Rich in Art & History… …a haven of lakes & mountains PRESS RELEASE 2018 www.chambery-tourisme.com « Redefining » Chambéry This press release is all about RE-DISCOVERING Chambéry and highlights the region’s tou- rist attractions in two new areas: • ‘Lifestyle’ : the idea is to show why Chambéry is the perfect city break destination, filled with art galleries, boutiques by young CONTENTS designers, concept stores, ‘slow shopping’ and new stylish hotels. Chambéry is still a hidden gem, 10 reasons to come to Chambéry page 2 making it a trendy destination for complete escapism away from News page 6 the crowds. > Greater Chambéry, Bike Friendly >> Yellow jersey ! • ‘Lakes and mountains’ : since Chambéry wins 2nd place for cycling towns the creation of the ‘Greater nd rd Chambéry’ tourist office, the re- >> NEW - La Vélo Dingo - 2 & 3 June 2018 gion now offers a range of lon- >> NEW - Chambéry is now part of the Véloroute 63 ger stays in a ‘Town of Art and network ! History’, surrounded by lakes and >> Cycling events mountains. This region is unique > Eskapades – all hiking and cycling routes in one in its ability to link together its attractions, making them even app more fun and attractive, such > New, stylish hotels in Chambéry as through innovative digital An incredible history page 16 apps (EsKapade) and exciting events, such as La Vélo Dingo, An artistic town page 22 which is an incredible mix of sport and culture (a bike ride in The good life and ‘slow shopping’ page 28 the vineyards interspersed with In the heart of the Savoyard vineyards page 30 shows). A land of good food page 32 Health and well-being : Challes-les-Eaux and its sulphur-rich springs page 40 Between lakes and mountains page 42 Highlights page 46 Business tourism page 50 Key figures page 52 WELCOME TO CHAMBÉRY ! hambéry is a designated ‘Town of Art and History’, known for its secret alleyways (‘traboules’), surprising ‘trompe-l’œil’ Cart and colourful historic centre, making it a great place to explore ! You’ll love the pedestrianised streets, gourmet restaurants and range of unusual and lively shops, along with a wealth of sculptural features, decorative ironwork and, of course, the Medieval château, which once belonged to the Dukes of Savoy. Chambéry invites its visitors to ex- plore or enjoy a quiet stroll. The town’s history is intimately linked to that of neighbouring Italy, since for six centuries, Chambéry and Savoie were united with Turin and the Piedmont region under the rule of the House of Savoy dy- nasty. Indeed, this town has an Italian feel, and a surprisingly relaxed approach to living that is instantly appreciated. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, Chambéry is tucked away in delightful countryside! The peaks of the Bauges and La Chartreuse mountains watch over the town. If you climb the surrounding hills or cycle in any direction from the town, vineyards and lakes will start to emerge, such as Lake Bourget (the biggest natural lake in France), Lake Saint-André or even Lake Aiguebelette... Every season provides a moving and rich tapestry that nature lovers will adore. If you love sport and getting an adrenaline rush, you’ll love the range of land, water and air-borne activities in Chambéry. Others may prefer the relaxing atmosphere of Challes-les-Eaux - a spa resort with the most sulphur-rich waters in Europe! Chambéry’s excellent hotels make the town even more endearing, bringing a little extra something to make your stay even better. This excellence strengthens Chambéry’s credentials as a tourist destina- tion. There are so many ways to discover and fall in love with Cham- béry, from the city to sport to culture, from relaxation to romance! Chambéry is rich in Art and History, surrounded by lakes and mountains... 1 10 REASONS TO COME TO CHAMBÉRY Chambéry is the perfect holiday destination 1 / away from the crowds, thanks to its great lo- At the crossroads cation, rich past, wealth of cultural, natural and Chambéry is less than 3 hours from architectural heritage, thriving economy and Paris, 1 hour from Lyon, Geneva or variety of events. Not to mention its proximity Italy. The town boasts excellent transport links, including TGV to mountains and lakes, stunning views, cultural (high-speed rail), motorways and centre and endless outdoor playground ... 3 airports (Chambéry, Lyon and Geneva). Chambéry is the ideal location for both city breaks and longer holi- days. 2 2 / A designated ‘Town of Art and History’, visitors to Chambéry can experience 1000 years of history Chambéry has an extremely rich history. Walk down the narrow streets in the pedestrianised centre to discover a place that’s full of history. Chambéry, the Savoy, Turin and the Piedmont region are connected by 1000 years of history, as they were all governed by the House of Savoy. Cham- béry only became part of France in 1860 and the Savoie was one of the last regions to join France. 