Thanks to the surrounding Savoyard landscape, Chambéry is an excellent hiking destination. Discover below our selection of the most beautiful hikes around Chambéry, suitable for all levels: from leisurely family strolls to sporting challenges and intermediate-level walks.
1. The Nivolet cross by le Sire
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 250 m
- Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
Many Savoyard peaks are topped by crosses, and this is the case of Mont du Nivolet. This 1,545-meter-high peak in the Bauges massif overlooks Chambéry. You'll need just half an hour's drive to reach Le Sire, the starting point for what is considered one of the most beautiful walks around Chambéry. From there, it's a round trip to the Nivolet cross. Along the way, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views, especially of the city of Chambéry.
2. The waterfalls of the Saint-Même cirque
- Distance: 2.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 220 m
- Duration : 1 h 15
- Itinerary
This is a great hike around Chambéry for those looking for an average level of fitness. In fact, the walk is fairly short, but climbs a little. The path follows a torrent that cools the air, so this is a pleasant walk if you're traveling in summer. You'll then reach the magnificent Saint-Même waterfalls, at an altitude of 900 meters. Here, four waterfalls tumble down from the cliff, forming a superb, typically Savoyard landscape.
3. Bec du Corbeau viewpoint
- Distance: 12.2 km
- Height difference: 626 m
- Duration : 4 h 30
- Itinerary
The great advantage of this hike is that it starts right in the center of Chambéry, and quickly moves away from urban areas and into the more natural landscapes of the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park. So you won't need to drive or use public transport to try this beautiful alpine hike. The itinerary forms a loop passing through various viewpoints of Chambéry and the mountains, including the Bec de Corbeau panorama, before returning to the starting point in Chambéry. This is a medium to difficult hike, due to its length and uneven sections.
4. Montagnole from Chambéry
- Distance: 9.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 424 m
- Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
Montagnole is a pretty little mountain village high above Chambéry. This hike allows you to reach it via a loop trail starting from the historic center of Chambéry. It's very convenient, whether you're already located in Chambéry, or are travelling there by train, especially as the town is a destination accessible by train from Paris and many other French cities. Once you've reached the village of Montagnole, you'll have a beautiful view of the town and Lac du Bourget. The latter is both the largest glacial lake in France, and the deepest lake located entirely in France (excluding Lake Geneva), with a depth of almost 150 meters. This is a medium-level hike.
5. From Chambéry to Bourget-du-Lac
- Distance: 19.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 223 m
- Time: 5 hrs
- Itinerary
This is one of the best hikes around Chambéry, as it leads to Lac du Bourget via a loop starting from the town center, following the river La Leysse for much of the way. The route is of a difficult level, although it is fairly flat and does not include any technical sections, but due to its considerable length, it will require a certain amount of stamina. It's not a long-distance hike either, but you'll still need to allow for a good half-day, or even a full day with breaks. It is also possible to follow this route by bike.
6. The summit of the Dent du Chat
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 744 m
- Time : 4 h 30
- Itinerary
This is one of the most beautiful hikes around Chambéry, provided you make the effort, as it's a difficult circuit with some fairly steep slopes. But it's well worth the effort, as you'll gain access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Alps, and even walk along vertiginous ridges. At the end of the route, you'll even have to climb a few cliffside ladders. The Col du Chat starting point is a half-hour's drive from Chambéry.
7. Les Hauts-de-Chanaz
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 401 m
- Time: 2 h 45
- Itinerary
Savoie is one of the world's best hiking destinations, offering a wide variety of landscapes, from urban to mountain to forest. As a result, this route is mainly in woodland, which makes it ideal in summer, when you'll be walking in the shade. It's a rewarding walk, however, as it occasionally opens out onto lovely mountain panoramas, notably from the Croix de la Coche, which offers a superb view of Lac du Bourget. Another significant advantage is that the starting point is located on the outskirts of downtown Chambéry.
8. Mount Granier
- Distance: 11.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 954 m
- Time: 5 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
You'll need half an hour to reach this circuit, one of the most beautiful hikes around Chambéry. It sets out to conquer Mont Granier, a peak topping out at 1,933 m, south of Chambéry. The emblematic mountain is famous for its vertical north face, which forms the largest cliff in France. All along the way, you'll enjoy 360° views of the Alps. But be warned, they have to be earned, as this is a difficult trail due to its steep gradient. Note also that this hike is located in the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park, so you'll need to take steps to reduce your ecological footprint.
9. The Grande Chartreuse monastery
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Elevation gain: 280 m
- Time: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
This easy hike is a little more remote, requiring a 45-minute drive from Chambéry to reach its starting point at the Grande Chartreuse museum. But it's well worth the detour, as it takes in one of Savoie's most emblematic sites: the Grande Chartreuse monastery. The monastery is not open to visitors, as it is occupied by monks, but it does offer fine views, and you can visit the museum. You can also take the opportunity to explore the Chartreuse regional nature park, and why not try your hand at bivouacking.
10. Col du Crucifix
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 600 m
- Time: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
This is a difficult hike, as it is quite steep, offering fine views over Lac d'Aiguebelette. The circuit forms a loop that returns to the starting point in Aiguebelette-le-Lac, half an hour's drive from Chambéry.
