Château des ducs de Savoie

The château des ducs de Savoie has overlooked old Chambéry since the 13th century. Residence of the counts and later dukes of Savoy, it now houses the Département's services and the préfecture of Savoie — which is why it can only be seen on a guided tour, as the official source states plainly.

The tour enters the Sainte-Chapelle, a high place of the House of Savoy built in the 15th century, with Renaissance-era stained glass and 19th-century trompe-l'œil paintings. In the Tour Yolande, the Grand Carillon carries 70 bells: the largest carillon in France, among the 8 largest in the world. Access is normally strictly reserved to the carillonneur — occasional 'visite privilège' slots open it to the public (€19, booking required; 2026 dates: 8 August and 12 September).

In 2026, guided tours run daily from 23 July to 22 August (departures from 10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 17:00), then from 5 to 26 September on Tuesday–Friday and weekends from 14:30. Full price €7.50, reduced €5.50, free under 12. Entry is free during the European Heritage Days.

Daily departures cluster in summer (23 July – 22 August 2026); in September, afternoon tours Tuesday to Friday and at weekends. For the carillon, aim for the year's two privilege dates.