My ideal (and busy) day in Chambéry

The morning "Following the elephants

The “Following the Elephants”trail, which starts at Place du Palais de Justice, invites you to discover the historic heart of Chambéry on your own. Following the little metal elephants set into the cobblestones, you can travel back in time through medieval alleyways, colourful facades and lively squares.

The elephant has become a strong symbol of the town, in homage to Benoît de Boigne, a general and count from Chambéry who made his fortune in India. The Elephant Fountain, erected in 1838, is a reminder of its history and today remains one of Chambéry’s most emblematic monuments.

💡 A brochure of the route is available from Tourist Office reception points.

I'm going to Place du Palais de Justice

©ART PRISM - Grand Chambéry Alpes Tourisme

End of the morning Urban Escape-game Unguarded Horizons

Urban escape games are available in the city to extend the fun of discovery.

Sold at Tourist Office information points, these games let youexplore Chambéry while solving riddles. An original experience for young and old alike.

I discover them

Midi Gourmet break

At lunchtime, Chambéry is the perfect place to take a break at the Jardin du Verney, ideal for a picnic in the shade of the tall trees, or to stop off at one of the many gourmet restaurants in the city centre.

From Savoyard speciality restaurants and traditional bistros to world cuisine and artisanal ice-cream parlours, the city is bursting with good eateries to suit all tastes.

Restaurants

Set between vineyards and mountains, the restaurants of Chambéry Montagnes invite you to sample the soul of Savoie. From heart-warming traditional dishes to the bold creations...

Afternoon Two museums, two ways of looking at history

The visit continues with the Castle Museum, just opened in the former Court of Auditors. This museum traces the history of the castle of the Dukes of Savoy, from its origins to its successive transformations. You can discover the strategic role of Chambéry, capital of the duchy until 1536, and the destiny of a dynasty that reigned for nine centuries, one of the longest in Europe.

Not far away, the Musée Savoisien, recently completely renovated, offers a second look at the Savoyard identity. Located on Place de la Cathédrale, in the former Franciscan cloister, this museum offers superb, modern and immersive spaces. Here you can explore life in Savoie through the ages: archaeology, everyday objects, regional languages, religions, intangible heritage… A real journey through time.

The two museums complement each other perfectly to help you understand the rich and unique history of this region.

Discovering Chambéry's museums

End of day At Les Charmettes, in the footsteps of Rousseau

To round off the day, we head for Les Charmettes, the country house where Jean-Jacques Rousseau spent some summers between 1736 and 1742 with Madame de Warens. Although the philosopher spent almost ten years of his youth in Chambéry, it was in this bucolic setting that he found peace of mind. This is how he described it:

“Here begins the short happiness of my life. Here come the peaceful but swift moments that have given me the right to say that I have lived.

Accessible via the Jean-Jacques Rousseau path, the Charmettes house is surrounded by an unspoilt garden, perfect for daydreaming.

Discover

A day of history, nature and discovery

With its historical routes, complementary museums, urban and natural landscapes, and thriving gastronomic scene, Chambéry is an intense place to be, even for just a day.

Want to mix the right ingredients for your ideal day out? Drop in to the Tourist Office at the Palais de Justice: we’ll whip up a homemade recipe, with a good dose of good tips and a dash of local surprises.