Palais de I'Île
Historical place museum · Annecy ·

Palais de I'Île

Historical place museum · Annecy ·

Medieval prison & courthouse on canal, now art/history museum

Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null
Palais de I'Île by null

Information

3 Pass. de l'Île, 74000 Annecy, France Get directions

Information

Static Map

3 Pass. de l'Île, 74000 Annecy, France Get directions

+33 4 85 46 76 80
musees.annecy.fr
@museesannecy

Features

gender neutral restroom
restroom
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Dec 9, 2025

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Essential Guide to Annecy, the 'Venice of the Alps'

"Shaped like a ship and once used as the town’s prisons, this emblematic landmark offers a compact, atmospheric step into Annecy’s past when you duck inside for a look." - Lane Nieset Lane Nieset Lane Nieset is a travel writer from Miami who has lived in France for the past decade. From Paris, she covers a mix of lifestyle, wine, food, and design for publications including Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/annecy-france-travel-guide-11749833
Palais de I'Île
@vogue
3,554 Postcards · 1,003 Cities

Exploring Annecy, the Venice of the French Alps | Vogue

"Approached along the small Thiou as it meanders between colorful Italianate buildings, this is Annecy’s most recognizable facade: a 12th-century structure, designed in the shape of a stone ship and once a courthouse and prison, sitting on an island in the middle of the canal." - Elizabeth Wellington Rollins

https://www.vogue.com/article/exploring-annecy-the-venice-of-the-french-alps
Le Palais de I'Île

Яна Т.

Google
This is Annecy `s most popular place. It is beautiful during the day as well as in the evening when it is lighted. We also visited it inside. Entrance fee is Euro 6. However we did not find anything interesting - rooms with information and that`s all. During the years the house has had various functions: it has served as prison, court and administrative building. If you take a look at the opposite direction from the bridge in front of it the view it is even more beautiful - there is a small waterfall and nice colorful buildings.

Paul V.

Google
Fabulous Historical Palace This is Annecy's most famous building. It is beautiful and very scenic. Highly recommend coming here to visit. Note I personally feel it is nicer in the evening once lit than

R D.

Google
Early September and got good weather. A bit chilly in the morning but got better later. Don't expect to see much more than what the pictures show. Very picturesque but keep in mind this was an old jail so keep in mind what you are looking at.

Namig G

Google
Former prison, it's a museum now and yhe entrance is free. Not so interesting but the castle itself is very cool

Paul and Lisa (.

Google
The Palais de l'Île is a stunning piece of medieval architecture and an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of Annecy's old town. Set dramatically in the middle of the canal, it’s incredibly picturesque—perfect for photos, especially from the nearby bridges. Walking by it feels like stepping into a storybook. The museum inside offers a good glimpse into Annecy's history, including the building’s use as a prison and administrative center. The rooms are small but atmospheric, with just enough information to keep it interesting without being overwhelming. Exhibits include historical artifacts and some temporary displays that are a nice surprise. That said, it’s a relatively quick visit—about 30 to 45 minutes tops—so manage expectations if you're looking for a full-scale museum experience. Some areas could use more detailed explanations or interactive features. Still, the value is fair for the entry price, and it's worth a stop, especially if you enjoy architecture or local history. Tip: try to go early in the day or during off-hours to avoid the crowds, and combine your visit with a stroll around the charming old town.

Li S.

Google
I really enjoyed the visit, and the English pamphlet was helpful. Would be nice if there was an audio-tour option. If you can only visit this or the castle, this was more interesting. It would be nice to see more artifacts in the place, maybe an old blanket and slop bucket in one of the cells? You can get a ticket that also includes the castle. Note they both close between noon and 2 pm.

Max R.

Google
Dark little piece of history masked as a picturesque building dividing Le Thiou. Once a medieval prison and fortified house, now a museum dedicated to the region's architecture and heritage, the Palais has served several purposes over time as a mint, an administrative center, a barracks, a elderly home, and a temporary stonemasonry school. If anything, simply an icon of Annecy’s heritage, and worth a visit for a simple picture in day or illuminated at night.

J M.

Google
We bought a combined ticket at Musée-Château d'Annecy and visited on a Monday afternoon. It was a 3 minute walk from the museum. It’s worth a visit if you are in Annecy.