Chambéry is situated about 55km north of Grenoble and lies just south of the Lac du Bourget in a valley separating the Chartreuse Massif from the Bauges Mountains. In a crossroads position at the entrance to the Alpine valleys, Chambéry is an important frontier town on the way to Italy from France through the Alps and also the gateway to many of the Alpine skiing resorts that can be found dotted around.

Chambéry was the Savoyard capital and enjoyed a Golden Age in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Winding, narrow streets that lead to cobbled courtyards are typical here and Chambéry is a picturesque town, perfectly preserved and offering visitors a peek at an important conservation area.

The town's old streets and listed historical buildings are dominated by Count Thomas de Savoie's castle which was built in 1232.

The philosopher Rousseau was an avid fan of Chambéry and spent a significant amount of time here during the 1730s, proclaiming; "If there is in the world a little town where one tastes the sweetness of life in pleasant and certain commerce, it is Chambéry."

Chambéry was incorporated into France in 1860 so remains quite true to its roots with grand Italianate architecture and a strong sense of regional identity.

This popular tourist spot is lucky enough to be graced with a unique location which places it near some of the most renowned ski resorts in Europe as well as the largest natural lakes in France and various regional natural parks.

Regarded as the gateway to the Alps, ski and snowboarding resorts situated nearby to Chambéry include Lyon, Grenoble, Annecy, Albertville, Geneva, La Clusaz, Courchevel, Alpe d'Huez, Chamonix, Megeve and Val d'Isère.

There are all sorts of routes, from those that suit beginners to advanced tracks for the more skilled and adventurous.

For those who don't feel like hitting the slopes, the Bourget and Aiguebelette lakes are local highlights and offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

Bourget Lake is around 44km squared and is the largest natural lake in France. Surrounded by hills and mountains, Lake Bourget boasts an accolade of water activities, from rowing to fishing.

Aix-les-Bains is a spa town situated on the shores of Lake Bourget and is famous for its thermal baths.

Nestled in the foot of the Alps, in the Montagne de l'Epine, Aiguebelette Lake is the third largest natural lake in France and offers a true retreat from which you can relax and rejuvenate. Swimming and hiking are popular activities around the lake.

Chambéry is the gateway to the regional natural parks of Chartreuse and of the Bauges and to the Vanoise National Park.

Chambéry car rental is worth looking into if you want to investigate surrounding areas as having your own wheels makes it much easier to navigate what is round about Chambéry.

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