Unusual pre-dinner drinks Chambéry Montagnes

For city dwellers, comfortably perched on their bikes, it’ll only take a few turns of the pedals to reach the Archimalt, a craft brewery with the ‘bike-friendly’ label in Saint-Alban-Leysse.

Part microbrewery, part bar and part bistro, cyclists will find not only a nice cold beer but also a bike park and two charging points for electric bikes. And that’s not to mention the fantastic team who’ll give you a warm welcome in a room with an ‘upcycled and inventive’ décor!

Warm and relaxed, this ‘brewpub’ serves craft beers brewed in the adjoining microbrewery. It’s just a stone’s throw from the bar to the vats in the brewing workshop. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak up the aromas, colours and atmosphere that permeate the entire process of making these house beers.

At aperitif time, platters of charcuterie, cheeses and dips are perfect for sharing, as are the pizzas and homemade desserts. Aperitif concerts, jam sessions, bluegrass sessions or even improv theatre evenings: there’s always something going on at Archimalt! Aperitif time is calling – hop on your bike! (Pedestrians, motorcyclists, motorists and scooter riders are all welcome!)

You’ve got to earn your aperitif! Even more so at La Grande Évasion, creators of escape games since 2015.

For keen gamers, the idea behind the ‘Escap’Apéro’ is simple: find ‘the’ cool box, well hidden on the premises of La Grande Évasion in Saint-Jeoire-Prieuré.

Whether with family, friends or colleagues, you’ll need to solve a series of puzzles to get your hands on your precious haul: local sausages, terrines and cheeses… it’s all locked away in the cool box. So keep your cool, think carefully, work together, and it’s up to you to free the aperitif and prove that you’re worthy of the FLAP, the Aperitif Liberation Front!

If your stomach’s rumbling, don’t worry – the aperitifs are released as you progress through the game!

There’s even the chance to take ‘the’ cool box home with you for those homebodies who love a good brainteaser.

In the heart of the Gornaz private forest in La Féclaz, as soon as the first long-awaited snow falls, discover a range of fun and sporting activities that can round off with a well-deserved aperitif. From the unlikely challenge of axe throwing to the unmissable snowmobile ride and its aperitif in the forest, not to mention snowshoe walks and introductory biathlon sessions…

At the Chalet du Loup, everything is in place for you to share a fun-filled time with your friends in the heart of a forest of century-old fir trees.

To recharge your batteries and top up your energy levels, the Chalet du Loup is the ideal meeting place for lovers of the great outdoors… and of an aperitif, of course!

Whether it’s charcuterie platters or mixed boards – or even more if you fancy it – the Chalet du Loup takes care to select local producers so that you can discover their stories and passions. And the generous drinks menu, featuring homemade cocktails, is sure to delight aperitif enthusiasts!

Quaint and full of charm, both welcoming and intimate, at the Chalet du Loup you’ll find a truly authentic experience, perfect for winding down at the end of the day!

The venue reopens in early December! Don’t forget to book.

And for those who feel the cold and prefer to cosy up at home, head to La Ruche Boutik’ in the heart of Chambéry.

There you’ll find a selection of local produce sourced from small producers that’s well worth a visit!

La Ruche has everything you need to treat yourself to a lovely aperitif: discover the ‘Chambéryzette’, a cocktail made with white vermouth and strawberry liqueur, created by Rosalie Dolin in 1902. This legendary aperitif, with its delicious fruity flavour, is always sure to bring a sense of cheer and togetherness!

Meanwhile, L’Atelier du Citron’s Limoncello will bring a touch of Italy to your cocktails. And if you prefer something a bit milder, the master syrup-maker Routin is sure to tantalise your taste buds. No fewer than 52 flavours of syrup await you at La Ruche Boutik’!

To go with them, you’ll find terrines made with wild garlic or génépi, or even the famous ‘tavaillons’ from Maison Orset – savoury biscuits with the delicious flavours of Beaufort, Reblochon and goat’s milk tomme!