5 must-see guided tours in Chambéry

Discover Chambéry in a different light: 5 unmissable guided tours

Chambéry Montagnes, a true ‘Elixir of Savoy’, is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re just passing through or live in the region, these five unmissable guided tours will immerse you in a world where history, culture and architecture come together. Follow the guide!

All guided tours

1. The railway roundhouse an industrial gem

Are you a train enthusiast or simply curious about railway heritage? The SNCF Rotonde in Chambéry is a gem of steel architecture inspired by the Eiffel style. Built in the early 20th century, it bears witness to the rise of the railway and its strategic importance.

Discover its entire history: how the evolution of the railways led to the construction of such an exceptional building in Chambéry, the challenges posed by its location, the turmoil of the Second World War, and the rescue of this monument, now unique in France.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

💡 Tip: Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your tour time, as access is restricted.

Visit the Rotunda

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ART PRISM - Grand Chambéry Alpes Tourisme

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©Alpigraphie / Kröll Matthias - Grand Chambéry Alpes Tourisme

2 – The historic centre Exploring the secret alleys of the City of the Dukes

Welcome to a veritable open-air museum! As the historic capital of the Dukes of Savoy, Chambéry charms visitors with its medieval alleyways, stately homes and colourful façades adorned with trompe-l’œil.

Accompanied by a tour guide, step into private courtyards, admire the stained-glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle, and listen to the story of the Holy Shroud, which was once kept here.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

💡 Tip: Keep your eyes peeled – every façade reveals a hidden detail!

Visit the historic centre

The Sainte-Chapelle & 3 - The Castle of the Dukes of Savoy symbol of power

Immerse yourself in the royal history of Savoy with a tour of the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, a monument blending medieval, Renaissance and contemporary styles.

From the majestic main courtyard to the well-kept secrets of the Treasury Tower, every stone tells a story of the local history.

Not to be missed: the sumptuous stained-glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle, the former home of the Holy Shroud.

⏳ Duration: 45 mins

💡 Tip: Get up close to the bells of Savoy’s first carillon – they have stories to whisper to you!

Visit the castle

Why is this good?

Dive intoThe living history of Savoy

Because visiting Chambéry is about much more than just looking at buildings. It’s about following in the footsteps of the Dukes of Savoy, discovering fascinating anecdotes and seeing the city through the eyes of a local.

Passionate guideswho know everything (or almost everything)

Behind every façade, every fountain, there’s a story. And our guides know how to tell it like no one else. With humour, passion and a touch of mischief, they turn every tour into a memorable experience.

A distillation of culture,full of nature and surprises

On a stroll, you can savour the art, the architecture, the scenery and sometimes even… a little tipple. Chambéry has a knack for combining different pleasures. And you? Just let yourself be carried along.

4. The air-raid shelter submersion in 1944

A journey back to a dark yet crucial period in our collective memory. Right in the heart of Chambéry, a period air-raid shelter opens its doors and immerses you in the atmosphere of the Second World War.

Discover how the locals protected themselves from the bombings, explore the corridors of a site that has remained almost intact, and listen to the guides’ poignant accounts.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

💡 Tip: Make sure you wear comfortable shoes – the tour takes place underground!

Visit the Nézin shelter

The church & 5. The Lémenc Crypt a mystical treasure

The final stop is Lémenc, a major spiritual site in Chambéry. Mentioned as far back as antiquity, this place is home to a Gothic church and an enigmatic crypt, housing the graves of illustrious figures such as Benoît Le Borgne and Saint-Concord.

Explore this sanctuary steeped in history, where religious tales mingle with unsolved mysteries.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

💡 Tip: Don’t forget to go down into the crypt – it might just reveal its secrets to you…