Hi there! My daughter will be studying abroad in Chambery, France next summer. We have been to Europe once so far, London, Paris, Black Forest, Germany and Florence, Italy. We thought that we would visit some cities in Europe not too far from Chambery for a couple of weeks before we drop her off in Chambery. We were wondering if anyone could recommend three or four cities to see other then the above mentioned places we already saw. Actually we were thinking of stopping again in Paris on the way to Chambery for our last stop. Are there any interesting cities in France other then where we are headed? What about Switzerland, Austria or Venice? Or, should we stick mostly to cities in France? We are not interested in Spain, as we are animal lovers and will not support a country that glorifies a blood sport like bull fighting. Also, does anyone know anything about Chambery? For what my daughter is studying, Chambery was the only city in France that had what she wanted. We hope this is a nice city she can feel as comfortable in as we did in Paris. Anyway, thank you! Would appreciate suggestions and input on Chambery.

You bet there are other interesting cities in France--how about Grenoble, Lyon, Avignon, Nice, Arles...the list goes on and on.

Thanks Underhill! I've made up my mind. I think we will do an in-depth of France with maybe one neighboring country before we drop my daughter off in Chambery for her study abroad. Now all we have to do is start saving!

Although I've not been in Chambery itself, I've driven around it and have visited the general area. It's the foothills of the French Alps and it's a beautiful area! Nearby is Grenoble, Annecy and Chamonix. You'd be close to Lake Geneva and the Rhone Valley and its tributaries in Switzerland.

For a wonderful and unbelievably scenic day trip from Chambery, take D912 south up to Col du Granier, then continue south to St. Pierre de Chartreuse. From there turn west on D520, and follow the signs to the Grande Chartreuse monastery (home of the famous green liqeuer, although now it's made down in the valley at Voiron). The monastery isn't open to the public, but it's a nice walk to some beautiful viewpoints above the monastery complex. Continue on down through the gorge on D520, eventually reaching St. Laurent du Pont from where you can return to Chambery on N6 or other routes. Try to find a copy of The Auberge of the Flowering Hearth by Roy Andries de Groot, which discusses this area in detail, before you go. The inn is still in operation, a couple miles south of St. Pierre de Chartreuse on D512.

I was in Chambery fall of 2005 for a couple of hours. I was staying in Lyons and took the train to Chambery. Very scenic route...mountains , lakes, samll old villages, at times the train is 10' from people's backyards.

I'd easily recommend Lyon..Unesco classified Old Town, great food, roman amphitheatre, nice art museum, outstanding roman artifacts museum, secnic views along rivers,etc....You could spend 3 days there.

Mike