Chambéry is Savoie's historic capital and birthplace, and the starting point for many Chambéry holidays in the French Alps. It has been both Italian and French throughout history. The famous Tour de France bicycle race passes through the area in the summer. Chambéry also has a mountain research centre and the Savoie Technolac research park and the Universite de Savoie. Chambéry is a historic city nestled between mountain ranges in the Prealps that was once the capital of its sovereign state. The old town is a maze of narrow alleys and dim passageways, dominated by the Château, from which the Dukes of Savoy ruled a large portion of central Europe. Chambéry's architecture, art, and cuisine suggest that the city was as Italian as French, even though France only annexed it in 1860. Plan because you'll be torn between the charming old town, the Chartreuse and Bauges natural parks' peaks, and the massive and majestic Lac du Bourget, all of which are just minutes away. International Airport: Aéroport Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc (CMF) Population: 59 522 Currency: Euro Time: GMT +1 Driving side: Right Main Electricity: 230 V Official Language: French Religion: Roman Catholic
Among the best things to do in Chambéry, the compact old town is most people's idea of the ideal old town, as it is a functioning university town rather than an outdoor museum. Place Saint-Léger is Chambéry's main pedestrian thoroughfare and, despite its name, is more of a long street than a city square. The Fontaine des Éléphants, featured on many postcards and possibly Chambéry's primary identifier, was built in 1838 and is a French historical monument. The fine arts museum proves that Chambéry was not always French, as nearly all works on display are Italian. Rue Basse du Château, dubbed Chambéry's oldest street, is a crevice-like alley in the pedestrianized centre.
