Challes-les-Eaux is an oasis of tranquillity nestled between vineyards and mountains. Tucked away at the foot of the Bauges massif, facing the Chartreuse mountains, this historic spa town charms visitors with its rich heritage and beautiful natural surroundings. As soon as you arrive, the town welcomes you into a soothing green setting, just a few minutes from the heart of Chambéry.
Its history is closely linked to an astonishing discovery: that of the sulphurous spring that gushed from the depths in 1841. Dr Domenget, a military doctor to the Royal House of Savoy, marvelled: ‘Everything about the Challes spring seems phenomenal, Sire! ’ This water, among the most sulphurous in Europe, quickly made the spa town famous. It healed, it soothed, and it attracted spa-goers and visitors for over 150 years, until 2023, when the thermal baths closed. But here, the spirit of thermal bathing is still very much alive, in the flower-lined alleyways, the well-tended parks and the peaceful atmosphere of the place.
Challes-les-Eaux is also an ideal starting point for a getaway. The Leysse plateau leads the way to the trails of the Bauges massif: a walk to the Trou de l’Enfer, a detour to the Bout du Monde, and a climb up Mont Saint-Michel for a magnificent view of Chambéry. Below, the wild and tranquil Lake La Thuile offers a peaceful retreat amongst its reeds.
But Challes also has its head in the clouds. The aerodrome, one of the oldest in France, is a mecca for gliding. Champions compete here, whilst visitors can take to the skies for their first flights in a glider, aeroplane or even a hot-air balloon. Here, anything is possible: gazing at the mountain peaks, skimming the clouds, then coming back down to stroll through the market, listen to a concert at the music school or simply enjoy a coffee on a terrace.
Challes-les-Eaux embodies a way of life, a gateway to the great outdoors, the very essence of Savoie. A naturally enchanting place, where history, serenity and poetic flights of fancy intertwine. The elixir is right there, within easy reach.