Chambery

Catering to the leisure-seeking elite as well as frugal backpackers, Chambery has comfortable accommodation for every budget. Those searching for the ultimate luxury destination should consider booking in at the Petit Hotel Confidential which combines a modern aesthetic with a focus on warmth and comfort. If you want to stay somewhere a little more affordable you can stay at the Hotel des Princes which boasts a contemporary ski lodge style.  

As the shopping hub of the entire alpine region, Chambery has plenty of shops for visitors to enjoy. If you’re looking for somewhere to go on a small shopping spree you should visit the Center Commercial Chamnord shopping centre. However, those searching for a more traditional shopping experience should consider the Steps Market in the centre of the city, where you can find lots of local produce as well as unique souvenirs.

The only way to brave the alpine cold is with hearty food, and the delicacies of Chambery fit the bill perfectly. After tackling the ski slopes, the first dish you must try is croutons in a thick morel sauce which is sure to keep you warm throughout the coldest nights. However, if you need something a little more filling you can order diots crozets, a sausage and pasta dish with heaps of cheese. And those over the age of 18 should sample Genepi, a herbal liqueur popular in the region.

With many smaller alpine cultures using the city for their celebrations, Chambery hosts a lot of unique festivals that can make the ideal centrepiece of any holiday. We’ve picked out a few of our favourite Chambery festivals that are sure to offer an unforgettable experience:

The Estivales en Savoie Festival

A festival of music and performing arts, the Estivales en Savoie festival brings acts from around the world to the city of Chambery to perform to both tourists and the locals of the alpine villages. The city has a free entertainment policy which keeps admission completely free of charge – bringing in far more tourists than many other European festivals.

Cultures of the World Festival

With a goal to bring world culture to the isolated villages of the Alps, the Chambery Cultures of the World festival invites people from around the world to share different performances from their culture with the people of the Alps. This is a brilliant festival for families as there’s plenty for children to get involved with.