The great outdoors within easy reach by train: Chambéry Montagnes and Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes

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Want to explore Savoie? Between lake and mountains, the duo Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes is super easy to explore by train. Perfect for a car-free getaway: drop off your bags and dive into local crafts, nature, heritage, and wellbeing. To get inspired, check out our articles “Que faire à Chambéry ?” and “Que faire à Aix les Bains Riviera des Alpes ?”, you’ll find ideas like meeting local artisans, visiting Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s house, touring on an electric Vespa, paddle yoga on Lake Bourget, or unwinding at a spa. Once your itinerary is set, all that’s left is to hop on board.

Between Chambéry Montagnes and Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes: simple, fast, and frequent connections

The TER train link between Chambéry–Challes-les-Eaux and Aix-les-Bains–Le Revard couldn’t be more convenient: up to one train every 20 minutes (depending on the day and time), with the shortest journey lasting just 10 minutes. Don’t forget to check the day’s schedule before you go.

Getting to Chambéry Montagnes by train

From Paris–Gare de Lyon, the journey to Chambéry–Challes-les-Eaux takes around 2h50 (for the fastest route). As schedules and connections vary, be sure to check the best options on SNCF Connect.
From Lyon-Part-Dieu, several trains make the trip in about 1h30.
From Bordeaux, journeys start at around 5h45.
From Toulouse, expect around 6h.
From Nice, the trip takes roughly 6h45 to 8h.
From Nantes, plan for about 6h on average.

Once there, drop off your luggage and start with the Parcours des Éléphants to get your bearings, climb up to Les Charmettes for a dose of nature and literature, then try an electric Vespa to glide quietly between charming villages and viewpoints. For details on where to eat and sleep, check out this article.

You’ll find real-time departures and practical info for the station on the official Chambéry–Challes-les-Eaux page — handy for syncing a bus transfer, a walk, or a round trip to the lake.

Getting to Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes by train

From Paris–Gare de Lyon, the trip to Aix-les-Bains–Le Revard takes about 3h10 (for the fastest option - always check on SNCF Connect before booking).
From Lyon-Part-Dieu, expect 1h10 to 1h30, depending on the route (via Ambérieu/Culoz or via Chambéry).
From Bordeaux, travel times range from 6h to 6h40 depending on connections.
From Toulouse, the best options take around 5h50 (with at least one transfer).
From Nice, plan for 6h20 to 9h depending on the schedule.
From Nantes, connections typically take 6 to 7 hours.

Once you’ve arrived, drop your bags and set off to discover Hautecombe Abbey, Le Moulin de Chanaz, and the Caveau de Chautagne. For something unique, try paddle yoga on Lake Bourget, then unwind at the Domaine de Marlioz spa, all these experiences are detailed in this article.

For planning your trip, check updated departure times and accessibility info on the official Aix-les-Bains–Le Revard station page.

Getting around car-free: handy local bus networks

In Chambéry Montagnes, the Synchro Bus network covers the train station, city center, and key districts, with an interactive map, live schedules, and traffic updates — perfect for connecting your train arrival to a visit of the old town or Les Charmettes.

In Aix-les-Bains and the Grand Lac area, the Ondéa network serves the Aix-les-Bains–Le Revard station, city center, Grand Port, and beaches, with routes and schedules on the website (including lines to Chanaz/Chautagne, depending on season).

Coming (and moving around) with a bike: what to know

On TER Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes trains, non-folding bikes are allowed on board within the limits of available space. It’s best to arrive early, board through doors marked with the bike symbol, and travel during off-peak hours. On some routes and during busy seasons, bike reservations may be required (for example, in summer). For more details, check out our article “How to travel in french trains with your bike ?”.

If you’d rather travel light, you can rent a bike locally — for instance, at Vélostation, right next to Chambéry station (perfect for reaching Rousseau’s house with scenic views on the way), or Vélodéa, near Aix-les-Bains station.

This article was produced in partnership with Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Tourisme. To go further, explore our guides for getaways in Chambéry Montagnes and Aix les Bains Riviera des Alpes.

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.