Erasmus à Chambéry
About Me
- Chloe Disney
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Hey! I am Chloe and I am going to France on Erasmus to continue with my French studies and explore and experience this beautiful country. I have traveled to many countries and actually lived in different parts of the world but never in France. However, I am from Spain and I know there are some similarities between the Spanish and French so I don't believe I am going to struggle with any cultural shocks because I have already grown up in a Mediterranean country. I love travelling and getting to know new places, I believe this benefits all people and makes them a lot wiser and knowledgeable which is a great benefit.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Chambery
Country | France |
---|---|
Region | Rhône-Alpes |
Department | Savoie |
Intercommunality | Chambéry Métropole |
• Mayor (2008–2014) | (PS) |
Area | |
• Land1 | 20.99 km2 (8.10 sq mi) |
Population (January 2008[1]) | |
• Rank | 88th in France |
• Population2 | 56,835 |
• Population2 Density | 2,700/km2 (7,000/sq mi) |
Time zone | CET (UTC +1) |
INSEE/Postal code | 73065 / 73000 |
Elevation | 245–560 m (804–1,840 ft) (avg. 270 m or 890 ft) |
Region
Chambery is a city in the Region of Savoie (Rhone-Alps Region). It is situated in the South-East of France 523 km from Paris and 100 km from Lyon and 85 km from Geneva.
Throughout history it has been both French and Italian. It lies in a valley in the Alps surrounded by the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges and provides almost 360 degree views of the French Alps.
Chambery is bordered by the largest natural lake in France called Lac du Bourget.
For many years the city was ruled by the Dutchy of Savoie before being taken over by the King of France.
The region of Savoie seems very beautiful, it is located near to the French Alps and is also not far from Lake Geneva in Switzerland. During the winter and summer therefore there are many activities to spend time doing such as skiing, snowboarding, mountainbiking, hiking, swimming, canoeing, sailing and rock climbing. There are also many vineyards in the region and on Saturday's the market is abuzz with the freshest French produce of cheese, meats and local produce from the Alps.
During the summer months, the famous Tour de France bicycle race comes through the area attracting many more visitors.
I have a vaguely good idea of what the Savoie region would be like due to my 10 month stay in Verbier, Switzerland which is close by. I fell in love with Switzerland during my Gap Year. One day I went to visit my cousin who lives on the other side of Lake Geneva which is actually part of France. I crossed the Swiss side of the lake into the French part on a small boat which only took about 25 minutes.
On one of my days off from Chambery University I will hopefully get to travel around and I have been told to go to Annecy which is a cute little town close to Chambery and very picturesque.
I will definitely go skiing as there will be weekend trips to sign up for and not too expensive. You can spend the whole day skiing.
Discover:
- Nature Park Vanoise
- The Chartreuse Mountain Range
- Lake du Bourget
- Lake Annecy
- Music and Dance festivals
- Theatre, Museums
- The Savoie Museum
- Outdoor Markets every Saturday morning in Chambery
- Cafe, Concerts, Discos
The Medievel quarter of Chambery holds many well-maintained alleyways the most famous being Rue Basse du Chateau.
The Chateau of Chambery, once the residence of Ducs de Savoie is now the department of Savoie government offices.
The Elephants Fountain which is on many postcards is often called by the locals 'four buttless'
The Lac du Bourget is often enjoyed on a paddle-boat on a summery afternoon.
What to do:
-Shopping, Eating, Hiking, Visit Vineyards, Skiing, Snowboarding, Boating
Eat:
-Fondue Savoyarde, Tartiflette, Crepes, Goats cheese
Drink:
- Vin de Savoie
- Chartreuse
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