Annecy in December: Palais de l'Île © French Moments
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Palais de l’Île in Annecy: A Timeless Treasure by the River

Last Updated: 13 December 2024

Flip

The Palais de l’Île is the first image that comes to my mind when I think of Annecy.

Standing proudly in the heart of the old town, this timeless silhouette on its rocky island in the middle of the Thiou River is not just one of France’s most photographed sights—it’s also a treasure trove of history waiting to be explored.

I’ve walked past it countless times, often stopping on the Pont Perreire to capture its beauty in every season.

But few tourists realise that stepping inside is like unlocking the secrets of Annecy’s rich past.

Let me take you on a journey through this enchanting place, weaving together its stories and my own personal connection to this extraordinary monument.

 

The Palais de l’Île: A Journey Through Time

The Palais de l’Île has stood sentinel since the 12th century, its fortified walls bearing witness to centuries of change.

Annecy © French Moments
Palais de l’Île © French Moments

The first recorded mention of this stone “ship” dates back to 1325, when it served as a prison.

Imagine the feudal lord of Annecy paying Jean de Monthoux, the island’s master, to feed two prisoners held within these walls.

Over the decades, its purpose evolved, reflecting the shifting tides of history.

In the 14th century, it became a coin-minting workshop under the authority of Count Amadeus III of Geneva.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments
Model of the Palais de l’Île © French Moments

For nearly a century, the clang of metal on metal would have echoed through its halls.

Later, as the Genevois province was absorbed into the Duchy of Savoy, the castle changed hands, eventually becoming the property of the Dukes of Savoy.

Among its notable residents was François of Luxembourg, who lived here with his wife Louise of Savoy and their son, François II.

Annecy, our French base © French Moments
Palais de l’Île © French Moments

By the 16th century, the Palais de l’Île served as a courthouse and prison, roles it would retain for centuries.

During the French Revolution, its cells were overcrowded with prisoners, a grim testament to its enduring function.

It narrowly escaped demolition in the 19th century, saved by its designation as a Historical Monument in 1900.

Even during World War II, it returned to its roots as a prison.

Today, after extensive restorations, it houses the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre, inviting visitors to step back in time.

Pont Perrière Annecy © French Moments
View of the Annecy old town from the Pont Perrière © French Moments

 

Exploring the Palais de l’Île

Walking through the Palais de l’Île is like peeling back layers of history.

The structure follows the contours of the Thiou River, and its oldest section, the Tower-Lodge, dates back to the 12th or early 13th century.

Here, exhibitions delve into the urban history of Annecy, offering glimpses into its evolution.

Annecy by night © French Moments
Annecy by night © French Moments

 

The Entrance Courtyard

The entrance courtyard sets the tone, flanked by a quadrangular tower with a spiral staircase.

To the left lies “The Banches,” where lawyers once worked, negotiating contracts and resolving disputes.

On the right is the Coin Mint Wing, a testament to the castle’s economic significance in medieval times.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

 

The Coin Mint Wing

Built with large blocks of rock, this wing stretches along the river’s edge. Inside, vaulted rooms hint at its former life. The gaoler’s kitchen and the royal office now serve as entry points for visitors, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

 

The Tower Lodge

Separated from the Coin Mint Wing by a corridor, the Tower Lodge once housed justice.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

On the first floor, judges interrogated criminals in austere hearing rooms, flanked by prison cells.

These spaces, now part of the museum, feature panels detailing Annecy’s history.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

One quirky detail stands out: a tombstone placed upside-down above a latrine—a curious nod to the castle’s layered past.

On the upper floors, you’ll find the Archives Room, where suspended shelves protect documents from damp and rats.

The spiral staircase, added in the 15th century, links these floors, adding a touch of medieval charm.

 

The Dungeons

The dungeons offer a sobering glimpse into the harsh realities of imprisonment.

Situated on the ground floor, four cells line the riverbank.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

Men, women, and even children were confined here, often for minor crimes.

The island’s isolation made escape nearly impossible.

During the Revolution, over a hundred prisoners crowded these cells at once.

By 1864, the site’s prison function was relocated, though its shadowy past lingers.

 

The Inner Courtyard and Chapel

The inner courtyard separates the lodge from the former chapel, a tranquil space steeped in history.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

The chapel itself, triangular in shape, once served Annecy’s Orthodox community.

Nearby, the tombstone of Jean-Baptiste Simond, a judge and friend of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, adds a touch of literary intrigue.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

 

The Palais de l’Île Today

Crossing the footbridge to the Palais de l’Île, you’re greeted by the CIAP museum’s exhibitions.

