This city had a strategic location. It was located in the middle of the ancient routes to Switzerland, Italy and the Burgundy region. It was chosen as the capital of Savoys and remained so for almost three centuries until it was moved to Turin in the mid-sixteenth century.  Many of the buildings in the historical centre, which has remained almost intact for the last 500 years, date from that time.

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Not to be missed is the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy. Also the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales and, I would say that to honor the city, don’t miss a walk to the Fountain of the Elephants, perhaps more for its picturesque appearance than for its real meaning; The heart of "old" Chambéry is in the Place St. Léger and from there you begin to wander around its narrow streets, its buildings, its arches, its hidden squares and the old shops that will take you back to its time of splendour.

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We drove all the way to Chambèry to have lunch at Lamartine,  a restaurant with splendid views of the Lac du Bourget, just about 15 minutes driving from the center of town. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star, so expect to eat well. 

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If you go in the summer months when days are long, I would recommend to go straight for lunch and then drive to town and do your own walking tour. Don't miss stopping at any of the bars or cafés by St Lèger to try some Chartreuse, a liquor with a characteristic taste of sweetness but spicy and pungent at the same time. Its made in nearby Grenoble mountains. It is composed of distilled alcohol aged with 130 herbs, plants and flowers.

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Chámbery is still the main TGV connection from Paris (Gare de Lyon) to the Savoy (Savoie) region with links  to the ski resorts around the French Alps.