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Castles · Haute-SavoieWorth a visit
Palais de l'Isle
The Palais de l'Isle is a former twelfth-century fortified house, remodelled several times, on an islet formed by the Thiou, in the heart of Annecy, in Haute-Savoie. The manor house dates from 1132. At the end of a courtyard is a small Orthodox chapel. The Counts of Geneva had their administrative centre there until 1659, with the mint, the law court and the chamber of accounts.
The palace was also used as a prison. It now houses an exhibition space on the architecture and history of the town. Its silhouette, surrounded by water, in the shape of a ship's prow, is one of the most photographed views of Annecy.
In our guidesDiscovering Haute-Savoie: a practical guide
