The
town of Chambéry is located in Savoie, a mountainous region in
southeastern France that is known for its alpine lakes and cultural
influences of nearby northern Italy. The language school where
Christin will likely study in Chambéry is called ISEFE: Institut
Savoisien d'Etudes Français pour l'Etrangers (French Study Institute
of Savoie for Foreigners). It is affiliated with the University of
Savoie
In the
13th century Chambery
was made capital of
Savoy and developed a
regal, dignified air
that it has retained
ever since. Situated in
a valley between Annecy
and Grenoble, Chambery
is a principal gateway
to Italy. In fact,
there is a distinctly
Italiente feel to
Chambery with smart
streets such as the
rue de Boigne
leading to the
Fontaine des Elephants
- an extravagant
fountain which features
the heads of four bronze
elephants. At the top
of the fountain stands
the Comte de Boigne who
left the town
considerable riches
after commercial success
in India.
The Fontaine des
Elephants is situated in
the charming old quarter
with its narrow cobbled
streets and courtyards.
The 14th century
Chateau des Ducs de
Savoie is also
situated here and was
home to the Savoie dukes
before they moved back
to Turin
