Le Palais de I'Île, Annecy Travel Guide

4.5 (3542)

Discover Annecy's iconic island palace, a historic monument with centuries of stories to tell, from its medieval origins to its role as a prison and courthouse.

Home
Travel Guides
France
Annecy
Le Palais de I'Île

Le Palais de l'Île, also known as the Palais de l'Isle, is a historic building located in the heart of Annecy, France. Situated on a small island in the Thiou River, this iconic structure has served many roles throughout its history, including a prison, courthouse, and administrative center. Today, it stands as a museum and architectural landmark, attracting visitors from around the world.

A brief summary to Le Palais de I'Île

3 Pass. de l'Île, Annecy, 74000, FR
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 10 am-12 pm
Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
Thursday 10 am-12 pm
Friday 10 am-12 pm
Saturday 10 am-12 pm
Sunday 10 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Le Palais de I'Île.

Purchase a combined ticket with the Château d'Annecy to save money if you plan to visit both attractions.
Visit the Palais de l'Île during the Annecy Paysage Festival to see contemporary artworks exhibited in the nearby Thiou canal.
Take a photo from Pont Perrière next to the Saint François de Sales church for a classic view of the Palais de l'Île.
Be aware that the Palais de l'Île closes over lunchtime.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Musée-Château d'Annecy

Porte Notre-Dame

Jardins de l'Europe

A Saint François de Sales

Porte du Sepulcre

Explore Le Palais de I'Île on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Le Palais de I'Île, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Annecy train station, walk south on Rue de la Gare. Continue straight until you reach Avenue de la République and turn left. Walk along Avenue de la République until you reach the Palais de l'Île. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, from the Château d'Annecy, walk down towards the Old Town. Walk along Rue du Paquier until you reach the canal. Turn left and follow the water; you will soon come to the Palais de l'Île.
Public Transport

From the Annecy city center, take local bus line 2 or 3 towards 'Cran-Gevrier'. Get off at the 'Palais de l'Île' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the museum. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Annecy. A short taxi ride from the Annecy train station to the Palais de l'Île typically costs between €9 and €11.

Discover more about Le Palais de I'Île

Le Palais de l'Île, a captivating medieval structure, is one of the most photographed landmarks in France. Its unique location on an island in the Thiou River, in the heart of Annecy's old town, makes it instantly recognizable. The building's history dates back to the 12th century, with the oldest sections being the tower-lodge.Originally a fortified house, the Palais de l'Île has served many purposes over the centuries. In the 14th century, it housed a monetary workshop where coins were minted. It also functioned as a prison as early as 1325, a courthouse, and an administrative center. The prison cells, particularly the dungeons, were known for their harsh conditions, with water levels rising to the same level as the prisoners' cells.In 1900, the Palais de l'Île was listed as a historical monument, saving it from demolition. Today, it houses the Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (CIAP), which hosts exhibitions on the architecture and heritage of the Annecy region. Visitors can explore the former courtrooms, prison cells, and chapel, gaining insight into the building's rich and varied past. The building is open every day except Tuesday.