Chambéry and the Elephants Fountain
Chambéry, the former capital of the Dukes of Savoy, is organised around the Elephants Fountain, nicknamed Les Quatre Sans Culs, and the Ducal Castle. You walk through its characteristic covered alleys, climb the Treasury Tower, linger in the Verney garden. A date under the arcades, around a coffee and a biscuit de Savoie, naturally opens an endless conversation.
Lake Bourget and Aix-les-Bains
Lake Bourget, sung by Lamartine, stretches its calm waters over nearly eighteen kilometres. Aix-les-Bains and its thermal baths offer a soft pause; the wild shore and Hautecombe Abbey are reached by boat. A date on a pontoon at sunset, or a picnic in the shade of a willow, is simple and romantic, far from the noise of the resorts.
Vanoise and mountain resorts
Higher up, the Vanoise National Park, the first French national park, protects a vast territory of glaciers, lakes and traditional villages. Val-d’Isère, Tignes and Pralognan set the winter pace around skiing, but suit summer just as well for hiking. On Lyad, Savoyards share their favourite trails; it is up to you to pick someone to lace up boots or skis with.
Date ideas
- Chambéry
- Elephants Fountain
- Lake Bourget
- Aix-les-Bains
- Hautecombe
- Vanoise
- Val-d’Isère
