Fontaine des Elephants

The basics

Right in the heart of Chambery’s historic old town, the fountain is a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. In fact, some guided Chambery tours start from the monument, kicking off their itineraries by giving some background on the town’s curious attraction, and information on the general himself. Look above the elephants to see Benoît de Boigne’s bronze statue, and check out the contributions he made from the document in his right hand.

Things to know before you go

• The Place des Éléphants is made of cobblestones, so wheelchair users may need assistance to get close to the elephants.

• There are several eateries and shops in the streets between Place des Éléphants and the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy.

• Visit the fountain at night to see the elephants illuminated in different colors.

How to get there

The fountain is right in the center of town, and is probably Chambery’s most popular meeting point. From the train station Gare Routière de Chambéry, head through Parc du Verney toward the pedestrianized old town until you reach the Place des Éléphants, where the fountain awaits.

When to get there

The monument is in a public square in the center of Chambery, so visit it whenever you wish. In the busier summer months, it may attract more photographers, so—as with many attractions—aim to check it out in the morning if you want crowd-free snaps.

En Suivant Les Éléphants

Stick with the elephant theme in Chambery, and stroll the town’s 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) looped walking trail around the little alleyways of the historic center. Pick up a map from the Chambery tourist information center, and follow the small brass elephant markers on the ground on a route that should last no longer than 1.5 hours.