Why is Rue de Boigne famous?

Rue de Boigne is famous for its elegant arcades, inspired by Italian architecture, and for its central role in the historic centre of Chambéry.

Who was General de Boigne?

Benoît de Boigne was a soldier and adventurer from Chambéry who made his fortune in India in the 18th century. He played a major part in the development of Chambéry.

Where can you go for a walk in the centre of Chambéry?

Rue de Boigne is one of Chambéry’s must-see streets, lined with shops and outdoor cafés and offering direct access to the historic centre.

What’s there to see around Rue de Boigne?

In the immediate vicinity are the Elephant Fountain, the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral and the historic streets of the old town.

Why does Rue de Boigne look like an Italian street?

Its arcaded architecture draws direct inspiration from the grand avenues of Piedmont, reflecting the Italian influence in Chambéry’s history.

Is there any shopping to be done on Rue de Boigne?

Yes, Rue de Boigne is home to numerous shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of Chambéry city centre.

Can you explore Rue de Boigne on a guided tour?

Yes. The guided tour ‘Chambéry’s Noble Residences & Secret Alleys’ takes you on a journey through Rue de Boigne, the alleys of the historic centre and several of Chambéry’s most iconic sites.

Rue de Boigne in Chambéry A blend of arcades and Italian inspiration

With its elegant arcades and Italian-inspired architecture, Rue de Boigne offers one of the most beautiful walks in Chambéry. It links the Fontaine des Éléphants to the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, inviting visitors to discover the city centre’s main historic monuments as they stroll along.

The iconic avenue from Chambéry

It’s impossible to walk through the city centre without passing along Rue de Boigne. Acting as a link between Chambéry’s historic squares, this wide avenue lined with arcades immediately lends the city an elegant, almost Italian atmosphere.

With its harmonious façades, shops, cafés and outdoor terraces, it is now one of the favourite places for a stroll for both locals and visitors alike. At any time of day, the street pulsates to the rhythm of the city centre: the nearby market, breaks on the terraces, shopping, entertainment and a leisurely stroll beneath the arcades all contribute fully to its unique atmosphere.

A street inspired by Italian architecture

At first glance, Rue de Boigne brings to mind the grand avenues of Piedmont and the Italian influence that has left a deep mark on Chambéry’s history.

Its long, uniform arcades create an elegant vista and shelter passers-by from both sun and rain. This refined architecture stands in stark contrast to the medieval alleyways of Old Chambéry, situated right next door. This urban development profoundly transformed the city in the 19th century, giving Chambéry a more modern look whilst preserving its Savoyard identity.

Even today, Rue de Boigne remains one of the best places to experience this unique blend of Italian influences, heritage and the Alpine way of life.

General de Boigne’s project

The street takes its name from General Benoît de Boigne, a prominent figure from Chambéry born in 1751. After making his fortune in India, this adventurer and military man returned to Chambéry and funded several major projects aimed at modernising his hometown.

The creation of Rue de Boigne led to the demolition of part of the medieval town fabric in orderto open up a wide thoroughfare through the city. The project sparked debate and criticism at the time, but permanently transformed the face of Chambéry. Today, it is impossible to imagine the city centre without this avenue, which has become one of Chambéry’s most recognisable landmarks.

A lively place in the heart of the city

Rue de Boigne is much more than just a thoroughfare. It isone of the main streets in the city centre and links two of Chambéry’s most iconic landmarks: the Fontaine des Éléphants and the Château des ducs de Savoie.

Lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and boutiques, it sets the pace for life in the historic centre all year round. It is also the ideal starting point for exploring the ancient alleyways, historic squares and Chambéry’s heritage.

With its blend of heritage, shops and lifestyle, Rue de Boigne perfectly embodies the vibrant heart of the former capital of the States of Savoy.

Strolling beneath the arcades

Taking the time to stroll beneath the arcades remains one of the unmissable experiences when visiting Chambéry.
Your gaze wanders between architectural details, elegant shop windows, colourful façades and views of the surrounding mountains.
Just a few steps away, the old town reveals its quiet alleyways, covered passageways and charming inner courtyards.
It’s an invitation to explore Chambéry in a different way, simply by letting yourself be carried along by the city’s atmosphere.

Take a guided tour of Rue de Boigne

Rue de Boigne is one of the highlights of the guided tour ‘Residences of the Chambéry Nobility & Secret Alleys’
Accompanied by a guide, visitors discover the history of the former capital of the States of Savoy through its ancient alleyways, iconic monuments and ornate façades.
An ideal way to immerse yourself in Chambéry’s history and unique atmosphere.

Find out more about the tour

A trip on the Little Train

The Chambéry Tourist Train travels along Rue de Boigne as part of its tour through the historic centre. In around forty minutes, it takes you on a tour of the city’s main landmarks, from the Fontaine des Éléphants to the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, taking in medieval alleyways, picturesque squares and must-see monuments.

With commentary in French and available in several languages via audio guides, this tour is an excellent introduction to Chambéry’s heritage before continuing your exploration on foot.