The Palais de l'Île, visit to the former prison

The Palais de l'Île is one of Annecy's oldest monuments. As old as it is steeped in history, it was built in the 12th century.

Fortified house

The famous building isn't called the Palais de l'Île for nothing. Between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, it was in the hands of the Lords of the Island, who held it as payment for services rendered to the Counts of Geneva.

Monetary workshop of the Counts of Geneva

Until the 14th century, the Palais de l'Île was also used as a monetary workshop. The thick stone walls were used to assemble gold and silver, thanks to the authorisation of Emperor Charles IV of the Holy Roman Empire to "coin gold and silver in his lands".

Court

In the 16th century, the fortified house was also used as a courthouse. It was at this time that it also took on the name of courthouse.

Prison

Known as the old prisons by the locals, the Palais de l'Île also went through a phase of being used as a prison. From 1325 to 1864, part of the palace was used as a prison. Another prison was built around the 1860s.

Old people's home

After being used as a prison for most of its life, and for a few other functions here and there, the Palais de l'île was transformed into an old people's home until 1880.

On 16 February 1900, the palace was listed as a Monument de France. Since then, several renovation projects have been undertaken.

Today, the palace is home to the CIAP, the Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre). It organises permanent exhibitions, walking tours around Annecy and temporary exhibitions, all based around the architecture of the capital of Haute-Savoie.

The Palais de l'Île is a building in the heart of Annecy's historic centre, built entirely of stone and resting on a natural rock island in the Thiou, the river that flows into the lake. The construction is atypical, due to its spindle shape, which follows the shape of the canals.

As well as being the most photographed monument in the city, you can also visit it as it is now a museum. You can visit the dungeons and the prisoners' cells from the Middle Ages, the chapel, the courtrooms, the inner courtyard and the dungeon. All the rooms are vaulted, and the atmosphere is charged and heavy but very interesting. Tours last around an hour. Exhibitions and events are organised here by the Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, the Annecy Landscape Festival and other organisations.

⏰ Opening times and days

Winter opening times, 1 October to 31 May: 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 5pm, daily. Summer opening times, 1 June to 30 September: 10.30am - 6pm, daily. Closed on 1 January, Easter Monday, 1 and 8 May, Ascension Day, 1 and 11 November, 24 and 25 December.

👛 Admission

Adults: €3.90 Children: €2. Free for children under 12.

Group rate for 5 people or more.

Free admission every first Sunday of the month from October to May.

⌛ How long can I stay at the Palais de L'Île?

Tours last an hour, but you can spend longer looking at this impressive building. Exhibitions are often held here.

👉 Who is it for?

The Palais de l'Île is a museum for all the family.

Where to eat near the Palais de l'Île?

🍴 Café des Arts

This large café is open all day and serves delicious croissants and coffees in the morning. In the evening, the atmosphere changes, with charcuterie boards, wines and cocktails on the menu. Whatever the time of day, this is a pleasant establishment in an ideal location.

🍴 Chez Mamie Lise

On the other side of the Thiou, across the little Perrière bridge, Chez Mamie Lise restaurant serves dishes full of love and character. In a Savoyard atmosphere, it serves cheese specialities and other local dishes.