Why are there elephants in Chambéry?

The elephants pay tribute to General de Boigne, a native of Chambéry, who made his fortune in India in the 18th century. The monument commemorates his travels and his life story.

Who built the Elephant Fountain?

The fountain was created by the sculptor Pierre-Victor Sappey and unveiled in 1838.

Where can you see elephants in Chambéry?

The Elephant Fountain is situated in Place des Éléphants, at the entrance to Chambéry’s historic centre.

Why are they called the “4 sans cul”?

This is because the elephants are carved solely from the front and are connected to the central monument. Their hindquarters are therefore never visible.

How big is the Elephant Fountain?

The monument is approximately 17.65 metres high.

Can we visit the Elephant Fountain?

The fountain is open to the public all year round in the heart of Chambéry city centre.

The Elephant Fountain in Chambéry

Elephants An iconic symbol of Chambéry

Standing in the heart of the city for nearly two centuries, the Fontaine des Éléphants has become the true symbol of Chambéry. Situated at the entrance to the historic centre, it welcomes residents and visitors alike with its four impressive Indian elephants gathered around a tall carved column.

Visible from the main avenues of the city centre, the monument is often the first thing people see when they arrive in Chambéry. The people of Chambéry meet there, visitors photograph it from every angle, and the surrounding terraces make the most of its unique setting. Much more than just a fountain, it tells part of Savoy’s history and of the special bond between Chambéry and General de Boigne.

Some people like to believe, in fact , that the elephant became the symbol of Chambéry as a tribute to Hannibal and his war elephants, which are said to have crossed the Alps in 218 BC. A lovely legend, but a false one. One detail is enough to confirm this: look at their ears. Small and rounded, they are characteristic of the Asian elephant, not the African elephant that Hannibal used in his campaigns.

A monumental fountain since 1838

The Elephant Fountain was unveiled on 10 December 1838 in honour of Benoît de Boigne, a great benefactor of Chambéry.

Created by the Grenoble-based sculptor Pierre-Victor Sappey, the work is impressive in its scale: nearly 18 metres high and weighing several tonnes of stone, bronze and cast iron.

The central column resembles a palm tree trunk, a nod to General de Boigne’s travels in India. At the top, his statue dominates the square, whilst at the base, four elephants rise up around the monument.

Their trunks also serve as water jets, bringing the fountain to life ever since it was first built.

Who was General de Boigne?

Born in Chambéry in 1751, Benoît de Boigne led a life straight out of an adventure novel. A soldier, explorer and businessman, he travelled throughout Europe and the East before making his fortune in India.

After serving in several armies, he became one of the leading military commanders in northern India in the service of the Marathas. His success then enabled him to return to Chambéry with an immense fortune.

Deeply attached to his hometown, he funded several major urban projects, including the famous Rue de Boigne. Upon his death in 1830, Chambéry decided to honour him with this spectacular monument, which has now become the city’s symbol.

Why the people of Chambéry are they talking about the “4 arseholes”?

This is probably the most famous anecdote about Chambéry.
If you look closely at the fountain, you’ll notice that the four elephants are depicted solely from the front. Their bodies are attached to the central column, so their hindquarters are never visible.
Very quickly, the locals gave the monument a nickname that has since become legendary: “the 4 sans cul”. With humour and self-deprecation, this expression is now as much a part of Chambéry’s heritage as the monument itself. It’s almost impossible to visit Chambéry without hearing this story told during a guided tour or in conversation on a terrace.

A work brimming with symbols and details

The Elephant Fountain is full of surprises. The longer you look at it, the more details you notice.

The elephants, cast in iron, symbolise General de Boigne’s Indian campaigns. The central column resembles an oriental palm tree, whilst several inscriptions pay tribute to his career and his generosity towards Chambéry.

Day and night, the atmosphere changes completely. Under the night-time lighting, the elephants take on a whole new dimension.

A spectacular restoration

Between 2013 and 2015, the Elephant Fountain underwent major restoration work. For several months, the elephants were temporarily removed from the square so that they could be refurbished.

This event both intrigued and amused the people of Chambéry: for the first time in a long while, it became possible to see… the backs of the famous ‘four bare-bottomed figures’.
This restoration has restored the monument to its former glory and preserved one of the major symbols of Chambéry’s heritage.

Listen to the story of the elephants

To discover the anecdotes, the history of the monument and the secrets of General de Boigne in a different light, the Chambéry Cimes podcast has dedicated an episode to the Fountain of the Elephants and the statue of La Sasson.
It’s the perfect way to explore Chambéry’s heritage through fascinating tales and stories.

4 ways to (re)discover elephants

Follow the golden elephants along the cobbled street

Look up, but also look down at your feet. Medallions adorned with elephants are scattered across the cobblestones of the historic centre, marking out a route to explore at your own pace. From squares to mansions, via the cathedral, they guide curious visitors through medieval alleyways and Chambéry’s ‘traboules’. In 2022, the route was even extended to the Montmélian suburb. A map of the route is available from the Tourist Office.

The Elephants’ Journey

Hop on board the little tourist train

Chambéry’s little tourist train stops in front of the elephants as it winds its way through the historic centre. It’s an ideal option for a first visit with the family or for days when you’d rather give your feet a rest.

The Little Train

Go on a guided tour

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the monument’s anecdotes and secrets, some guided tours of the historic centre take in the Elephant Fountain. A guide will reveal the story of Benoît de Boigne, the monument’s hidden symbols and, of course, the origin of its legendary nickname.

Guided tour of the City of the Dukes

Set off on your bike from the square

The Elephant Fountain also marks the starting point for cycle routes exploring the Chambéry valley and its surroundings. It’s a great excuse to say hello to the four elephants before setting off, or to treat yourself to a coffee at the cycle café on the square.

Cycling trips

To leave with a elephant in the pocket

A key ring, a soft toy, a postcard… La Ruche Boutik’, the Tourist Office shop, is just a stone’s throw from the fountain and offers a whole range of souvenirs in the colours of the famous ‘4 sans cul’. Ideal for bringing back a souvenir of a… slightly more reasonable size!