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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

France

Nearby Destinations

Many captivating destinations are within easy reach of Chambéry, presenting varied experiences.

Aix-les-Bains, a thermal spa town, is on Lac du Bourget's eastern shore. It features Belle Époque architecture, therapeutic thermal baths, and lakeside activities. It offers a relaxing contrast to Chambéry.

Aix-les-Bains Travel

  • Frequent direct train (TER) or bus services from Chambéry.
  • Approx. 10-20 minutes by train/bus, an easy drive.
  • Half to full day visit.
  • Explore independently.

Nearby City Destinations

Explore more cities, each with distinct attractions and easy access from Chambéry.

Annecy

Often called "The Venice of the Alps," Annecy is famous for its picturesque Old Town, crisscrossed by canals, its crystal-clear lake, and a medieval castle. It is a highly popular and scenic destination.

Travel Details

  • Direct train (TER) from Chambéry, approx. 40-50 minutes.
  • Direct bus services also available.
  • An easy drive of about 45 minutes.

Grenoble

A larger city known as the "Capital of the Alps." It is a hub for science, technology, and outdoor activities.

Travel Details

  • Frequent direct train (TER) services from Chambéry.
  • Approx. 45-60 minutes by train.
  • Direct bus services also available.

Other prominent Cities

Albertville

  • Albertville (approx. 45 km east): 1992 Winter Olympics host.
  • Direct train (TER) from Chambéry, approx. 30-40 minutes.
  • Half day visit.
  • It features a medieval Olympic village (Conflans).

Lyon

  • Lyon (approx. 90 km northwest): Gastronomic capital, UNESCO site.
  • Frequent direct TGV or TER trains from Chambéry.
  • Approx. 1 hour to 1.5 hours travel.
  • A full day, or ideally an overnight stay.

Quick Travel Facts

  • Distance to Aix-les-Bains:15 km
  • Train to Aix-les-Bains:10-20 min
  • Distance to Annecy:55 km
  • Train to Annecy:40-50 min
  • Distance to Grenoble:60 km
  • Train to Grenoble:45-60 min
  • Distance to Albertville:45 km
  • Train to Albertville:30-40 min

Booking Day Trips

Find and book day trips and excursions on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

The natural beauty surrounding Chambéry presents numerous opportunities for outdoor relaxation and adventure.

Lac du Bourget

Visit for swimming, sunbathing on its beaches, boat trips, or cycling along its scenic shores. A refreshing escape during warmer months.

Parc Naturel des Bauges

This regional natural park offers numerous hiking trails, charming mountain villages, and opportunities for nature observation.

Mont Revard

Drive or take a bus from Aix-les-Bains to Mont Revard for panoramic views of Lac du Bourget and Mont Blanc, plus easy walking trails.

Abbaye d'Hautecombe

A beautiful 12th-century Cistercian abbey on a secluded promontory on Lac du Bourget's western shore. It serves as the burial place for many members of the House of Savoy.

Access

  • Best accessed by boat tour from Aix-les-Bains or Le Bourget-du-Lac.
  • Accessible by car, but parking is limited.
  • Half day visit.

Perouges

A perfectly preserved medieval fortified village, frequently used as a film set.

Access

  • Train to Meximieux-Pérouges (from Lyon), then a walk or short taxi.
  • Best by car from Chambéry, approximately 1-hour drive.
  • Half day visit.

Travel Distances

Chambéry to Abbaye d'Hautecombe:Boat access from lake towns
Chambéry to Perouges:Approx. 70 km
Perouges Travel Time (car):~1 hour
Lac du Bourget Activities:Boating, swimming, cycling
Bauges Park Activities:Hiking, nature observation
Mont Revard Viewpoint:Lac du Bourget, Mont Blanc

Regional Parks

  • Parc Naturel Régional des Bauges features numerous hiking trails and charming mountain villages.
  • It suits a half or full-day hike, immersing visitors in the Alpine landscape.
  • Mont Revard offers a stunning viewpoint for the lake and mountains.
  • Lac du Bourget is a prime spot for water activities.
  • Respect marked trails and wildlife in protected areas.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip beyond a day to experience the region's diverse offerings.

French Alps Ski Resorts

Combine your Chambéry visit with 2-3 days in a major ski resort like Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens (part of Les 3 Vallées), or La Plagne/Les Arcs (part of Paradiski).

Travel to Resorts

  • Regular bus services from Moutiers or Albertville connect to these major resorts.
  • These resorts present world-class skiing.
  • Self-driving is common.

Lake Annecy & Surrounding Area

Spend an additional 1-2 days exploring more of Lake Annecy, including its surrounding villages, or hiking in the nearby Aravis mountains.

Travel & Activities

  • Easy train or bus connections from Chambéry.
  • A more relaxed pace for discovery.
  • Hiking in Aravis mountains.

Geneva & Swiss Alps

Extend your trip with 1-2 days in Geneva, Switzerland, to experience its international atmosphere, beautiful lake, and museums. From Geneva, further exploration of the Swiss Alps is possible.

Travel to Geneva

  • Direct train from Chambéry to Geneva takes approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Access to Swiss Alps from Geneva.
  • Experience museums and the lake.

Lyon & Beaujolais Wine Region

Dedicate 1-2 full days to Lyon's acclaimed culinary scene and historical sites. Potentially add a day trip to the nearby Beaujolais wine region.

Travel to Lyon

  • Easy high-speed train connections from Chambéry to Lyon.
  • Wine tasting and vineyard tours available in Beaujolais.
  • Experience Lyon's culinary scene.

Long-Term Stay Options

For a deep immersion in local life, consider extending your stay considerably.

Apartment Rental

Consider renting an apartment or a gîte (vacation rental) for a month or longer.

Local Immersion

Enjoy frequent visits to markets and leisurely exploration of surrounding villages.

Language Classes

The opportunity to take language classes for a local experience.

Longer Stays

For an immersive experience, consider renting an apartment or gîte for a month or longer. This presents a genuine local experience.
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