The Palais de l’île

The Palais de l'Île, in Annecy

The Palais de l'Île is the most emblematic monument of Annecy, a strange building in the form of a prow set on an island of the Thiou. The Annecy audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this jewel, the flagship image of the town, a former courthouse and prison.

The prow-shaped building on the Thiou

The Palais de l'Île is the most emblematic and most photographed image of Annecy. This astonishing medieval building, whose origins date back to the twelfth century, is set on a small island in the middle of the Thiou canal, whose form it follows, like the prow of a ship cutting through the waters. Over the centuries, it was in turn a seigneurial residence, a mint, a courthouse and a prison. Its singular silhouette, its stone walls and its tower are reflected in the waters of the Thiou, composing a picture of unique beauty. Today listed as a historic monument, it shelters a museum dedicated to the history and the heritage of the town. The Palais de l'Île is the symbol and the jewel of Annecy.

What to see

You admire the astonishing medieval prow-shaped building set on an island in the middle of the Thiou, whose stone silhouette and tower are reflected in the water, a former courthouse and prison that today shelters a museum of the history of the town. The Palais de l'Île is the symbol of Annecy. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Palais de l'Île lies in the middle of the Thiou canal, in the heart of the old town of Annecy, reachable on foot. You admire its silhouette from the quays and the bridges; the visit of the museum follows its own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What was the Palais de l'Île in Annecy?

This medieval building set on an island of the Thiou was in turn a seigneurial residence, a mint, a courthouse and a prison; it today shelters a museum of history and is the symbol of Annecy.

Where is the Palais de l'Île?

In the middle of the Thiou canal, in the heart of the old town of Annecy, in France.