Palais de l'Ile

You will soon encounter the Palais de l'Île as you explore Annecy's Old Town; its placement makes it easy to identify. Take pictures of this intriguing structure on an island, then enter its grounds to visit the museum to discover more about the history of the place. 

The residence, also referred to as the palace, was built in the 12th century. Take note of the numerous fort-like architectural features that are typical of this era's French palaces. It is alluded to as a prison in documents from the middle of the 14th century. Later on, it served as a mint, a home for the illustrious Monthoux family, and finally a house for the Dukes of Savoy. In the latter half of the 16th century, the structure once more served as a prison. This was also where the local courthouse was. By the time of the French Revolution, the palace was still being used as a jail; however, it was later transformed into a barracks before being utilized as a prison once more during World War II. If you go to the palace today, you can still enter the dreary dungeons where the captives used to live. 

To view the museum's collection, proceed to the towering lodge, which is the palace's oldest section. You may discover more about local history here. The coin minting wing, the courtyard, as well as different chambers and cells related to the courthouse and the prison, are also accessible as are other portions of the structure.  See where meals were prepared in the jailer's kitchen and the tombstones commemorating the resting places of people like 18th-century chief judge Jean-Baptiste Simond. 

Although it is open every day, the Palais de l'Île shutters for lunch. Due to its prominent location in Annecy's scenic and historic center, the structure is difficult to miss. The entrance fee is charged.