Palais de l'Ile, Annecy

Palais de l'Ile is a recognizable feature of the Thiou canal that splits the water with its sharp corner and forces it apart. When you see the stalwart, gray stone it will come as no surprise that this building has been standing since 1132. It began as the residence of the Lord of Annecy, then an administrative headquarters, courthouse, a mint, and a jail until 1865 and again World War II. Nowadays, you don’t need to be arrested to visit the interior of the castle, just buy a ticket to the history museum located inside and wander through the halls and rooms that once housed both nobility and criminals. For travelers who use our world travel planner, Annecy holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Palais de l'Ile and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.