Chateau des Ducs de Savoie
Pl. du Château, Chambéry, France, 73000
The one-time home of the dukes of Savoy, Chambery’s centerpiece castle remains an important place today, functioning as the Savoy region’s administrative seat. Castle visits give the lowdown on the history of the site, from its medieval roots to its medley of architectural styles, which range from the 13th century to the present day.
The basics
While you can enter the courtyard and a small museum of maps and coins free of charge, the other areas of the castle are off-limits unless you book a tour through the Chambery tourist information center. These tours showcase sites such as the 15th-century Sainte-Chapelle, the Treasury Tower, and the impressive stained-glass windows.
There are also select events held at the castle, such as organ concerts in the chapel, Grand Carillon (bell) concerts, and other cultural offerings during the European Heritage Days, which take place every September.
Things to know before you go
If you’re not visiting on a tour, plan to spend an hour or less here, browsing the small museum and exterior architecture.
This historic site is not considered wheelchair accessible.
The attraction offers guided tours in French only, and advance reservations are required; contact the Chambery tourist information center.
How to get there
The castle is close to the center of Chambery, and easily accessible by public transportation. Bus lines #A, #C, and #D stop at Château des Ducs, while lines #1, #2, and #19 stop at Préfecture. If you’re driving, there are several paid parking lots within walking distance of the castle.
When to get there
While it’s free to enter the courtyard, to see the interior of the castle, you need to take a guided tour, booked via the Chambery tourist information center. If you want to be sure of a visit when you’re in Chambery, it’s a good idea to check with the center in advance.
Chambery Natural History Museum
Chambery may be small, but it has several historic and cultural sites worth seeing if you’re in town. Just across the park from the castle is Chambery’s Natural History Museum (Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Savoie à Chambéry) on Avenue de Lyon. A popular choice for sightseeing families on rainy days, with interesting finds you can see in about an hour, the museum houses different main rooms covering the themes of animals, insects, and mollusks.
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