These displays bring Annecy’s urban history to life, blending artefacts, audiovisual presentations, and architectural insights.

A combined ticket allows visitors to explore both the Palais de l’Île and Annecy Castle, offering a comprehensive dive into the region’s heritage.

Annecy - Palais de l'Île © French Moments

 

Why Visit?

For me, the Palais de l’Île isn’t just a historical site—it’s a symbol of Annecy’s soul.

Standing on the Pont Perreire, camera in hand, I’m always struck by how this fortress bridges the past and present.

Visiting its interior adds depth to the picture, revealing the lives and stories that shaped this magical town.

Annecy in December: Palais de l'Île © French Moments
Quai de l’Ile and the Palais de l’Île, Annecy in December © French Moments

Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveller, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the Palais de l’Île is an experience you won’t forget.

So next time you find yourself in Annecy, don’t just admire its exterior. Step inside and let its walls whisper their tales.

Who knows? You might just fall in love with this little “stone ship” as much as I have.

 

Discovering Annecy’s Old Town

Annecy’s old town, fondly known as “La Venise des Alpes,” is a mesmerising maze of canals, cobblestone streets, and pastel-coloured facades.

Walking through it feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Annecy © French Moments
Annecy © French Moments

I’ve spent countless hours wandering its lanes, each corner revealing a new charm—a bustling market, a hidden courtyard, or a tranquil canal reflecting the town’s beauty.

One of my favourite spots is Rue Sainte-Claire, with its arched arcades and lively atmosphere.

Cafés and boutiques spill onto the street, tempting you to pause for a coffee or a browse.

The scent of fresh bread and Savoyard cheese drifts from nearby boulangeries, adding to the sensory delight.

Boulangerie in Annecy © French Moments
Boulangerie, Rue Sainte-Claire © French Moments

And then there’s the Canal du Thiou, its crystal-clear waters winding through the town like a sparkling ribbon.

Whether in the golden light of morning or under the twinkling lights at night, it’s a scene that never loses its magic.

Annecy Old Town copyright French Moments
Annecy Old Town copyright French Moments

Annecy’s old town also holds a rich history, with buildings like the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Saint-François-de-Sales Church and Annecy Castle offering glimpses into its past.

Saint-François de Sales Church in Annecy © French Moments
Saint-François de Sales Church in Annecy © French Moments
Annecy © French Moments
The Venice of the Alps © French Moments
Annecy © French Moments
A view of the Little Venice of Annecy © French Moments

Every visit feels like a journey of discovery, and each return brings something new to love.

If the Palais de l’Île is the heart of Annecy, then its old town is the soul—together, they create an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this enchanting city.

 

Find out more about Annecy

Our website offers a great number of articles about Annecy and its region.

Here are a few pages that might interest you:

 

Where to stay in Annecy

You can choose from a wide range of accommodations in the region of Lake Annecy.

Click here for a list of hotels, campings and guest houses, or use the map below:



Booking.com

 

Liked this post? Pin it on Pinterest or share it on Facebook and X (Twitter):

Discover the historic town of Annecy in the French Alps of Haute-Savoie © French Moments

 

English-French Vocabulary

(f) for féminin, (m) for masculin, (adj) for adjective and (v) for verbs

  • Alps = Alpes (f,p)
  • Amadeus = Amédée
  • archives = archives (f,p)
  • barracks = caserne (f)
  • canal = canal (m)
  • castle = château (m)
  • cell = cellule (f)
  • chapel = chapelle (f)
  • corridor = couloir (m)
  • court house = cour de justice (f)
  • court of auditors = cour des comptes (f)
  • courtyard = cour (f)
  • duke = duc (m)
  • dungeon = prison (f)
  • fortified house = maison fortifiée (f)
  • French revolution = révolution française (f)
  • Geneva = Genève
  • gaoler = geôlier (m)
  • imprisonment = emprisonnement (m)
  • island = île (f)
  • kitchen = cuisine (f)
  • latrine = latrines (f,p)
  • lawyer = avocat (m)
  • mint = hôtel des monnaies (m)
  • museum = musée (m)
  • prison = prison (f)
  • Savoy = Savoie (f)
  • spiral staircase = escalier à vis (m)
  • wing = aile (f)
  • workshop = atelier (m)

Check out our curated magazine on Flipboard for exclusive stories & insights on France!

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

Escape to France with every email! Get insider insights, travel guides, cultural gems delivered and exclusive offers to your inbox twice a week. Your journey to Paris and France begins when you sign up!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK

25 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

25 Places to see in France 2025
>