Chambéry
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Chambéry
Chambéry is a historic city in southeastern France and the capital of the Savoie department, with a population of about 60,000 people, while the metropolitan area is home to more than 220,000 residents. Nestled between the Alps and Lake Bourget, it has long been an important gateway to the mountains. Chambéry became the capital of the Duchy of Savoy in 1295, and the dukes ruled from the impressive Château des Ducs de Savoie until 1563, when the capital moved to Turin. The city preserves an elegant medieval center with narrow streets, colorful façades, and hidden passageways known as traboules. Notable landmarks include the Château des Ducs de Savoie, the Gothic Cathedral Saint-François-de-Sales with one of Europe's largest trompe-l'oeil paintings, the Fontaine des Éléphants, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The lively Place Saint-Léger and Rue de Boigne form the heart of the city, lined with cafés, boutiques, and historic buildings. Chambéry is also an excellent base for skiing, with nearby resorts including Les Trois Vallées, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Valmorel, La Féclaz, Le Revard, and Margériaz. Local gastronomy features Savoyard specialties such as fondue, raclette, tartiflette, diots sausages, crozets pasta, and regional Beaufort, Reblochon, and Tomme de Savoie cheese, accompanied by wines from the Savoie vineyards.
Aix-les-Bains
Aix-les-Bains is a spa town in southeastern France located on the eastern shore of Lac du Bourget. The town has a population of about 31,000 inhabitants and is famous for its thermal springs and alpine surroundings. Aix-les-Bains became an important spa destination in 1783, when its thermal baths began attracting visitors seeking health treatments. Later, in 1899, the elegant Grand Cercle Casino was built, reflecting the town's popularity among European aristocracy. A unique feature of Aix-les-Bains is the combination of thermal spa culture, beautiful lake scenery, and easy access to the surrounding Alps. https://www.aixlesbains-rivieradesalpes.com/en/
Car: 15 km (9.5 mi), 20 min
Train: 10-12 min
Bus: 28-38 min
Annecy
Annecy is a picturesque Alpine city in southeastern France, located between Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains, with a population of approximately 132,000 people in the metropolitan area. Founded in the Middle Ages, it became the residence of the Counts of Geneva in the 13th century. The Château d'Annecy, rebuilt during the 12th and 16th centuries, overlooks the historic center, while the Palais de l'Île, dating from the 12th century, is the city's most famous landmark. Visitors can also explore the Château d'Annecy Museum, featuring regional history and art collections, and the Conservatoire d'Art et d'Histoire, dedicated to Annecy's cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its canals, colorful old town, flower-lined streets, and Savoyard cuisine. https://www.annecy-town.com/
Car: 49 km (31 mi), 35 min
Bus: 40-50 min
Train: 40-55 min
Les Trois Vallées
Les Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world, located in the French Alps in the Savoie region. The resort connects several famous ski destinations including Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. The ski area offers more than 600 kilometers (375 mi) of ski slopes and over 150 ski lifts, making it one of the most extensive winter sports regions in the world. The resort began developing in the 1950s, and Val Thorens opened in 1971 as the highest ski resort in Europe. A unique feature is the ability to ski across multiple valleys in one day while enjoying spectacular alpine scenery. https://www.les3vallees.com/en
to Brides-les-Bains
Car: 82 km (51 mi), 55 min
Bus + Train: 2h40min (transfer Moûtiers)
