Carré Curial

The Carré Curial, a former barracks turned cultural venue

The Chambéry audio-guided tour takes you to the heart of the Carré Curial, located behind the Jean-Jacques Rousseau media library. This vast ensemble, a former military barracks, has become one of the high cultural places of the city.

From barracks to cultural centre

The Carré Curial is a former military barracks, rehabilitated into a cultural centre in 1986. The neighbouring media library bears the name of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the famous philosopher, writer and musician, who settled in Chambéry and lived there, with Madame de Warens, what he called the short happiness of his life. His house can also be visited, at Les Charmettes, on the heights of the city. The Carré also houses the Espace Malraux, a national stage.

What there is to see

With its rectangular courtyard surrounded by rehabilitated buildings, the Carré Curial offers a fine example of the conversion of a military heritage into a space of culture. It brings together the media library, the Espace Malraux and various facilities. It is a lively place of life, which combines old architecture and contemporary creation, to be discovered along the walk in Chambéry.

Practical information

The Carré Curial is in the centre of Chambéry, behind the Jean-Jacques Rousseau media library. The courtyard is freely accessible during opening hours; the media library and the Espace Malraux follow their own hours and programmes.

What was the Carré Curial originally?

A former military barracks, rehabilitated into a cultural centre in 1986, which today houses a media library and the Espace Malraux.

What is the link with Jean-Jacques Rousseau?

The neighbouring media library bears his name; the philosopher lived in Chambéry, with Madame de Warens, and his house at Les Charmettes can be visited.