3 / The town is a treasure trove, with unmissable monuments, (such as The good life the Château of the Dukes of Savoy or the Cathedral of Saint François “If there is a city in the world where de Sales), as well as hidden gems, you can experience the good life including narrow streets, small in a pleasant, friendly place, it’s squares, religious buildings and Chambéry.’ - Jean-Jacques Rous- mansions. seau Chambéry’s Italian influence encourages the ‘good life’, with colourful and picturesque alleys and ‘trompe l’oeil’-style façades. Behind the colourful traditional façades in the centre of town is a whole network of ‘traboules’ - an incredible network of passageways that is perfect to wander around! The ‘traboules’ are the heart of Chambéry, acting like corridors that allow short-cuts between buil- dings . The ‘traboules’ are great to visit - you could even have fun creating a secret route! You’ll pass through tiny squares and inner courtyards, finding many bou- tiques owned by local designers, bookshops and other independent shops, as well as several terraces, along the way! There’s plenty of opportunities to wander, enjoy and take in your surroundings ! 3 4 / people - is where concerts, shows and commercial or sporting events Surrounded are held (especially handball, with by lakes and the resident Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Handball club). There mountains are also many cultural events on offer! Chambéry is home to the A ‘Town of Art and History’ sur- ‘Espace Malraux - Scène Natio- rounded by lakes and mountains, nale’, a fine arts museum (Musée Chambéry is even better for its des Beaux Arts) and several art proximity to nature! The moun- galleries. tains watch over and look after Moreover, the Savoy Museum the town, whilst the surrounding (Musée Savoisien), closed for refur- lakes reflect its charm. If you love bishment since December 2014, outdoor activities and beautiful will re-open in 2019 and will have countryside, Chambéry has plenty plenty to offer. Festival-goers will to offer ! be impressed by the talent that arrives in Chambéry for the nume- rous festivals held in the town: the Comic Book Festival (Festival de la BD), the International Festival of World Cultures (Festival Inter- national des Cultures du Monde), the Debut Novel Festival (Festival du Premier Roman) or even the International Festival of Mountain Trades (Festival International des Métiers de la Montagne). 6 / New, stylish hotels in Chambéry Chambéry’s hotels are just like its historic centre: a wonderful mix of privacy and elegance, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere. The charm and authenticity of 5 / these hotels means that guests are sure to have a unique experience. Fun and food in With something for all tastes and Chambéry budgets, Chambéry’s hotels know how to bring a touch of comfort Chambéry’s pedestrianised histo- and enjoyment to your holiday ! ric centre has plenty of gourmet restaurants and is perfect for drinks with friends. Many bars and restau- rants have concerts and themed evenings throughout the year. Furthermore, Le Phare - a large function hall that can hold 4500 4 7 / 10 / Chambéry, The heart of bike friendly ! Savoyard wine In 2018, Chambéry won 2nd place In 2012, the ‘Cœur de Savoie’ for bike-friendly medium-sized region between Chambéry and towns by the Cyclists’ Federation Albertville brings together 19 (Fédération des Usagers de la Bi- French regions with ‘Vignobles et cyclette). Découvertes’ accreditation. This Chambéry is a starting point for certification singles out places an endless array of cycle paths with thriving tourist and wine-ma- and routes. The unspoiled and king industries, and that offer a varied countryside are breath-ta- variety of tourist facilities (accom- king, with some of the most beau- modation, food, visits to wine cel- tiful landscapes that you’ll see lars, wine tasting, museums and on your holiday ! You can cycle events). both ways along the V63 - either Challes-les-Eaux. The town is now AOC vineyards with one grape towards Lake Bourget or towards a renowned hub for ‘health and variety, Mondeuse, Jacquère Mont Granier, the Belledonnes well-being’. and Altesse, are planted on the mountain range and the vineyards hillsides of the Bauges and Char- around Lake Saint-André. treuse mountains, offering visitors Wind along a labyrinth of char- 9 / lush green countryside. ming little roads with gentle A destination for The ‘Coeur de Savoie’ area has slopes that are perfect for family significant natural resources and rides ! ‘slow-shopping’ heritage, and has a range of acti- vities and attractions focusing on If you like to buy a souvenir to re- wine production: 22 wine cellars, member your holiday, Chambéry 15 restaurants, 25 accommoda- can satisfy your desire for authen- tion options and 4 heritage sites.