Palais de l’Ile is a small historic fortress set on a narrow island in the Thiou river at the heart of Annecy and its pointed stone structure creates one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the city. Built in the twelfth century it served at different times as a residence a courthouse and a prison and its thick walls and compact layout reflect those shifting roles. The building seems to rise directly from the water and the canals that surround it give it a picturesque almost floating appearance. Inside the rooms are simple and sturdy with traces of medieval life and later administrative use while from the outside the structure forms a striking contrast with the colorful houses and lively streets around it. Today it stands as both a museum and a symbol of Annecy’s heritage offering a clear link between the city’s past and its waterside setting.
Part of: France