What is there to see in Old Chambéry?

Chambéry’s historic centre is home to several must-see attractions, such as the Fontaine des Éléphants, the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral, Rue de Boigne and the famous historic streets.

Why does Chambéry have an Italian influence?

For several centuries, Chambéry flourished as the capital of the county and later the duchy of Savoy. Faced with the threat of French invasion, the court crossed the Alps in 1563 and settled in Turin, which was considered safer. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht enabled the Duke to become king… first of Sicily, then, in 1718, of Sardinia, giving rise to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. In the 19th century, Victor Emmanuel II embarked on the unification of Italy with the support of Napoleon III. In exchange for this assistance, he ceded Savoy to France in 1860, sealing its fate as part of France. Thus, Chambéry has never been Italian: it was at the very moment Italy was born that Savoy became part of France, whilst Victor Emmanuel II became king of a new kingdom, that of Italy.

Where can you go for a walk in Chambéry?

The historic centre, the old streets, Rue de Boigne and the squares of Old Chambéry are among the city’s must-see sights.

How long does it take to visit the historic centre?

Half a day is enough to explore the main monuments and the streets of the historic centre. Visitors can easily spend a full day there, enjoying the historic sites, guided tours and breaks on the terraces.

What are the ‘allées’ of Chambéry?

Whilst Lyon has its traboules, Chambéry has its allées. They are like secret passageways that allow people to move between large buildings. In the heart of the city, the buildings in the historic centre are characterised by their depth and narrow façades – a legacy of the ‘toisé’, a 14th-century tax calculated on the basis of the main width of the façades. The narrower they were, the lower the tax… Hence the current layout of Chambéry’s historic centre. One might also imagine that these long passageways—sometimes parallel, sometimes labyrinthine, and occasionally covered—arose from the instability of marshy subsoil: the alleys allow pedestrians to move about and the buildings to support one another. These passageways are the soul of the city. Most of them can be explored from Place Saint-Léger.

Can we visit the historic centre with a guide?

Yes, there are several guided tours that allow you to discover the history, monuments and streets of Chambéry’s historic centre.

Chambéry’s historic centre | Old Town and heritage

Explore the old town

The historic centre of Chambéry has an atmosphere that is unique in Savoie. Behind thecolourful façades and bustling squares lies a veritable labyrinth of ancient alleyways, secluded lanes and covered passageways.

Once the capital of the States of Savoy, the city retains a remarkable heritage shaped over the centuries by French and Italian influences. At every turn , a hidden courtyard, an ancient tower, a flight of stairs or an unexpected architectural detail comes into view . Chambéry is best discovered both by looking up and by taking the time to venture off the main thoroughfares. It is a city to be explored slowly and simply.

Alleyways, secret passages and hidden courtyards

Chambéry’s famous passageways are among the most iconic features of the historic centre. These passageways run through the buildings, link the streets together and discreetly open onto inner courtyards that are often hidden from view from the outside.
Once used to walk in the shelter of the buildings or to access homes and shops, they now contribute to the old town’s mysterious charm. Some of these passageways reveal ancient staircases, vaulted galleries, colourful façades or even carved details that have sometimes been forgotten. A constant invitation to curiosity and discovery.

A town shaped by Italian influence

For several centuries, Chambéry belonged to the States of Savoy and maintained close ties with Piedmont and Italy.
This influence can still be seen today in the architecture of the historic centre : colourful façades, arcades, inner courtyards and elegant vistas sometimes give the town the feel of an Italian city at the foot of the Alps.
Rue de Boigneperfectly exemplifies this Piedmontese influence with its long arcades and elegant atmosphere. Combining Savoyard heritage with a southern European way of life, Chambéry has a unique identity that often surprises visitors.

The must-haves in the historic centre

The historic centre is home to a number of monuments and iconic sites that tell the story of Chambéry and Savoie.

Elephant Fountain

Chambéry’s most famous monument and its legendary nickname, the ‘4 sans cul’.

Castle of the Dukes of Savoy

Former residence of the House of Savoy and a symbol of Savoyard power.

St Francis de Sales Cathedral

An impressive trompe-l’œil setting, one of the most remarkable in Europe.

Rue de Boigne

The elegant avenue with arcades inspired by Italian architecture.

Savoy Museum

A journey into Savoyard history and identity in the heart of a former convent.

Explore Chambéry on foot

The historic centre is easy to explore on foot. In just a few minutes, the large squares give way to narrow, ancient streets, covered arcades and iconic monuments.

If you’d like to explore the city at your own pace, the‘En suivant les Éléphants’brochure offers a route taking in Chambéry’s must-see attractions. It’s a simple and fun way to visit Chambéry at your own pace, whether with family, friends or on a solo trip.
👉 The brochure is available to download or can be picked up free of charge from the Chambéry Tourist Office.

Explore Chambéry with a guide The tour: The mansions of Chambéry’s nobility & secret passageways

Guided tours offer a different way to explore the historic centre and gain a better understanding of Chambéry’s history through its monuments, streets and iconic figures.
The‘Residences of Chambéry’s Nobility & Secret Alleys’ tour takes visitors on a journey through the ancient alleyways, mansions and iconic sites of the former capital of the States of Savoy.

Find out more about the tour

A city waiting to be discovered taking his time

Chambéry’s charm often lies in the details: a small inner courtyard, a colourful façade, an old sign or a discreet passageway between two streets. Here, the best way to explore is still to slow your pace and let yourself be surprised.

Places to visit around the Historic Centre

Frequently asked questions… and some very useful answers

What is there to see in Old Chambéry?
Why does Chambéry have an Italian influence?
For several centuries, Chambéry flourished as the capital of the county and later the duchy of Savoy. Faced with the threat of French invasion, the court crossed the Alps in 1563 and settled in Turin, which was considered safer. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht enabled the Duke to become king… first of Sicily, then, in 1718, of Sardinia, giving rise to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. In the 19th century, Victor Emmanuel II embarked on the unification of Italy with the support of Napoleon III. In exchange for this assistance, he ceded Savoy to France in 1860, sealing its fate as part of France. Thus, Chambéry has never been Italian: it was at the very moment Italy was born that Savoy became part of France, whilst Victor Emmanuel II became king of a new kingdom, that of Italy.
Where can you go for a walk in Chambéry?
How long does it take to visit the historic centre?
What are the ‘allées’ of Chambéry?
Whilst Lyon has its traboules, Chambéry has its allées. They are like secret passageways that allow people to move between large buildings. In the heart of the city, the buildings in the historic centre are characterised by their depth and narrow façades – a legacy of the ‘toisé’, a 14th-century tax calculated on the basis of the main width of the façades. The narrower they were, the lower the tax… Hence the current layout of Chambéry’s historic centre.
One might also imagine that these long passageways—sometimes parallel, sometimes labyrinthine, and occasionally covered—arose from the instability of marshy subsoil: the alleys allow pedestrians to move about and the buildings to support one another. These passageways are the soul of the city. Most of them can be explored from Place Saint-Léger.
Can we visit the historic centre with a guide?