Chambéry

Administrative centre of Savoie département in eastern France; population (1999) 55,800. It lies in a gorge linking the River Isère to Lake Bourget, 85 km/53 mi east of Lyons, and is the seat of an archbishopric, a market centre, and also a holiday and health resort. The town produces metallurgical goods and construction materials as well as food and wine. It gives its name to a French vermouth. Chambéry was the capital of the former Duchy of Savoy.

Part of the 15th-century castle of the Dukes of Savoy remains, incorporated into a modern building. Also of 15th-century origin are the cathedral, which was built from a 13th-century Franciscan chapel, and the church of St Pierre, which has a 9th-century crypt and baptistry. The University of Savoy was founded in 1970.