Palais de I'Île

The undisputed emblem of Annecy, proudly displayed in every tourist brochure, the Palais de l'Île manages the rare feat of being far more impressive as a photo than as an actual place you can visit. If you walk past it, admire the exterior, and keep going - you’ve already seen everything that really matters Stepping inside, any expectation of a medieval atmosphere is effectively crushed. The interior resembles everything except a medieval building. Apart from the stone walls and a few stubborn wooden doors that clearly survived by accident, almost nothing inside shows the slightest interest in the castle's actual past. The exhibition is a thrilling collection of pictures and documents about the city's recent evolution — because, apparently, that's exactly why people pay to visit a medieval monument. The single room containing something vaguely historic is the kitchen, which naturally becomes a human traffic jam, as all visitors eventually realize that this is the only place where there is anything remotely worth seeing. Taking photos here is an excellent exercise in patience (and disappointment). Navigation is another challenge. The signage is so unclear that you might skip rooms entirely (not that you'd notice) and then, without any warning, you open a door and find yourself back on the street, standing exactly where you started. This is usually the moment when tourists stop, look around in confusion, and ask the inevitable questions: "Wait... that's it? Did I miss something? Or was the visit really over before it began?" So, in conclusion, this is a perfect example of how a postcard can promise a medieval experience and deliver a (really short) walk through the Land of Boredom.

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.

Such a beautiful spot in Annecy! We didn't go inside, but the outside area is stunning on its own. Absolutely worth visiting!

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

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.

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

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.

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.