During your explorations of Annecy’s Old Town, you’ll soon come across the Palais de l’Île, instantly recognizable due to its location. Take photos of this interesting building set on an island then step through its gates and head to the museum to learn about the history of the site.
The house, or the palace as it is known, dates from the 12th century. Notice the many fort-like elements of its architecture, typical of a French palace dating from this period. In records from the mid 14th century, it is referred to as a prison. It later became a mint, a residence for the noble Monthoux family and then a residence for the Dukes of Savoy.
Toward the end of the 16th century, the building returned once again to its early purpose as a prison. The local courthouse was also located here. The palace was still being used as a prison by the time of the French Revolution, but was subsequently converted to a barracks before becoming a prison again during World War II. Visit the palace today and you can still gain access to the gloomy dungeons where prisoners once resided.
Make your way to the palace’s oldest area, the tower lodge, to see the exhibits on display in the museum. This is where you will learn about the local history. You can also visit other areas of the building, including the coin minting wing and the courtyard, as well as various rooms and cells associated with the courthouse and the prison. See where meals were prepared in the jailer’s kitchen and view tombstones marking the burial spots of the likes of Jean-Baptiste Simond, an 18th-century chief judge.
The Palais de l’Île is open daily but note that it closes over lunchtime. The building is hard to miss, being located in the picturesque and historic center of Annecy. There is a fee for admission.
