5 magical experiences Chambéry

Explore, taste, experience, stroll… In Chambéry, adventure can be experienced on foot, with the family, or even in a grandstand! Here’s our selection of 5 original experiences not to be missed if you want to discover the city in a different way. Whether sporting, cultural or gourmet, these activities will plunge you into the secret soul of the Savoyard capital.

Stroll
in the old town,
like a Chambéry native

Take your time, look up… and let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere of Chambéry’s historic centre. From cobbled streets to secret passageways, the city reveals its wonders: ochre facades, trompe-l’œil, mysterious alleys, singing fountains… An almost Italian setting, where every street corner hides a surprise.

Don’t miss the cathedral of Saint-François-de-Sales, famous for its impressive trompe-l’œil (the largest in Europe!), and, of course, the Elephant Fountain, the city’s unmissable landmark. In Chambéry, even the pachyderms are poetic!

Musical highlights

Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 5.30pm, let yourself be lulled to sleep by the Grand Carillon in the courtyard of the château. With its 70 bells, it’s quite simply the biggest in Europe. Let the magic happen!

Visits, culture and heritage

Go back
time with
Jean-Jacques
Rousseau

“Here begins the short happiness of my life. These are the words of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who fell in love with a place that has become legendary: Les Charmettes.

This house-museum, nestled in the hills, is much more than just a residence. It is a haven of peace, an ode to nature, thought and simplicity. A tour of its rooms, garden and walkways will help you understand what inspired one of the greatest thinkers of the 18th century.

The little audio bonus

Two immersive audio tours are available on the Lieux Vivants app. No smartphone? The museum can lend you a tablet!

Jean-Jacques, œuf des Charmettes by Gauz: a quirky and delightful dialogue with Rousseau,
Visitation by Nathalie Gendrot: an intriguing piece of fiction with a mysterious guest…

Discover Les Charmettes, the home of Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Play
explorers
at the Galerie Eurêka

A museum that fascinates even children? It’s possible, and it’s at the Galerie Eurêka, the most visited museum in Savoie!

In the heart of Chambéry, this centre for scientific culture has a permanent exhibition on mountains that will amaze young and old alike. Why do peaks exist? Where do glaciers come from? What lies beneath our feet? All the answers are here, in a fun, interactive and fascinating way.

The fun bit

Extend your adventure outside with the “Scientists in my city” treasure hunt: riddles, a tour of the city centre, and a booklet to pick up at reception (with the solutions, I promise!). So get your pens ready, little detectives!

Discover the Mountain area - Galerie Eurêka

And now it’s your turn!

Chambéry is a city to be discovered, experienced and tasted! Through its history, its chocolate sweets, its inspiring thinkers and its bustling sportsmen and women, it offers a thousand ways to enjoy an unforgettable experience!

So, which of these 5 experiences will you try first?

Interactive map

Taste
THE chocolate speciality
made in Chambéry

No, not all chocolate truffles come from Paris! In fact, they were born here, in Chambéry, in 1895. And it was pastry chef Louis Dufour, great-uncle of the famous Maurice Opinel (yes, the knife), who came up with this sweet invention as the result of a stroke of genius and a stock-out on Christmas Eve.

Crème fraîche + vanilla + melted chocolate + bitter cocoa: the simple but revolutionary recipe has stuck. Today, you can still sample these little marvels at some of the city’s best chocolatiers, such as :

Benoît Arnault, 1 rue de Boigne,
Cédric Pernot – Au fidèle berger, 15 rue de Boigne,
Confiserie Mazet, 2 place Porte-Reine.

The little gourmet extra

Would you like to take some home with you in your suitcases (or taste it all on the spot, no judging)? The Tourist Office offers gourmet itineraries and designer tours to discover local artisans. Local, tasty and inspired shopping.

Vibrate
with
Team Chambé!

Decibels, shouts of joy and an overexcited hall: welcome to the world of handball in Chambéry! For almost 30 years, Team Chambé has been thrilling the crowds at the Phare, the town’s legendary sports hall.

French champions in 2001, runners-up several times and winners of the 2019 French Cup, the Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Handball team is a benchmark in the French sporting landscape. The atmosphere at matches is electric, the fans are loyal, and the half-time entertainment alone is worth the diversions.

A little extra atmosphere

Before the match, head to the fan zone for food trucks, DJ sets and entertainment. At half-time, keep your eyes peeled for light shows and happenings, and the show goes on!