Palais de I'Île

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This place is absolutely amazing, so tiny but with so much history, if you get someone to tell you what happened there or read some before going make the experience better

Today, the Palais houses the Centre d’Interprétation de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (CIAP), offering a fascinating look into Annecy’s architectural and civic history. Visitors can explore the original courtroom, prison cells, chapel, and the minting wing, all thoughtfully restored to reflect their historical functions .