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Monument · Annecy, Auvérnia-Ródano-Alpes
Palais de l'Isle
A 12th-century fortified house on an islet in the Thiou River, which has served as a prison and a courthouse. Today it houses an exhibition space about the history and architecture of Annecy.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Palais de l'Isle
The Palais de l'Isle is Annecy's postcard image: a stone building shaped like a ship's bow in the middle of the Thiou River within the old town. It was built in the 12th century as a fortified house and later remodelled several times.
Over the centuries the building served as a residence, mint, courthouse and, for a long time, a prison. On the visit you can see the old courtrooms, the cells and dungeons, as well as a historic chapel.
Today the palace is an exhibition space about the architecture and heritage of the Annecy region, with a permanent route on the city's history.
The best-known view is from the outside, from the bridges over the Thiou, especially from the Quai de l'Isle and the Pont sur le Thiou, with flower boxes in front.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes inside the building; the outside photo takes only a few minutes.
Best time
In the morning, with soft light and fewer people on the bridges. Check opening days and times before you go: Annecy's museums may have a fixed closing day outside the summer.
How to get there
It's in the center of the old town, about a 10-minute walk from the Gare d'Annecy and 5 minutes from the lakeshore.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Château d'Annecy, which sits on the hill just above. The word quai, which appears on signs, means quay or riverbank.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palais de l'Isle
Can you go inside the Palais de l'Isle?
Yes. The interior is an exhibition space about the history and architecture of Annecy, with old cells and rooms. Check opening times before you go.
What was the building used for?
It served as a fortified house, a mint, a courthouse and a prison over the centuries.
Where to take the classic photo?
From the bridges and banks of the Thiou, in front of the building's prow, inside the old town.