Palais de l'Isle
Palais de l'Isle, Medieval fortress on Thiou River in Annecy, France
Description
The Palais de l'Isle is a triangular stone fortress built on a small island in the Thiou River in Annecy. Its thick walls and towers rise directly from the water, creating the striking impression of a ship anchored between two channels.
History
The fortress was built in the 12th century as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and later transformed into an administrative and judicial center. Over the following centuries, it served many purposes including a courthouse, a mint, and a prison.
Culture
The building was the heart of local governance and justice for centuries, where decisions that affected the entire region were made. Walking through its rooms, you can sense how important it was to the community and how people depended on what happened within these walls.
Practical
The building is open most days of the week and visitors can explore the different rooms including old cells, a chapel, and courtrooms inside. It is easy to locate since it stands alone on the island in the middle of the old town and is visible from all directions.
Did you know?
The exterior of the fortress appears solid and imposing, yet many visitors are surprised to discover that the interior spaces are organized in unexpected ways that maximize the limited island area. The clever layout reveals how medieval builders adapted to working within tight physical constraints.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Annecy).
Annecy is found between the lake water and the mountains. The old town can be explored on foot, along the Thiou and its canals lined with colorful buildings. You can see the Isle Palace, an old jail from the 12th century on a small island, and the Annecy Castle, sitting above the roofs from its...
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of...
Pont des Amours
399 m
Château d'Annecy
133 m
Jardins de l'Europe d'Annecy
309 m
St. Peter's Cathedral
136 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse d'Annecy
196 m
Saint-François-de-Sales church
92 m
Église Saint-Maurice
98 m
Annecy Town Hall
200 m
Office de Tourisme d'Annecy
368 m
Museum-Castle of Annecy
119 m
Statue of Claude Louis Berthollet in Annecy
425 m
Musée-Château d'Annecy
209 m
Quai des Clarisses
291 m
Hôtel de Sales d'Annecy
277 m
Ancien Hôtel de Ville d'Annecy
174 m
Magasin, 1 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Annecy
50 m
Magasin, 35 rue Sainte-Claire, Annecy
256 m
Fontaine de la rue de l'Île
59 m
Pipe organ by Nicolas-Antoine Lété
118 m
Maison Lambert
132 m
Magasin, 13 rue Royale, Annecy
336 m
Quai Madame de Warens
225 m
Magasin, 19 rue du Pâquier
252 m
Perrière bridge
75 m
Maison Gallo
266 m
Escalier du Château
129 m
Hôtel Favre
197 m
Fontaine Quiberet
237 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes