The Palais de l’île

You’ve seen it and you’ve been waiting for it, so let’s start with the famous “Palais de l’Ile”, better known as the old prison. It’s the most photographed monument in the city. Wait patiently for the space along the balustrades to open up and enjoy this magnificent view for a moment. In addition to its undeniable photogenic appeal, which gives it the appearance of a stone ship with its turret as a bow, this building is steeped in history. Built in the 12th century on a natural rocky island, it was originally the stronghold of a Lord of Annecy and was occasionally used as a prison. Strange but true! Look at the water level gates. We found written records of money paid to the lord for the “pension” of a couple of prisoners. It’s true, before Airbnb, it was a great way to make a few extra bucks! Later on, the building was used as a money workshop, a courthouse (while retaining its prison functions, of course), a kind of retirement home at the end of the 17th century, an art school and even a gym! Listed as a historical monument in 1900, it’s now an exhibition space, but let’s face it, it’s mostly THE place to take a postcard worthy shot of the charming old town!