5 magical experiences Chambéry

Explore, savour, experience the excitement, take a leisurely stroll… In Chambéry, adventure is best experienced on foot, with the family, or even from the stands! Here’s our selection of five unique experiences you won’t want to miss, offering a different way to discover the city. Whether sporting, cultural or culinary, these activities will immerse you in the hidden soul of the Savoyard capital.

Take a stroll
through the old town,
just like a local

Take your time, look up… and let yourself be swept away by the unique atmosphere of Chambéry’s historic centre. From cobbled alleyways to secret passageways, the town reveals its wonders: ochre-coloured façades, trompe-l’œil murals, mysterious lanes, singing fountains… An almost Italian-style setting, where every street corner hides a surprise.

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

A little musical treat

On the first and third Saturdays of the month at 5.30 pm, let yourself be lulled by the Grand Carillon from the castle courtyard. With its 70 bells, it is quite simply the largest in Europe. Let the magic work its spell!

Sightseeing, culture and heritage

Take your time
back in time with
Jean-Jacques
Rousseau

“Here begins the brief happiness of my life.” These words were spoken by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who fell in love with a place that has since become legendary: Les Charmettes.

This house-museum, nestled on the hillside, is much more than just a home. It is a haven of peace, an ode to nature, to thought and to simplicity. As you explore its rooms, garden and paths, you gain a better understanding of what inspired one of the greatest thinkers of the 18th century.

The audio bonus

Two immersive audio tours are available on the Lieux Vivants app. Don’t have a smartphone? The museum will lend you a tablet!

Jean-Jacques, ‘L’œuf des Charmettes de Gauz’: a quirky and delightful dialogue with Rousseau,
*Visitation* by Nathalie Gendrot: an intriguing work of fiction featuring a mysterious guest…

Discover Les Charmettes, the home of Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Play
be explorers
at the Galerie Eurêka

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

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

A fun little extra

Extend the adventure outdoors with the treasure hunt ‘Scientists in My Town’: puzzles, a trail through the town centre, and a booklet to pick up at reception (with the answers, we promise!). Get your pens ready, little detectives!

Discover the Mountain Area – Eurêka Gallery

And now, it’s your turn!

Chambéry is a city to be discovered, experienced and savoured! Through its history, its chocolatey treats, its inspiring thinkers and its passionate sportspeople, it offers you a thousand ways to enjoy an unforgettable experience!

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

Interactive map

Try
THE chocolate speciality
made in Chambéry

No, not all chocolate truffles come from Paris! In fact, they were first created here in Chambéry, back in 1895. And it is to the pastry chef Louis Dufour, great-uncle of the famous Maurice Opinel (yes, the knife), that we owe this sweet invention, born of a stroke of genius and a stock that had run out on Christmas Eve.

Crème fraîche + vanilla + melted chocolate + bitter cocoa: the simple yet revolutionary recipe has stood the test of time. Today, you can still savour these little gems at the city’s finest chocolatiers, such as:

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

A little extra treat

Fancy taking some home in your suitcases (or trying them all on the spot – we won’t judge)? The Tourist Office offers gourmet trails and creative tours to discover the local artisans. A local, delicious and inspiring shopping experience.

Get into the spirit
with the
Team Chambé!

Loud cheers, shouts of joy and a buzzing arena: welcome to the world of handball in Chambéry! For almost 30 years, Team Chambé has been thrilling the crowds at Le Phare, the city’s legendary sports hall.

French champions in 2001, multiple finalists and winners of the 2019 Coupe de France, the Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Handball team is a leading force in French sport. The atmosphere at matches is electric, the crowd is loyal, and the half-time entertainment alone is worth the trip.

That extra bit of atmosphere

Before the match, head to the fan zone to enjoy food trucks, DJ sets and entertainment. At half-time, keep your eyes peeled: with light shows and special events, the spectacle continues!