Was the Palais de l'Isle really used as a prison?

Yes, it served as a prison from the 16th century until the French Revolution, and again during the Second World War.

How do you get to the Palais de l'Isle?

Two bridges lead to the small island on which the building stands, in the centre of Annecy.

What can be seen inside?

Former courtrooms, cells and dungeons, as well as the chapel, are open to visitors as part of a centre on local architecture and heritage.

How old is the building?

Its oldest part, a tower house, dates back to the late 12th or early 13th century.

Palais de l'Isle

Annecy

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Annecy

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

[EXPO] Le dialogue de la couleur et de la matièreSat, Nov 7 · château de Musinens34 km

Palais de l'Isle stands in Annecy (Haute-Savoie), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century). No visits are on record for this building.

On an islet where the Thiou river splits in two, the Palais de l'Isle in Annecy has kept its prow shaped outline since the 12th century. Built as a fortified house, later a princely residence, a courthouse and a prison until the French Revolution, the building never moved even as its role changed. Visitors now walk through former courtrooms, cells and a triangular chapel, in a centre devoted to the architecture and heritage of the Annecy area.

Written from Palais de l'Isle

What to know

The building stands on a small island in the historic centre of Annecy, reached by two bridges.
The visit includes former courtrooms, cells and dungeons, and a former chapel.
It houses a centre devoted to the architecture and heritage of the Annecy area, with temporary exhibitions.
The monument has been listed as a historic monument since 1900.

Where this château is

Annecy · Haute-Savoie · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

3 Passage de l'Île

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00118359
Period of construction: 12th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Was the Palais de l'Isle really used as a prison?: Yes, it served as a prison from the 16th century until the French Revolution, and again during the Second World War.
How do you get to the Palais de l'Isle?: Two bridges lead to the small island on which the building stands, in the centre of Annecy.
What can be seen inside?: Former courtrooms, cells and dungeons, as well as the chapel, are open to visitors as part of a centre on local architecture and heritage.
How old is the building?: Its oldest part, a tower house, dates back to the late 12th or early 13th century.