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Europe France Annecy Do & See Palais de l'Île

Overview

Palais de l'Île

The guide was updated: 2025-06-19

The Palais de l'Isle is probably the most famous building in Annecy and, without any doubts, one of the most photographed sights in France. The palace, built in the 12th century, was once a prison, and today hosts exhibits about local architecture and history.

Useful Information

Address: 3 Passage de l'Île, Annecy
Website: www.musees.agglo-annecy.fr/eng/Palais-de-l-Ile

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Palais de l'Île

Palais de l'Île

The Palais de l'Isle is probably the most famous building in Annecy and, without any doubts, one of the most photographed sights in France. The palace, built in the 12th century, was once a prison, and today hosts exhibits about local architecture and history.

Annecy Castle

Annecy Castle

Annecy Castle was the residence of the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours, andit's also listed as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Today, its walls contain the Regional Observatory of the Alpine Lakes and the museum of modern art.You can enjoy a great view of both the city and the lake from the terrace.

Lovers' Bridge

Lovers' Bridge

Legend says that if two persons kiss on the middle of the bridge, their love will never end. Built around 1906 to replace an older bridge, Pont des Amours links the European Gardens to the Pâquier park. It offers a viewthat hasthe lake on one side and the town on the other.

The Old Town

The Old Town

Despite its small size, the Vieille Ville (literally "Old Town") is still worth a walk, especially during summer. The gates and arches, as well as the backdoors to small and secret streets, make for excellent photographs, and every corner can hide surprises.

Jardins de l'Europe

Jardins de l'Europe

Around 250 trees, such as a tulip tree, pines and giant sequoia trees, are found in the lovely Gardens of Europe, where you can enjoy a walk by the lake in a sunny afternoon. This romantic English garden, designed by Henri Porreaux in 1863, is a heavenly spot in town where children are free to play from a walking distance to the old town, while you sit on one of the benches in front of the lake.

Basilica of the Visitation

Basilica of the Visitation

Dominating the city, this cathedral symbolises the rich religious past of the city and gives an indirect insight of the muted power struggle between Calvinism and Catholism. The Visitation Basilica protects the bodies of Saint Joan of Chantal and Saint Francis of Sales, as well as a 38-ton chime, named Marie-Francoise.

Le Pâquier

Le Pâquier

The Pâquier is a big, free lawn located next to the lake in the centre of the town. Given to the town probably by the Count of Menton to hold the military exercises of the young soldiers, it is now a very peaceful area where it is allowed to picnic.

Notre-Dame-de-Liesse

Notre-Dame-de-Liesse

This church was built in the late 14th century and definitely worth a visit. After paying a visit to the garden, take some time to admire its architecture, characterized by the huge marble columns, and intricate stained-glass window designs. You will find it in the city center, very close to the Annecy Cathedral.

Lake Festival

Lake Festival

Every year, the first weekend of August, around 200,000 visitors gather in Annecy to enjoy one of the biggest pyrotechnic shows in Europe, the "Fête du lac", which includes 70 minutes of fireworks in rhythm with music, lights and special effects over the lake.

Perrière Bridge

Perrière Bridge

This bridge links two parts of the old town and is right in front of the Palais de l'Île. Pont Perrière is a perfect spot for taking pictures, both when there are flowers on it and when it's decorated with Christmas lights.

Eglise Saint-François de Sales

Eglise Saint-François de Sales

The Saint-Francis of Sales Church, listed as a historical monument, is located near the Palais de l'Île, across the Thiou river. Even if the facade seems a bit austere, the interior of the church is luxurious: the baroque style is expressed through an organ, paintings and a magnificent altar. This church used to host religious relics, such as the graves of Saint Francis and Saint Joan of Chantal, which were there before being transported to the Visitation Basilica.

Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy

The Lac d'Annecy is the second largest lake in France. Take a long walk along it, or rent a bike if you're up for a longer tour, and admire the scenery of the Alps. It has been an inspiration for many artists, such as Paul Cézanne, who made several paintings of it. Don't miss the Lake Festival, a fireworks show who takes place every year in August.

Annecy Cathedral

Annecy Cathedral

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is a Roman Catholic cathedral also listed as a national monument by the French government. It houses an organ that was built between 1840 and 1842 by Nicolas-Antoine Lété, an organ builder of the French king. A lot of concerts are organised there, especially in summer.

Venetian Carnival

Venetian Carnival

The Venice of the Alps has its own festival. Every year, between the end of February and the beginning of March, masked persons wander into the city and pose on the streets, parades are organised and costumes are displayed around the city and along the canals.

The Thiou

The Thiou

With its 3,5 km of length, the Thiou is considered one of the shortest rivers in France. Beside its size, it has a lot of canals which give Annecy its nickname "Venice of the Alps". It crosses the Old Town, with its flowered bridges and its picturesque charm.

International Animation Film Festival

International Animation Film Festival

Every year, in June, several countries compete to elect the best animation film, in several categories. At this festival, which often paves the way to the Oscars and the Palms for animated movies, you can enjoy premieres and benefit from open air showings on the Pâquier lawn.

Conservatoire for Art and History

Conservatoire for Art and History

This museum presents a wide collection of documents concerning the history of animation: it includes drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and several cinematographic artefacts. The entry to the permanent exhibition is free and the the collection is very interactive, in order to attract children too.

Les Noctibules

Les Noctibules

Every year, in July, Annecy rules over the night: during 4 evenings, some 60 representations involving magic, poetry, theatre, street shows and humour which bring laughter and smiles. The Noctibules festival is free of access and children will particularly appreciate some shows which are designed for them.

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