THE IVY-clad castle catches the sunlight on a bright September morning as if to greet us upon arrival. Having landed at Geneva Airport about an hour earlier with just hand luggage, we are immediately charmed by our first impression of the picturesque Château de Candie—an enchanting hideaway in Chambéry, situated within the French Alps, and boasting dramatic views across the Chartreuse mountain range.
Chateau de Candie
This historic 14th-century château, set within manicured grounds complete with fountains, comprises just 25 rooms and suites. Each is stamped with its own personality, adorned with antiques and original features. It is little wonder that in summer, the château is often booked out for exclusive buyouts, making it a dream setting for weddings or private celebrations. The host can even reside in the original tower, spread across three enchanting floors.
We are escorted to our spacious junior suite, where we exchange our travel attire for bathing suits, ready to unwind by the generously sized outdoor swimming pool. Flanked by loungers, parasols and a whimsical Tiki-style honesty bar in the corner, it feels more reminiscent of Hawaii than the Alps – a delightful surprise.
Reception
Restaurant Salle-Boiserie
Dining at the château is a highlight. Le Cantine, open year-round, has established itself as one of Chambéry’s destination restaurants. At its helm is the talented Senegalese chef, Badara Gueye, whose menus evolve with the seasons and draw on the finest local produce.
Fresh fish from Lake Geneva and Lake Bourget are paired with delicate flavours such as hibiscus, mango and tamarind. Complementing the cuisine, sommelier Raphaël Diatta curates (as expected) a France-dominated wine list. And don’t forget to attend one of his al fresco wine-tasting sessions – an unmissable experience for any oenophile.
Lido bar
As Château de Candie is part of luxury accommodation outfit Purple Summer, guests can be driven to one of its sister establishments, the Lido Restaurant, a tranquil waterfront spot on the shores of Lake Bourget. With its sleek white furnishings, bistro-style menu, selection of Savoyard wines and a cocktail list, it exudes the atmosphere of a cosmopolitan beach club.
After a leisurely lunch, we stretch out on monogrammed loungers, sip chilled drinks and soak up the atmosphere, while watching locals swimming in the turquoise lake. We end the perfect day back at the château with an energising Chinese massage – another Chateau de Candie surprise offering.
Outdoor Pool
Lido Terrace
Despite the secluded setting, the charming town of Chambéry is only a 10-minute drive away. We spend a tranquil morning wandering cobbled streets of the old town, sipping coffee at a pavement café and browsing chic boutiques. The next day, we travel a little further to the famous town of Annecy, known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’. The medieval centre is laced with canals and stone bridges, while the shimmering waters of Lake Annecy are framed by lush, forested peaks.
We spend our final morning enjoying the poolside views, reflecting on our memorable experience here, a place where history and elegance meet modern indulgence, where days are filled with adventure or repose, and where every detail is crafted for delight, while breathing in the freshest Alpine air every moment of our stay.
by Amanda Bernstein
Nightly rates at Purple Summer’s Château de Candie start from €200 per room on a bed&breakfast basis. The property is available on an exclusive hire basis from €15,000. For more information and to book, please visit https://purplesummer.com/destinations/accommodation-in-the-french-alps/