The Elephant Fountain and Rue de Boigne
At the crossroads of Rue de Boigne, the Elephant Fountain, nicknamed the Four Rumpless, honours General Benoît de Boigne, who made his fortune in India. Locals have met here since the 19th century. The arcaded street leading up to the castle offers a magnificent perspective, especially at day’s end. A coffee shared on a nearby terrace is a lovely way to open a first conversation.
The Castle of the Dukes of Savoy
Above the town, the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy was the seat of the House of Savoy before Turin. Its Sainte-Chapelle, which once sheltered the Shroud of Turin, impresses with its great carillon of 70 bells, one of the largest in Europe. At certain hours, cascades of notes tumble over the rooftops. A guided tour recounts the intrigues of a European dynasty: just the thing to rekindle a passionate exchange.
Old town, trompe-l’œil and passageways
Place Saint-Léger, paved and pedestrian, is Chambéry’s open-air drawing room. Around it, Rue Basse-du-Château and its allées link secret inner courtyards decorated with striking trompe-l’œil frescoes. The terraces around Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral welcome late-evening chats. On Lyad, Chambéry members share their favourite spots; it is up to you to find someone to push a carriage door with.
Date ideas
- Elephant Fountain
- Castle of the Dukes of Savoy
- Place Saint-Léger
- Old Town
- Rue Basse-du-Château
- Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral
- Allobroges
