyday of the Jesuit Order.
9. Musée des Beaux-Arts, art treasures in Savoy
A different kind of art can be discovered at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Chambéry. Push open its doors and admire its rich collection of Italian paintings. There are also works reflecting the artistic history of Savoy: fascinating! Did you know that the building was originally a grain market? The building was subsequently transformed in the mid-19th century, incorporating :
- a library
- a sculpture gallery
- a drawing school,
- a painting museum.
Following a complete renovation in 2012, the museum's permanent collection is on the 2nd floor. Temporary exhibitions are held in the former library. A museum to see... and see again!
Good to know ..:night visits have been possible since 2024.
10. La Rotonde Ferroviaire, the world of trains rediscovered
If the exterior of La Rotonde Ferroviaire doesn't necessarily inspire you, don't hesitate to enter and discover a fascinating world. Built between 1906 and 1910, this emblematic historic monument features an Eiffel-style framework. Threatened with destruction in the 1980s, it was finally classified as a historic monument in 1984 and underwent a complete restoration by the SNCF. Today, it's a major part of the city's industrial heritage that you're visiting! Not only has the rotunda been preserved and restored, it is also still in operation. Don't hesitate to book a guided tour, to discover this masterpiece of the early 20th century, as well as the vintage electric locomotives. Superbly restored, they take us back to a not-so-distant past. An unmissable visit to Chambéry that children will love too!
11. A stroll in the Parc de la Calamine
Take a breath of fresh air at Parc de la Calamine, a verdant oasis offering a bucolic stroll. Located close to Chambéry city center, this park is a superb natural wooded bubble punctuated by sunny clearings. This site has a history! Once an integral part of the Clos de la Calamine, whose château was destroyed around 1975, it was home to the silk gauze factory, famous for the exceptional quality of its products. Today, two sloping streams run through it, making for a romantic stroll. The Saint-Martin fountain adds to this ambient charm, while adding its own little touch to the town's historical heritage. A beautiful place to discover!
Where to stay in Chambéry?
Chambéry is not a city of excess. Finding a quiet hotel room in the center of town allows you to take advantage of all the amenities, and why not, a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
- The most typical
Charm mingles with authenticity at Château de Candie, a treasure nestled in a green setting. A dream setting surrounds this ancient stone building, offering a haven of tranquility for your vacation. Book this charming this charming hotel.
- Top of the range
The Petit Hôtel Confidentiel feels like a luxury home. The five suites offer a vast, luminous space, ideal for relaxing in Savoie while enjoying top-of-the-range services, which you can book right here.
- Best value for money
Located right next to the train station, theHôtel Actuel is within easy reach of the city's points of interest. For a very reasonable price, you'll find yourself in a pleasant room, in an establishment with a good restaurant. A great address to book in just one click.
Family activities in Chambéry
The Galerie Eurêka is a great place to discover with the whole family. The playful visit allows you to learn as much as possible about science, while having fun at the same time. The same goes for La Rotonde, where old locomotives fascinate children and parents alike. A visit to the Museum of Natural History is also an attractive outing for younger visitors. During your visit to the city, children will have fun in front of the "4 sans cul", the elephants of the famous fountain. When they're older, they'll love a visit to the castle, with its fascinating history and treasures from the past.
What about enjoying the surrounding countryside? On foot, by Segway or on a donkey, the possibilities are endless! Finally, don't miss Le Pays Suspendu des Géants, an outdoor park beloved by children, located not far from Chambéry, in Aillon-le-Jeune.
Easily accessible by train from Paris, Chambéry is the ideal place to spend a vacation, summer or winter. Even better! When the city is decked out in its end-of-season colors, Chambéry becomes a dream destination in autumn, without leaving France. Between city and nature, between authenticity and history, you've found the perfect place to telework during the Olympic Games, for a romantic weekend or simply for a peaceful, natural break.
Find out more about the latest things to do in Chambéry:
