car hire chambery
Pick up your hire car at Chambéry airport and get ready to explore one of France's best-kept secrets, whether on foot or by hitting the slopes for ski season. Book car hire chambery airport now
the 60-second guide to chambery
in its own head
"Pre-Alpine beauty, top quality vineyards, impressive transport links and a historical relevance unmatched by many locations - we've got it all!"
but more realistically
Chambery hasn't traditionally been a big player as a French holiday destination but with lakes, mountains, vineyards and great houses from the past it sure deserves to be.
the vibe
Expect good grooming on the ski slopes as well as the city streets - this lot are a glamourous bunch.
the natives
Though the bluebloods of yesteryear are no longer in residence, there is still a sense of importance to be found among Chambery's residents. Don't be put off though, they are a friendly bunch.
the weather
Pack sun cream alongside your thermals if you're spending much time on the slopes - you're just as likely to burn while you're skiing as you are sunbathing.
the local speciality
The area produces some very well received wines. But Chambery itself is perhaps most noted for its excellent vermouth.
the celebrity
As far as highbrow celebrity endorsements go, you'll struggle to find many with more gravitas than Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The Swiss-born writer, philosopher and composer's influence is still felt in the town.
did you know?
Chambery was the capital of the Savoyard region from 1295 to 1563. During this time, Savoy encompassed a region that stretched from Bourg-en-Bresse in the west, across the Alps to Turin, north to Geneva, and south to Nice.
they say
"An isolated house on the side of a small valley was our refuge and it was here that, within the space of four or five years, I enjoyed one century of life." - Jean-Jacques Rousseau on Chambery
5 to see in town...
- 1. Castle of the Dukes
- 2. Fontaine des Elephants
- 3. Fine Arts museum
- 4. Rue de Boigne shopping arcade
- 5. Aix-les-Bains spa
The Chateau of Chambery has played a vital role in the history of the town, playing host to the Savoy dynasty since the 13th century. It is now owned by the state and guided tours are available.
where to park?
There is a free car park on Place Porte Hein.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Castle of the Dukes
- 2. Fontaine des Elephants
- 3. Fine Arts museum
- 4. Rue de Boigne shopping arcade
- 5. Aix-les-Bains spa
Elephants emerging from each side of a square pedestal, supporting a statue of one of France's first military leaders to explore India - not your average tourist attraction but well worth a look.
where to park?
You can use either the Palais de Justice car park, Caree Curial Vinci car park or the Parking La Falaise in Avenue d'Aix-les Bais.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Castle of the Dukes
- 2. Fontaine des Elephants
- 3. Fine Arts museum
- 4. Rue de Boigne shopping arcade
- 5. Aix-les-Bains spa
Offering exactly what it says on the tin, Chambery's Fine Arts museum boasts a large collection of Italian paintings, including works from the Quattrocento and the Renaissance.
where to park?
Free street parking on Place du Palais de Justice just outside the museum.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Castle of the Dukes
- 2. Fontaine des Elephants
- 3. Fine Arts museum
- 4. Rue de Boigne shopping arcade
- 5. Aix-les-Bains spa
Located directly opposite the town's elephantine statue, this road is a shoppers' paradise. An arcaded shopping lane, made up of colourfully fronted shops, the Rue de Boigne offers something for everyone.
where to park?
You can use either the Palais de Justice car park or the car park in Caree Curial.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Castle of the Dukes
- 2. Fontaine des Elephants
- 3. Fine Arts museum
- 4. Rue de Boigne shopping arcade
- 5. Aix-les-Bains spa
This luxurious spa offers the opportunity to escape from whatever it is you wish to avoid. Relax, play sport, bask in the glory of your surroundings; Aix-les-Bains is pure indulgence.
where to park?
Just out of Chambery, there is a free car park for visitors.
and 4 to drive to...
The Brides-les-Bains ski resort is a favourite among the snowboarding community. It also boasts a well-renowned casino for when you're tired of taking your chances on the slopes.
how to get there?
It takes under an hour to reach Brides-les-Bains by car. Take the A41/A43 and exit towards Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Merge onto the A43 and continue on the A430. Merge onto the N90, then exit onto the D915 towards Brides-les-Bains.
and 4 to drive to...
This French village has all you'd expect from a quintessential Gaelic town - culture, tradition and brilliant cheese. It also has direct lift access to Les Trois Vallées ski resort, with over 500 individual pistes.
how to get there?
You will be hitting the slopes in just over an hour - follow the A41/A43 and exit towards Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Merge onto the A43 and continue on the A430 and N90. Exit onto the D915, following signs to the village.
and 4 to drive to...
This 30-year-old ski resort has all the benefits of a purpose-built facility without looking like one. A favourite for family holidays, it's packed full of quaint French charm.
how to get there?
Follow the A41/A43 and exit towards Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Merge onto the A43 and continue on the A430 and N90. Take exit 38 toward Aigueblanche Lyon and merge onto the D990 towards Valmorel.
and 4 to drive to...
Just over an hour's drive from Chambéry is France's gastronomic capital, Lyon. Take a wander through the narrow city streets and savour the delights of this culinary city.
how to get there?
Take the A43 toward Lyon/Valence. Pick up the N6 and follow signs for Lyon. You'll be there in just over an hour.
ask a chambery cabbie!
Local taxi driver Didier Sylvestre on car hire in Chambery: "We're right in the heart of the French Alps yet it doesn't get too busy, nor do the roads. Most of the tourist attractions such as the Castle of the Dukes and the Fine Arts Museum are located in the centre of Chambery which is the oldest part of the town. But having a car hire will come into its own when you use it to explore the surrounding area - visit the ski resort towns such as Grenoble and Albertville where there are congestion free roads."