Chambéry Overview
Approximately 10 minutes South of Chambéry airport lies Chambéry itself, a bustling provincial town steeped in history. Situated at a natural crossroads of valleys, Chambéry is the gateway to some of the finest ski resorts in the French Alps, including...
But it was centuries before the conception of skiing that the town began to emerge.
Chambéry grew up around the "Le Château des Ducs de Savoie" which was built in1232 by Count Thomas of Savoie. The stronghold, which for centuries commanded the alpine passes into Italy, still dominates the old town - a charming maze of narrow cobbled alleyways and courtyards. The chateau is among a selection of the town’s architecturally interesting buildings, both historical and contemporary, that are illuminated by night. The illuminations across the town create a theatrical atmosphere.
Chambéry was the capital of Savoie until the middle of the sixteenth century and only became part of France as recently as 1860 so its unsurprising that the town has retained is distinctly Savoyard in character. You’re sure to see the Savoie flag flying proudly and keep your eyes peeled for the “Savoie Libre” car stickers emblazoned on locals’ vehicles.
There’s also plenty to keep nature lovers happy around Chambéry. In the immediate vicinity of the town there are hundreds of fertile vineyards and beyond these lies the Bauges National Park - a little-visited area abundant in Alpine flora and fauna. Head north of Chambéry towards the airport and beyond and you come to Aix-Les-Bains. Aix is a picturesque spa resort on the shores of the Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural lake. On a clear day flying into Chambéry airport affords incredible aerial views of the lake.
For more information about Chambéry town visit the official Chambéry tourism website.
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