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Nestled between lakes and mountains, Savoie is brimming with unspoilt, natural landscapes to explore. With Les Alpes by Opinel, we set off to explore the region that has made Opinel what it is today. This summer, head to Chambéry, the brand’s adopted home, to discover the most beautiful spots, blending tradition with local encounters.
Chambéry: city of the dukes
In the heart of the Savoyard Alps, Chambéry and its surroundings tell the story of the mountains that surround them: bountiful, vibrant and deeply rooted in their traditions. With its medieval heritage, agricultural expertise and local cuisine, this summer’s day out around Chambéry invites you to discover an authentic Savoie, where every encounter is unique.
Miolans Castle
A few kilometres from Chambéry, perched above the Combe de Savoie, Miolans Castle has overlooked the valleys for over a thousand years.Formerly a medieval fortress, it became a state prison in the 18th century and is now a listed historic monument; the site offers a fascinating insight into Savoyard history.
Situated at an altitude of 550 metres on a rocky escarpment in Saint-Pierre d’Albigny, it offers breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks, vineyards and surrounding villages that make up this characteristic Savoyard landscape.
The castle’s stones bear witness to the visits of the Dukes of Savoy, tales of captivity and exchanges between Alpine valleys, whilst the 27-metre-high keep still bears traces of medieval fireplaces and carved coats of arms, a sign of its former grandeur.
Through its ramparts, ancient cells and spectacular panoramic views, Miolans serves as a reminder of just how closely the history of Savoy is intertwined with its mountains.
📍 Château de Miolans, 73250 Saint-Pierre d’Albigny
📞 06 08 34 03 03
📧 chateau.miolans@gmail.com
📅 For opening times and days, visit the castle’s website
€14.20
€15.20
La Chèvrerie du Charava: at the heart of Savoyard craftsmanship
On your way to Chambéry, take the small village roads towards Villard-d’Héry, a few kilometres from the château, to meet the producers at La Chèvrerie du Charava.
Take a break in the heart of the countryside and visit this dairy farm, which turns its produce into cheese right on the premises. In this lush green setting, the goat farm continues to practise small-scale farming rooted in the Savoyard region, where life follows the rhythm of the seasons.
Every day from 5 pm to 7 pm, you can watch the goats being milked and discover daily life on the farm.
Jérôme, the owner, also welcomes you on educational tours so you can learn more about goat farming and cheese-making.
There is a shop on site where you can buy goat’s tommes, fresh cheeses with apricot, plain or pepper-flavoured, as well as small goat’s cheeses. Come and discover the full range of these farm produce, with their bold and authentic flavours.
📍 311 Chemin des Rivaux 73800, Villard-d’Héry
📞 06 88 39 66 92
📅 every day from 5 pm to 7 pm (closed in December and January)
Le Bistrot du Verger
For lunch, head to the Bistrot du Verger, a welcoming spot where the cuisine showcases local and seasonal produce.
(c) Anthony Cottarel
In a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere, the dishes celebrate the Savoyard region with a sincere and generous approach. Vegetables from the garden, produce from neighbouring farms and recipes inspired by the world, travel and encounters come together to create a vibrant cuisine that’s “full of common sense”, which changes according to the inspiration of the chefs and pastry chefs.
An ideal culinary interlude to take your time, discover a region through the people who bring it to life, and share simple moments around the table.
📍 Bistrot du Verger, Place Pierre de Coubertin, 73000 Chambéry
📞 04 79 69 03 97
📅 open for lunch every day from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Wednesday to Friday
Lake Bourget: France’s largest natural lake
It’s impossible to talk about Chambéry in summer without mentioning the Lake Bourget. At 18 km long, it is France’s largest natural lake. Its turquoise waters offer an iconic landscape where the mountains drop away sheer.
(c) Guillaume
With its marinas, numerous beaches and reed beds – nature reserves for protected species – the lake attracts swimmers and nature lovers alike. Just a few kilometres from Chambéry, it is a unique destination in the heart of the Alps. The surrounding mountains offer several panoramic views and vantage points such as the Ontex viewpoint, La Chambotte and Le Revard.
Lake Bourget embodies that gentle summer atmosphere so characteristic of the Savoie region: a luminous and welcoming mountain landscape.
