When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Chambery?
As a major gateway to the Alps, Chambéry flights from the UK are only available during the peak snow-sports season from mid-December to mid-March. To secure cheap flights to Chambéry, book return flights well in advance and be flexible with your travel dates. With Netflights you have access to daily-updated deals from top airlines and can easily compare deals on direct flights.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Chambery?
Book return flights between eight to ten weeks in advance to benefit from a huge selection of routes and low rates. Netflights also gives offers last-minute flights so if the travel-bug bites at a later date, you can still stay on budget. Being flexible with your departure dates and travel outside of the peak holiday season is a great way to save on flights to Chambéry.
Flying to Chambéry Airport CMF
Chambéry Airport,or Chambéry-Savoie Airport (CMF) is located about 11 kilometres north of the city centre. The small-scale airport is a favourite for British travellers entering France for skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. While numerous airports across the UK offer flights to Chambéry, almost all operate only for the winter season. You can find direct flights to CMF served by British Airways from London Stansted Airport, London City Airport and Manchester Airport. Birmingham Airport, Cardiff Airport, East Midlands Airport, and Norwich Airport include indirect flights with stopovers in cities like Amsterdam, Dublin and Edinburgh. Additional seasonal services are carried at Edinburgh Airport, Exeter Airport and Southampton Airport. Flybe Airlines, Aer Lingus and KLM Airlines serve Chambéry flights from the UK.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Chambéry Airport is a small winter-only airport with all the standard facilities travellers require. Both arrivals and departures are located in the same area. Because of its size, it is easy to navigate without large distances to walk. It has an ATM, although there are no money exchange services on site. Wi-Fi access is available for a charge. It features a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the runway, small cafe and souvenir shop, as well as duty-free shopping when through security. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast as the weather may cause delays.
Getting to the City from Chambéry Airport CMF
There are a number of options for airport transfers from Chambery Airport to the city centre and surrounding ski resorts, including the popular Tree Valley ski resorts. Private shuttles can be arranged to pick you up after your flight and taxis can be hired from outside the arrivals exit. Public buses run from the left side of the terminal building on a regular schedule to the city centre. The nearest train station is Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux, with shuttles running between the airport and the station directly. There are also car hire agencies next to the airport terminal.
Why Visit Chambery?
As the ‘crossroads of the Alps’ since the 11th century, regional capital and home to the powerful Dukes of Savoie, Chambéry’s natural setting is hard to beat. With the peaks of the Alps visible throughout the city and the largest lake in France, Lac du Bourget, as its northern border, this is one beautiful place. Mysteriously left off the main sightseeing trail, its historic streets are refreshingly tourist-free, making this one of the best-kept secrets in France.
Highlights of Chambéry include savouring Savoyard cuisine from a bistro in the old town square, exploring boutiques along narrow cobbled streets and wandering through the gardens and galleries of the medieval Palace of the Dukes of Savoy. Those interested in history will want to visit the country house of the philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, now the Museum of Charmettes, while art lovers should head to the Fine Arts Museum where French and Italian Renaissance works are showcased.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
France is part of the European Union, here are no visa requirements for British passport holders travelling to Chambéry. No additional validity is required beyond that needed of the duration of your stay. For stays longer than three months, you will need to contact the French Embassy for information on the needed procedures. Since there’s no currency exchange service in CMF, it’s a good idea to bring some euros with you for your onward journey.
