Palais de l'Ile

An ordinary fortified manor house, hosting every now and then the prison and the monetary workshop of the Counts of Geneva, the building, now called as the main Palais de l'Ile, is an authentic building of the Middle Ages, built on a picturesque and natural rocky island.

A symbolic monument of the city of Annecy, the Palais de l'Ile is, for the most part, distinguished as one of the "oldest prisons" in the capital. An ancient, robust residence whose function has been to hold the prison of the city since 1325. Nevertheless, in the course of its history, the building also received chambers of accounts and a law court.

During the late nineteenth century, eluding a possible destruction, the Palais de l'Ile takes a new status. Since the 1900s, it has been one of the most famous historical monuments in the world.

In the twentieth century, it was chartered by philanthropic and musical associations before evolving into Museum of Old Annecy. Currently, to ensure the satisfaction of nearly 30,000 visitors annually counted, the Palais de l'Ile becomes a famous Interpretation Center of Architecture and Heritage.

This historic site is an invitation to discover temporary exhibitions, spaces dedicated to the history of the Palace and a room dedicated to educational workshops. Apart from Lake Annecy, the Palais de l'Ile is the other emblem of the capital that opens to the waters of the Thiou Canal.

When you are there, take a moment to appreciate the appearance of this magnificent construction of the twelfth century, implanted as on a peninsula with its impenetrable stone walls that sink entirely into the water of the lake.

When will the Palais de l'Ile be available? The Museum is open all year, but closes, however, on Easter Sunday and Monday. In summer, it opens its doors from 10:30 to 18:00. Admission is free for children under 12 years old. By cons for adults, it takes about 4 euros to visit the site.