Getting to Chambéry by train :The beginning of the story
The first piece of good news is that Chambéry is one of the most accessible towns in the Alps by train.
From Lyon, Paris, Turin or Milan, several daily services take you directly to Chambéry – Challes-les-Eaux station. The historic centre is just a few minutes’ walk away. No worries about parking, no fussy GPS: you just step out of the station… and the discovery begins.
Narrow cobbled streets, secret passageways, colourful facades: all it takes is a few steps to reach the Elephant Fountain, the lively terraces or the craft shops.
In short, the only traffic you’ll be risking here is good ideas for a stroll.
Did you know?
The historic centre is a 10-minute walk from the station
At Chambéry, you step off the train… and the tour can begin almost immediately.
In less than 10 minutes on foot, you’ll reach the medieval streets, the secret alleys and the famous Elephant Fountain.
The only possible traffic jam? Standing in front of a terrace in the sun.
La Rotonde, ChambéryA unique railway monument
It’s impossible to talk about trains in Chambéry without mentioning the Rotonde ferroviaire.
🚆 Did you know?
The Chambéry Rotunda is unique in France.
The Chambéry Rotonde ferroviaire is one of the largest railway rotundas in Europe and, above all, the only one of its type still standing with an Eiffel-style metal framework and still in use.
In other words: here, locomotives continue to live out their daily lives beneath a historic monument.
Not bad for a “train garage”.
Good news for the curious: Chambéry’s Rotonde can be visited on guided tours. A rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of the railway world.
New for 2026
A unique night-time tour gives you the chance to explore the site in a whole new way. Accompanied by a guide and a member of the APMFS, you’ll discover the secrets of this unusual technicentre.
Discover Chambéry on board the little train
Fancy a leisurely (and effortless to navigate) visit?
Chambéry’s little tourist train will take you on a cultural tour of the city’s main sites: the castle of the Dukes of Savoy, historic squares, medieval streets and emblematic monuments.
It’s a great way to get your bearings… before continuing your discovery on foot.
Continuing the adventure by trainaround Chambéry
Direction MontmélianVineyards and heritage
Montmélian is only 9 minutes away by train. A short walk will take you to the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin de Savoie.
Here you can immerse yourself in the history of Savoie’s vineyards, with local grape varieties, wine-making traditions and sun-drenched hillside landscapes. An ideal getaway for lovers of the terroir.
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Direction Aix-les-BainsHeading for Lac du Bourget
Another tempting option is to take the train to Aix-les-Bains, just 10 minutes away.
Here you are on the banks of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France. Take a stroll along the water’s edge, go for a swim or relax on a terrace overlooking the mountains… it’s an instant break.
Trains, hiking and wide open spacesThe adventure continues
À Chambéry Montagnesthe train is often used as a springboard into nature. From the station, you can easily reach a number of hiking and gentle roaming routes.
During the summer, the mountain railways can even take you by bus to some of the starting points for hikes.
The result is a complete holiday, where train, walking and nature all come together naturally.
Maximum freedomTravelling by bike
Travelling with your bike
The good news is that it’s easy to get your bike on board. TER trains make it easy to take your bike with you to Chambéry and explore the region at your own pace.
No bike? Local solutions
Want to pedal without taking up too much space? The Vélostation, located at the station, offers bike hire so you can set off on your adventure as soon as you arrive.
All routes
Tasty cycling
For an original experience, try a bike ride through the vineyards, heading for the Savoyard cellars.
Sport, scenery and wine tasting: a trio that works remarkably well.
Chambéry MontagnesThe ideal destinationfor a 100% rail holiday
Travelling by train to Chambéry means choosing a simple, smooth and inspiring journey.
You arrive in the heart of a historic town. Explore on foot. Escape by train to a lake, a vineyard or a mountain range. You come back full of memories… and often with the desire to do it all over again.
In the end, the train isn’t just a means of transport.
It’s the first ingredient in the Elixir of Savoie: a journey that begins on the rails and is enjoyed every step of the way.
So, are you coming on board?
